Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Research & Information Consulting Services
A few questions that tend to come up before a first conversation.
What kind of research do you do?
Research consultation, custom research, legislative and regulatory research and histories, literature reviews, fact-checking and AI verification, and document delivery and resource access. If you’re not sure which of these fits your question, we can figure that out together on a call
Do I need to give you a reason for my question?
No. You’re welcome to ask any question without explaining why. That’s part of how I stay unbiased and responsive, no matter what you’re looking into.
What if my question is small or unusual?
There’s no such thing as too small or too strange a question here. Curiosity is a core part of how I work, and I’d rather look into something unfamiliar than assume it’s not worth exploring.
Do you replace AI-based research tools?
No, and that’s not the goal. I complement AI rather than compete with it. If you’ve already used AI to start your research, I can verify findings, check sources, and apply the kind of judgment and context that AI alone doesn’t provide.
How does pricing work?
Prices depend on the scope, type, and timeline of the project, and rates vary with the length and complexity of the research. I provide a free estimate before any work begins, and at your request we can work within a not-to-exceed budget. See the Pricing page for details.
How long does a project take?
It depends on what you need. Some questions have a quick turnaround. Others are ongoing — for example, tracking a topic over several weeks or months with regular updates. We’ll define this together during the discovery call.
How will I hear from you during a project?
By email or phone, whichever works best for you. You can choose to receive updates as I find things, or wait until everything is ready at once.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes. I keep a flexible schedule well beyond a typical nine-to-five, which tends to work well for clients in different time zones or outside the U.S. I also have working knowledge of French and Spanish.
What don't you take on?
Market research isn’t something I offer, since it is often a proprietary field with dedicated firms built for it. If that’s what you need, I’ll point you toward the right resource.
What happens after the discovery call?
If it’s a good fit, you’ll receive an estimate, and we’ll put the scope of work in a simple written agreement before research begins.