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Jessica Beeson Tocco, PresidentThe government affairs space has undergone a significant shift since 2011. Following the elimination of earmarks, federal agencies assumed a larger role in allocating funds through their budgets, programs, and initiatives. Yet, many firms still rely on traditional government relations models that are focused on congressional appropriations.
Shepherd Strategies helps organizations navigate this evolving landscape through an approach that focuses on existing government programs, business analysis, and execution planning rather than traditional appropriations-focused opportunities. Instead of pursuing lengthy funding processes, the firm identifies opportunities that align with business objectives and offers a realistic path to execution.
Organizations are no longer competing solely for access to decision-makers. Access to information, program requirements, and a clear understanding of where government resources are being deployed can also influence outcomes.
“Clients should be looking at the art of the possible and find ways to secure funding that already exists at the agency level,” says Jessica Beeson Tocco, president.
Combining Research, Strategy and Execution
Before entering a formal engagement, Shepherd Strategies conducts a free business assessment that typically spans 30 days. During this period, the team reviews business objectives, performs due diligence, develops a market study, and outlines potential opportunities and strategies. The assessment facilitates realistic discussions on expectations and outcomes and helps establish a shared understanding of what is achievable before moving forward.
The Shepherd Strategies team recognizes that government priorities, funding programs, and decision-making processes can change quickly. Regular communication, shared information, and direct participation in government discussions help clients understand changes as they occur and adjust strategies in real-time. The team keeps clients closely involved during engagements through regular check-ins, shared documents, and direct participation in discussions with government stakeholders, providing visibility into changing conditions and ongoing activities.
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Clients should be looking at the art of the possible and find ways to secure funding that already exists at the agency level.
Securing public-sector opportunities requires more than stakeholder access. Organizations must also complete applications, satisfy documentation requirements, and meet program criteria. Shepherd Strategies supports clients through these processes by combining market research, application execution, and stakeholder engagement capabilities that are often treated separately within the industry.
The Shepherd team also views public-sector initiatives through a business lens, focusing on measurable results, with return on investment serving as a key measure. Drawing on leadership experience across business, technology, and policy environments, the firm evaluates opportunities based on commercial objectives and practical outcomes rather than political considerations alone.
Turning Opportunities into Outcomes
Public-sector opportunities often require organizations to demonstrate industry expertise while meeting government documentation and program requirements. In one instance, a national savings plan provider seeking involvement in the Trump Accounts program approached Shepherd Strategies. The initiative was moving quickly, requiring the client to connect with senior decision-makers, demonstrate deep industry expertise and satisfy documentation requirements within compressed timelines.
Shepherd Strategies helped the client present their industry expertise through business-focused policy recommendations while facilitating engagement with senior government stakeholders. The team contributed subject-matter expertise and policy input while also supporting the documentation and application requirements needed to participate in the program.
The engagement shows the importance of understanding how government programs operate and what is required to participate in them. With agencies using more service and performance-based contracting models that allow programs to be supported over time, Shepherd Strategies advises businesses to consider how their offerings align with these structures. The company also encourages maintaining a nonpartisan position and focusing on policy objectives as political administrations change.
As government priorities and federal funding continue to evolve, organizations must understand where programs exist and what is required to pursue them. By combining business analysis, market intelligence, and public-sector expertise, Shepherd Strategies helps organizations identify viable opportunities, navigate complex requirements, and pursue initiatives that support long-term growth.
Evaluating Public Affairs Firms: What Executive Buyers Should Prioritize
Public affairs has moved beyond the familiar model of access and legislative monitoring. For companies whose growth depends on public-sector funding, regulation, procurement or partnership, the harder question is no longer whether they know the right people in government. It is whether a firm can translate shifting agency priorities into practical business action before opportunities close. Government programs now move through agency budgets, grant vehicles, loans, tax credits, procurement channels and partnership models that require more than reputation-based representation. Executive buyers should look for advisory discipline that connects policy intelligence to measurable business outcomes.
The old lobbying playbook still matters in limited situations, but it is not enough for companies trying to win non-dilutive capital or position themselves inside public-sector programs. Appropriation-driven strategies can be slow, uncertain and poorly aligned with how many agencies now deploy funds. Strong public affairs support begins by identifying where public money already exists, how it is being allocated and what a company must prove to compete for it. That work depends on research depth and the ability to interpret agency demand in business terms rather than political language.
Execution quality is equally important. Many firms can arrange meetings; fewer can help a company submit the right documentation, shape a credible funding argument, prepare policy materials and stay aligned with the process after the conversation ends. Public-sector opportunity often fails at the point where relationship management meets paperwork. A useful advisor must bridge both sides: social access to decision-makers and the disciplined completion of applications, responses, briefing documents and supporting business records. This combination protects buyers from paying for activity that does not convert into progress.
The best firms also bring transparency to a field where retainers can outlast a useful strategy. Executives should be cautious of advisors who promise certainty, emphasize meetings as the main deliverable or take months to define a path. Public affairs work should begin with a grounded view of fit, timing, risk profile and probable return. That means measurable goals, a clear timeline, ongoing validation and visible work product. A firm that is willing to show its assumptions, revise its plan when government priorities shift and keep clients close to the evidence is more valuable than one that shields the process behind access claims.
Political neutrality has become another mark of maturity. Business arguments tied too closely to one party or administration can lose force when administrations or legislative controls change. Companies selling into government need public affairs support that frames value around jobs, service delivery, manufacturing, energy reliability, fiscal efficiency or other business-relevant outcomes that can survive political turnover. A disciplined firm helps a client avoid being trapped inside partisan messaging while still engaging the officials who matter.
For buyers evaluating a public affairs firm, Shepherd Strategies stands out because it is built around government strategy rather than conventional lobbying. It supports companies through business assessments, market studies, funding strategy, policy intelligence, grant and program pursuit, application guidance and stakeholder alignment.
Its work is especially relevant for organizations that need to secure non-dilutive capital, enter public-sector programs or convert policy opportunities into business growth. Shepherd Strategies is a strong choice for executives who want research-led public affairs support tied to government access and direct business accountability.
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