Preparing Economic Analyses of Regulations and Policy Initiatives

We have extensive academic and practical experience constructing economic analyses. Our team has extensive academic training in the specialized public welfare branch of economics that lies behind the major Executive orders of regulatory review and policy analysis. We infuse this theoretical knowledge with concrete experience in industry and in engineering so that our analyses reflect real world conditions.

PNG team members reviewed hundreds of economic analyses and thousands of information collection requests as part of our OMB experience. We have prepared and reviewed economic analyses for many of the major environmental issues of our time – the particulate matter ambient air standards, vehicle fuel efficiency standards, acid rain cap and trade program, and other multi-billion dollar rulemakings. Our analyzes have evaluated alternatives to risk assessment assumptions, incorporated indirect and direct compliance costs, and fashioned more accurate measures of economic impact in regulatory flexibility analyses.

For the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (“CDC”), Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, PNG provided the regulatory analyses for the two important rulemakings for the Federal government’s efforts to prepare for a pandemic. The analysis evaluated the benefits and costs of programs aimed at preventing the importation of communicable disease. We also assisted CDC staff in developing regulatory alternatives that are more cost-effective and impose fewer burdens.

We are pleased that, based on our work, CDC expanded our relationship to include virtually all administrative requirements for these rulemakings. Specifically, PNG performed the following:

• Regulatory impact analyses for two economically significant rules;
• Draft preamble language for two rules;
• Final information collection request for a major new rule; and,
• Economic impact analysis under the Regulatory Flexibility Act for its major rule.

In addition, our experience includes a series of analyses PNG project team members performed for the US Access Board, the independent agency that sets architecture guidelines to ensure people with disabilities have equitable access in the workplace and public facilities. PNG management and associates participated in three separate regulatory impact analyses for Access Board, ranging from electronic accessibility of computer equipment to the design for play areas.

Preparing Economic Impact Assessments

Policy Navigation Group has analyzed the economic impact of policies and of clients’ purchases and employment. Using available commercial models, we have estimate not only the direct policy costs, but also the indirect costs on suppliers, consumers, and tax revenue. These indirect costs are substantial, especially when a regulation increases the cost of a basic good like food, water, energy, and property development opportunities. By estimate the change in employment, wages, tax revenue, consumer spending, and other impact measures, we can provide a more complete quantitative description to policy officials of a policy’s economic impacts.

Streamlining, Planning, and Accelerating Paperwork Reduction Act Compliance

PNG members reviewed thousands of information collection requests (ICRs) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) during our work for OIRA. PNG has prepared ICRs for a major Federal agency to meet the PRA act requirements to state the need for the collection, justify its practical utility, and to demonstrate that the final rule reflects the least burdensome approach to obtain the data. This analysis requires specialized knowledge of the PRA and the arguments most likely to win OIRA approval.

Superior and Flexible Classroom and Online Training in Executive Branch Procedures

Policy Navigation Group members develop and teach courses for agencies and through the Office of Personnel Management’s Management Development Centers. PNG members developed a week-long course on Federal regulatory policy and process that is offered to middle and upper level Federal employees through the OPM. PNG members have taught an annual two-week seminar on Federal budget policy, a seminar on government ethics, and a very popular course on writing for Federal employees.

Obtain Federal Resources for Innovation and Growth

For several clients, we have assisted them in preparing their applications for Federal research and development funding. We provided these clients insights into the needs of Federal agencies and reviewed their applications so that their applications met the standards and expectations for Federal reviewers.