Economic and Policy Analysis
“What are the policy options?” “Who is affected?” “What are the costs and benefits?” We help decision-makers answer these questions using a multitude of decision tools, including financial and economic impact modeling, survey design and implementation, statistical analysis, and market and econometric modeling. We apply these tools to help decision-makers define policy options and evaluate the costs and benefits of these policies on economies, industries, communities, and individuals, as well as society as a whole. We have researched and developed plant, firm, industry, and market models covering every major industrial sector. From Coast Guard rules on shipboard waste disposal practices, to assessing the safety of imported pharmaceutical ingredients, to wage and hour rules, to offshore drilling practices, to studies of the costs and benefits of mammograms, we’ve been there. We also help academic institutions and other organizations measure their performance and profitability through productivity, operations cost, and revenue analyses. Our staff includes Ph.D. economists/econometricians, social scientists, survey experts, program evaluation specialists, and financial analysts.
Regulatory Impact Analysis and Rulemaking Support
- Regulatory scope
- Industry profiles
- Baseline industry practices
- Producer and consumer surplus estimation
- Benefit identification and quantification
- Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)
- Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
- Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)/Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
- Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance
- Executive Orders
- 12866 and 13248 (Regulatory Review)
- 12898 (Environmental Justice)
- 13045 (Children's Health)
- 13211 (Energy Supply, Distribution, and Use)
- 13212 (Actions to Expedite Energy-Related Projects)
- 13272 (Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking)
- Public comment documentation, management, and response
- Litigation support
Benefit-Cost Analysis
- Marginal cost analysis
- Distributional cost analysis
- Life-cycle costing
- Industry-specific tax considerations
- Benefit identification and quantification
- Benefit monetization
- Present value analysis of benefits stream
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
- Efficient options
- Marginal cost and effects
- Cost and health impacts modeling
Financial Analysis
- Discounted earnings before interest and taxes and cash flow analysis
- Present value analysis
- Affordability analysis
- Corporate financial health
Statistical/Econometric Modeling and Analysis
- Industry-specific market and multi-market models
- Linear and non-linear regression modeling (using cross-sectional, time-series, and panel data)
- Factor, principal component, and cluster analysis
- Probability modeling
- Simulation models
Input-Output Analysis
- Direct effect inputs
- Regional input-output modeling system
- Community, regional, and national impacts
Data Collection and Management
- Statistical survey and sample design
- OMB clearance
- Data collection (mail, phone, Web)
- Data management
- Focus groups
- Expert elicitations
- Data analysis
Ecosystem Service Valuation
- Benefit transfers
- Choice experiment modeling and contingent valuation
- Stakeholder identification and assessment
- Outreach to decision-makers
