Client and Stakeholder Education
Above all, Cardinal views as our primary goal the education of our clients, their board members and local project stakeholders on how federal legislative, regulatory, or grant program processes and requirements may impact their projects. We are skilled in preparing and guiding board- and staff-level decisionmakers regarding project delivery options such as Design-Bid-Build, Construction Manager At Risk, Integrated Project Delivery, and other public-private partnership (PPP) options.
Policy and Regulatory Analysis
We counsel clients on existing and emerging legislative and regulatory issues—as well as the necessary action items needed to successfully address them—thereby providing detailed strategic planning and deep legislative and regulatory analysis. Collectively, we share a strong background in delivering comprehensive plans and thoughtful strategies to address identified legislative and regulatory issues and concerns.
Project Planning and Assessment
Cardinal engages in advanced policy and planning considerations, financing reviews, and risk assessments, as well as contracting and procurement planning advisory services in efforts to assess project viability within federal grant programs. We identify and resolve ongoing and emerging issues related to planning, designing, constructing, financing, maintaining, and improving transportation systems, including the application of robust solutions.
Strategic Advocacy and Government Relations
We ensure that the interests of our clients are consistently monitored and represented in Washington, DC. Our advocacy efforts include regular engagement with Congress and the Administration to advance client legislative, regulatory, and project funding priorities through the coordination of meetings and dialogue with congressional members and committee staff, as well as relevant federal government officials.
Essential Partnerships and Coalitions
To advance client priorities, our firm partners with industry supporting organizations and both formal and informal coalitions to advance specific legislative priorities and shape federal rules and regulations. Cardinal regularly and actively engages with organizations and associations to help shape their proposals, broaden the reach of relevant advocacy efforts, and assist in communicating consistent, coherent messaging.
Federal Funding, Financing, and Appropriations
We assist clients in applying for and obtaining competitive discretionary grants, as well as milestone capital programs including those under Capital Investment Grant, Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, and Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing investments. Our firm engages in strategies towards full funding of existing grant programs and working to both broaden and create programs while providing strategic guidance on how to best leverage available federal financing opportunities.
Federal Compliance
Our agency backgrounds allow us to advise on satisfying federal requirements in the areas of planning, procurement, environment, labor, and Buy America. We at Cardinal provide strategic counsel to ensure the necessary legal, financial, and technical capacity to carry out programs and projects, including but not limited to: government affairs and procurements, federal regulatory compliance, labor and workforce issues, and contract development.
Issue and Opportunity Monitoring
Our firm closely tracks legislative and regulatory issues, providing timely updates to clients along with appropriate steps to protect critical funding, program goal attainment, and project priorities. Our relationships across the DC labyrinth serve to keep our clients informed of new policies and proposed policy changes that have impact at the state and local levels.