Services
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Grant Services
KA works with our clients to analyze their priority projects and identify grant opportunities for which they can compete. We provide strategic advice and consulting services to shape a local project in accordance with the federal, or state priorities articulated for a particular grant program and we work with our clients to build and leverage relationships within federal and state agencies that can yield valuable information, and which may provide a competitive advantage. KA also offers grant review services, and we will draft and secure congressional letters of support for grant applications.
KA personnel possess over 30 years’ experience writing grant applications and managing grant programs. We have managed federal grant projects funded from EPA, HUD, DOE, EDA, DOD, NOAA, NPS, DOT and the Department of Treasury. We want to be part of your grant’s success story.
Grant Peer Review
Each grant notice of funding opportunity announcement (FOA) specifies the review criteria and considerations that will be used in the evaluation of applications submitted for that FOA. KA will review your application and offer comments and editorial suggestions that will better align the grant narrative to the review criteria. We will also identify sections of the narrative that require additional information and offer recommendations on where to obtain additional information.
Grant Writing
Grant issuing government agencies and foundations award grants to proposals that completely address the key elements of the FOA. Forms and project budgets must be completed and be well reasoned, and grant narratives must convincingly address selection criteria. During the grant writing process, KA will work with you to develop checklists and schedules, so that we are organized to complete the application efficiently and comprehensively. We will draft the grant narrative and seek constant feedback and guidance. KA’s professionals have written successful grant proposals for most major federal agency. Let us put our experience and expertise to work for you.
Grant Long-Range Planning
Grant Long Range Planning begins with identifying priorities and projects for which you will seek federal, state or foundation funding. KA has over 30 years’ experience working for and with local, state and federal agencies, and we monitor daily grant FOAs released from state and federal agencies and foundations. In addition, KA professionals have developed expert practice areas focused on several federal agencies including EPA, HUD, DOE, DOI, EDA, DOD, NOAA, NPS, DOT and the Department of Treasury.
As part of Grant Long-Range Planning KA will complete a Needs Assessment of your priority projects and identify appropriate grant opportunities for which you can compete. This analysis will produce a Grant Funding Guide which will include relevant information on grant match requirements, an estimated timeline for release of funds, an assessment of the complexity and competitiveness of the grant program, and other program specific information required to prioritize funding opportunities. KA will then work with you to strategically develop project proposals to ensure they meet grant eligibility criteria and are positioned to be highly competitive.
Economic Development Services
KA offers Economic Development Services that support business retention, expansion, and attraction and which fosters entrepreneurship and small business development. These services are offered in coordination with a client submitting a federal, state or foundation grant application. KA services include leading a strategic planning process that develops a strategic planning document which helps guide the economic growth and development of communities and regions. KA will provide technical support on major development projects, finding business financing, and identifying tax and other incentives.
Economic and Demographic Analysis (EDA)
KA offers to clients an Economic and Demographic Analysis Report which pares current demographic conditions with an economic analysis of businesses and industries in an area and, compares their concentration locally to the State and nation. The report includes an Industry Cluster Analysis which determines the geographic concentration of interrelated competitive businesses with sufficient size to generate external economies. Industries that are part of clusters have developed buyer-supplier relationships, share labor pools, draw qualified workers from area institutions of higher education, and are located near each other. The EDA Report includes recommendations to support local economic development projects and initiatives and KA will also develop a list and description of viable state and federal grant funding opportunities that support economic development.
Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA)
KA possesses extensive experience preparing US DOT Benefit Cost Analysis reports for BUILD, INFRA, CRISI, ROUTES, CARSI, SOGR, and PID grant programs. The BCA is a systematic process for identifying, quantifying, and comparing expected benefits and costs of a potential infrastructure project. The BCA provides estimates of the anticipated benefits that are expected to accrue from a project over a specified period and compares them to the anticipated costs of the project. Since 2018, KA personnel have worked with local governments to secure five US DOT infrastructure grant awards totaling over $74 million.
Comprehensive Land Use Planning
The comprehensive plan, also known as a general plan, master plan or land-use plan, is a document designed to guide the future actions of a community. It presents a vision for the future, with long-range goals and objectives for all activities that affect the local government. This includes guidance on how to make decisions on public and private land development proposals, the expenditure of public funds, availability of tax policy (tax incentives), cooperative efforts and issues of pressing concern. Most plans are written to provide direction for future activities over a 10- to 20-year period after plan adoption.
KA economic development services include preparing Comprehensive Land Use Plans for communities. The Comprehensive Plan document will include a complete socio-demographic analysis of your community which includes an analysis of current economic conditions and drivers. The Plan will also identify areas targeted for new development and redevelopment and offer recommendations on the development and management of physical growth to ensure adequate infrastructure and services are provided to achieve a common vision for the future.
Fiscal Impact Analysis
KA helps governments consider the potential municipal net revenue benefits from land use plans and entitlements. Our fiscal impact models estimate tax and other public revenues generated by new development, as well as the cost of public services required to serve a new development.
US Department of Transportation Loan Programs
KA will prepare US DOT Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (“RRIF”) and the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 1998 (“TIFIA”) credit program applications. These programs provide credit assistance for qualified projects of regional and national significance. Many large-scale, surface transportation projects - highway, transit, railroad, intermodal freight, and port access - are eligible for assistance.
HUD Consolidated Plan (CP)
KA prepares CPs for local jurisdictions. CPs assess a local government’s affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions. The CP report is prepared in compliance with HUD regulation and guidance and offers community derived data-driven and place-based investment recommendations.
Make it stand out.
Economic and Demographic Analysis (EDA)
Build it.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Grow it.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Economic and Demographic Analysis (EDA)
KA offers to clients an Economic and Demographic Analysis Report which pares current demographic conditions with an economic analysis of businesses and industries in an area and, compares their concentration locally to the State and nation. The report includes an Industry Cluster Analysis which determines the geographic concentration of interrelated competitive businesses with sufficient size to generate external economies. Industries that are part of clusters have developed buyer-supplier relationships, share labor pools, draw qualified workers from area institutions of higher education, and are located near each other. The EDA Report includes recommendations to support local economic development projects and initiatives and KA will also develop a list and description of viable state and federal grant funding opportunities that support economic development.
Grant Services
KA works with our clients to analyze their priority projects and identify grant opportunities for which they can compete. We provide strategic advice and consulting services to shape a local project in accordance with the federal, or state priorities articulated for a particular grant program and we work with our clients to build and leverage relationships within federal and state agencies that can yield valuable information, and which may provide a competitive advantage. KA also offers grant review services, and we will draft and secure congressional letters of support for grant applications.
KA personnel possess over 30 years’ experience writing grant applications and managing grant programs. We have managed federal grant projects funded from EPA, HUD, DOE, EDA, DOD, NOAA, NPS, DOT and the Department of Treasury. We want to be part of your grant’s success story.
Grant Peer Review
Each grant notice of funding opportunity announcement (FOA) specifies the review criteria and considerations that will be used in the evaluation of applications submitted for that FOA. KA will review your application and offer comments and editorial suggestions that will better align the grant narrative to the review criteria. We will also identify sections of the narrative that require additional information and offer recommendations on where to obtain additional information.
Grant Writing
Grant issuing government agencies and foundations award grants to proposals that completely address the key elements of the FOA. Forms and project budgets must be completed and be well reasoned, and grant narratives must convincingly address selection criteria. During the grant writing process, KA will work with you to develop checklists and schedules, so that we are organized to complete the application efficiently and comprehensively. We will draft the grant narrative and seek constant feedback and guidance. KA’s professionals have written successful grant proposals for most major federal agency. Let us put our experience and expertise to work for you.
Grant Long-Range Planning
Grant Long Range Planning begins with identifying priorities and projects for which you will seek federal, state or foundation funding. KA has over 30 years’ experience working for and with local, state and federal agencies, and we monitor daily grant FOAs released from state and federal agencies and foundations. In addition, KA professionals have developed expert practice areas focused on several federal agencies including EPA, HUD, DOE, DOI, EDA, DOD, NOAA, NPS, DOT and the Department of Treasury.
As part of Grant Long-Range Planning KA will complete a Needs Assessment of your priority projects and identify appropriate grant opportunities for which you can compete. This analysis will produce a Grant Funding Guide which will include relevant information on grant match requirements, an estimated timeline for release of funds, an assessment of the complexity and competitiveness of the grant program, and other program specific information required to prioritize funding opportunities. KA will then work with you to strategically develop project proposals to ensure they meet grant eligibility criteria and are positioned to be highly competitive.
Economic Development Services
KA offers Economic Development Services that support business retention, expansion, and attraction and which fosters entrepreneurship and small business development. These services are offered in coordination with a client submitting a federal, state or foundation grant application. KA services include leading a strategic planning process that develops a strategic planning document which helps guide the economic growth and development of communities and regions. KA will provide technical support on major development projects, finding business financing, and identifying tax and other incentives.
Economic and Demographic Analysis (EDA)
KA offers to clients an Economic and Demographic Analysis Report which pares current demographic conditions with an economic analysis of businesses and industries in an area and, compares their concentration locally to the State and nation. The report includes an Industry Cluster Analysis which determines the geographic concentration of interrelated competitive businesses with sufficient size to generate external economies. Industries that are part of clusters have developed buyer-supplier relationships, share labor pools, draw qualified workers from area institutions of higher education, and are located near each other. The EDA Report includes recommendations to support local economic development projects and initiatives and KA will also develop a list and description of viable state and federal grant funding opportunities that support economic development.
Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA)
KA possesses extensive experience preparing US DOT Benefit Cost Analysis reports for BUILD, INFRA, CRISI, ROUTES, CARSI, SOGR, and PID grant programs. The BCA is a systematic process for identifying, quantifying, and comparing expected benefits and costs of a potential infrastructure project. The BCA provides estimates of the anticipated benefits that are expected to accrue from a project over a specified period and compares them to the anticipated costs of the project. Since 2018, KA personnel have worked with local governments to secure five US DOT infrastructure grant awards totaling over $74 million.
Comprehensive Land Use Planning
The comprehensive plan, also known as a general plan, master plan or land-use plan, is a document designed to guide the future actions of a community. It presents a vision for the future, with long-range goals and objectives for all activities that affect the local government. This includes guidance on how to make decisions on public and private land development proposals, the expenditure of public funds, availability of tax policy (tax incentives), cooperative efforts and issues of pressing concern. Most plans are written to provide direction for future activities over a 10- to 20-year period after plan adoption.
KA economic development services include preparing Comprehensive Land Use Plans for communities. The Comprehensive Plan document will include a complete socio-demographic analysis of your community which includes an analysis of current economic conditions and drivers. The Plan will also identify areas targeted for new development and redevelopment and offer recommendations on the development and management of physical growth to ensure adequate infrastructure and services are provided to achieve a common vision for the future.
Fiscal Impact Analysis
KA helps governments consider the potential municipal net revenue benefits from land use plans and entitlements. Our fiscal impact models estimate tax and other public revenues generated by new development, as well as the cost of public services required to serve a new development.
US Department of Transportation Loan Programs
KA will prepare US DOT Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (“RRIF”) and the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 1998 (“TIFIA”) credit program applications. These programs provide credit assistance for qualified projects of regional and national significance. Many large-scale, surface transportation projects - highway, transit, railroad, intermodal freight, and port access - are eligible for assistance.
HUD Consolidated Plan (CP)
KA prepares CPs for local jurisdictions. CPs assess a local government’s affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions. The CP report is prepared in compliance with HUD regulation and guidance and offers community derived data-driven and place-based investment recommendations.
Environmental Consulting Services
KA’s Karl Kalbacher, PG, is a nationally recognized consultant in the Environmental Consulting and Brownfield Redevelopment space. He possesses over 30 years’ experience developing and managing State Superfund programs and local Brownfield programs and has extensive experience representing both private and public sector clients in advising, acquiring, cleaning-up and redeveloping environmentally impaired properties. Let Karl help you to effectively navigate both the State and Federal regulatory and legal process and local approval processes including rezonings, subdivisions, permitting and financing. See below the list of environmental services offered.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Studies (CX, EA, EIS)
Federal agencies are required to assess the environmental effects on proposed actions prior to making decisions. The range of actions covered by NEPA is broad and includes permit applications, land management, and construction projects. KA possesses decades of experience preparing NEPA Environmental Assessments and HUD Environmental Review Records for local governments seeking federal grant funds for construction projects.
Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is a report prepared for a real estate holding that identifies potential or existing environmental contamination liabilities. The Phase I ESA is generally considered the first step in the process of environmental due diligence. If a site is considered contaminated, a Phase II environmental site assessment may be conducted which would entail sampling of soil, air, groundwater and/or building materials. KA’s Karl Kalbacher was selected by EPA to participate in the Negotiated Rule Making that produced the All-Appropriate Inquiry regulation on the conduct of Phase I ESAs. He possesses extensive experience completing both Phase I and Phase II ESAs, and offers consulting services to municipal and private sector clients engaged in either Federal or State Superfund site investigations and remediation.
Groundwater and Wellhead Protection Studies
KA’s Karl Kalbacher has been a Professional Geologist since 1993. He has prepared wellhead protection and groundwater recharge protection zones for state governments and has extensive experience leading groundwater supply and contamination investigations.
Superfund Site Consulting
KA possesses 30 years’ experience in solid and hazardous waste site management, investigation and remediation for public and private sector clients. KA’s experience includes managing over 500 hazardous substance release and nuclear waste site investigations and remediations in the states of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, Ohio, New York, Florida, and North Carolina.
Expert Witness Testimony
KA offers Expert Witness services for hazardous waste site disputes and land application of sludge cases.