1. CREATING & CAPTURING OPPORTUNITIES
EXECUTIVE OFFICES 11 CROOKED OAK ROAD BELLE TERRE NEW YORK 11777 PHONE: 631-474-1151 FAX: 631-331-9260
GENERAL OFFICES JACKSON HOLE WYOMING 83001
WWW.USCONSULTS.COM
2. SERVICES
SYNOPSIS
CONSULTING SERVICES FOR BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT
General Offices: P.O. Box 2323 290 East Broadway Suite 908 Jackson Hole Wyoming 83001
Executive Offices: 11 Crooked Oak Road Belle Terre New York 11777 Phone: 631-474-1151 Fax: 631-331-9260
www.usconsults.com
6. REVENUE
ABOUT US CONSULTS LLC
US Consults is a privately held national consulting company that has been providing unique income-enhancing solutions to its clients in both
the public and private sectors for over 25 years. For public sector clients, the services can result in (i) new revenue without adding burden
to constituents, and/or (ii) reduced costs. These solutions invariably are attained through the successful negotiation of significant
discretionary benefits – negotiations conducted by US Consults. In many instances, the solutions are unique, created solely for the purpose
of resolving a specific client’s revenue or other challenge. Although US Consults provides services to state government, its focus in the
public sector is on local government.
OUR EXPERTISE
Although US Consults was founded to enable private sector companies to achieve a distinct and unique competitive advantage, intrinsic in
that process was gaining an understanding of the needs of local and state government - and the development of solutions that satisfied both
the client’s needs and those of government. Thus over time, as a result of this approach and our company’s non-adversarial demeanor in
negotiations, US Consults developed strong and positive relationships both with government entities it directly represents as well as those
with which it negotiates on behalf of private sector clients. In fact, the background of US Consults’ partners reflects the company’s
collaborative approach and strength in perspective, as half of the partners were formerly in government.
US Consults is in a unique position to provide a local community with the critical insights and expertise needed for successful economic
development. Its nationwide perspective and its base of private sector clients provide its public sector clients with a unique understanding
of the tools and resources required. Additionally, because US Consults functions as adjunct staff, not simply as advisors, US Consults itself
is a critical resource for its public sector client, which may lack the physical resources or expertise needed to capture an opportunity. It is
also important to note that in accomplishing the clients’ objectives, US Consults works in full transparency to its clients, with full pre-
approval of all communication (written and verbal) to ensure that our representation is fully consistent with our client’s direction.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTHS
• CREATIVITY: US Consults does not simply accept the programs and incentives that exist. US Consults actually creates policy and programs
as well.
• PERSPECTIVE: With extensive experience throughout the country, US Consults leverages other states’ incentives and legislation to expand
programs, policies, and incentives in the client’s state. Without such personal experience, a negotiator lacks the necessary knowledge and
leverage to maximize benefits. The leverage is created by more than simple knowledge of programs; it is primarily the product of US
Consults’ extensive multi-state negotiating success. Thus, it is this proprietary and detailed knowledge that provides critical incremental
leverage in negotiations - a knowledge base that is unique to US Consults. As a result, US Consults has leverage beyond that of either the
client or any of US Consults’ potential competitors.
• RESOURCES: US Consults only utilizes mature, experienced partners in representing a client. Thus, negotiations are conducted on a peer
level with decision-makers.
• KNOWLEDGE: US Consults thoroughly researches before it negotiates. It thoroughly researches before it recommends a strategy – even
prior to the commencement of negotiations. As a result, negotiations are almost always collaborative, rather than adversarial.
• INTELLECT & ANALYTICAL SKILLS: US Consults is expert at differentiating between statute and program, in understanding the limits of the
law versus the artificial obstructions of policy. That innate ability and discipline has often been a principal factor in the magnitude of
incentives offered and awarded. Additionally, US Consults has exceptional analytic and research skills.
• RAISON D’ÉTAT & RAISON D’ÊTRE: US Consults is able to communicate effectively both political and economic rationales for the required
support, drawing upon extensive research. This ability is critical for success – both absolute and in the magnitude of the awards. We are
told continually by client and government alike that our expertise is truly unique and wholly unmatched.
• DISCRETION VS ENTITLEMENT: Our non-belligerent, collaborative approach to negotiations is a critical factor in our success, always
treating the counter party with respect and the recognition that everything is discretionary.
• ADJUNCT STAFF: Rather than simply advising, US Consults acts as adjunct staff for its clients and actually does the work. We conduct the
research, write applications and proposals, serve as point of contact for communication, negotiate the awards, and, where applicable, then
manage the contracts.
EXECUTIVE OFFICES 11 CROOKED OAK ROAD BELLE TERRE NEW YORK 11777 PHONE: 631-474-1151 FAX: 631-331-9260
GENERAL OFFICES JACKSON HOLE WYOMING 83001
WWW.USCONSULTS.COM
7. REVENUE
EXAMPLES OF EXPERTISE
• STATE REVENUE SHARING: A county approached US Consults because it was revenue-challenged. It had an impoverished electorate, was
rural, and under-populated. It had no influence within the state legislature. US Consults developed, in full transparency with the state,
several options by which the County could generate significant new revenue without burdening its electorate. The county elected to
implement the mechanism with the greatest revenue potential - one that ipso facto provided the county with revenue sharing from a state
tax which had no provision by statute for any such sharing of revenue back to the county of origin.
• WORKFORCE FUNDING: A regional workforce board approached US Consults because it lacked the financial resources to satisfy a
significant workforce training need. US Consults identified and targeted appropriate federal funding resources and then obtained several
million dollars in grants for the board. Simultaneously, US Consults trained the board’s staff, so that the board could become self-sufficient
in accessing future funding opportunities. The program has been highly successful, with the board repeating the early successes
independent of further assistance from US Consults. US Consults has used this approach as a successful model for other workforce boards
as well.
• EDUCATION FUNDING: A local school system was revenue-starved. US Consults, in full transparency with the state, structured payment-in-
lieu of tax agreements that both (i) provided incremental net revenue to the school district and (ii) tax relief for the local taxpayer. This
scenario has repeated a number of times with other school systems.
• LOCAL BUSINESS INVESTMENT SUBSIDY: A company was considering an investment that would both retain and create new jobs. However,
the financial payback was insufficient to justify the expenditure. US Consults obtained a state grant enabling the investment to proceed.
This scenario has repeated literally dozens of times, helping communities both maintain and expand their tax and general economic base.
US Consults has extensive experience obtaining state and federal funding for private sector projects - funding in the form of grants and/or
ultra-low interest or forgivable loans.
• COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A company was planning to make a significant investment that would provide a community with
an entertainment center. The community lacked such facilities - and the nearest entertainment was over 100 miles distant. The investment
itself, however, was of marginal financial viability (payback). US Consults obtained a state grant for the project, creating over 50 jobs in
addition to providing services otherwise absent in the community.
• PURCHASING: The municipal utility of a city (which had been in operation for over 100 years) utilized US Consults to identify and then
obtain significantly lower-cost sources of natural gas for its generation.
9. ABOUT US CONSULTS LLC
US Consults is a privately held national consulting company that has been providing unique income-enhancing solutions to its clients in
both the public and private sectors for over 25 years. These solutions invariably have been attained through the successful negotiation
of significant discretionary benefits – negotiations conducted by US Consults. Our client list includes manufacturers (Frito-Lay, Hi-Tech
Pharmacal, Kolmar Labs, etc.), energy producers (Riata Energy, Sempra Energy, Infinite Energy, etc.), utilities (Lakeland Electric, TECO,
etc.) and local government (Pecos County, Polk County, City of Lakeland, etc). Additionally, we function as ad hoc advisors to state
government. Of note: (i) two of our partners are members of the Petroleum Club of Midland, Texas, and the Dallas Petroleum Club; and
(ii) Pecos County is one of the three largest oil and gas producing counties in Texas. In fact, it is one of the five largest oil and gas
producing counties in the U.S.
OUR ENERGY EXPERTISE
Through our representation of clients in all aspects of the energy industry, during the past two decades US Consults has developed both
unique relationships and an exclusive and extensive knowledge base. We currently consult for virtually all parties in energy transactions
- from royalty owners through producers to the ultimate consumer (such as utilities and manufacturers). We consult to the parties that
tax the energy as well as those who produce it and pay those taxes. We are aware of no other company that has this comprehensive
knowledge and perspective of the industry – and the capability to turn it into real incremental wealth for clients.
THE VALUE WE BRING
ROYALTY INTEREST OWNER
• CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS: US Consults’ unique nationwide representation provides it with intimate and proprietary knowledge
of the current market terms and conditions, enabling the Royalty Interest Owner to maximize bonus payments, percentage share,
and ultimately net income.
• CONTRACT PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT: Maximizing the revenue stream requires oversight to ensure compliance with
contractual allowances – and to ensure proper valuation of the produced energy.
• CONTRACT VALUE OPTIMIZATION: Through its unique collaborative approach, US Consults increases the total net revenue from
the energy produced – optimizing the full contract value.
WORKING INTEREST OWNER
• AD VALOREM ABATEMENT: US Consults has unique and extensive experience negotiating ad valorem valuation and abatement,
utilizing a collaborative rather than adversarial approach that results in improved rather than strained government and community
relations.
• SEVERANCE ABATEMENT: US Consults has developed a proprietary collaborative approach to severance tax abatement. As every
producer knows, the market price for natural gas and crude oil includes taxes paid – and as a result when these same taxes are
abated net revenue is increased.
• CASH GRANTS: Because of its extensive experience obtaining grants for manufacturers such as Frito-Lay, Campbell Soup and
others, US Consults is able to obtain grants to offset both hard investment costs as well as soft costs (community development,
etc.).
• LABOR INCENTIVES: US Consults is expert at obtaining work trials (free wages), wage subsidies (50% of the wages reimbursed), tax
credits (up to $10,000 per hire) and training grants.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
• AD VALOREM VALUATION: US Consults provides expert economic analytical support to tax districts to properly value reserves,
and facilitates mutually beneficial P.I.L.O.T. agreements that enhance local revenue yet provide tax relief for the taxpayer.
• INCREMENTAL REVENUE STREAMS: US Consults can utilize the proprietary program it developed for Pecos County (Texas) to
significantly enhance local government revenue – without adding any burden to the local taxpayer.
• ENERGY PURCHASING: US Consults can significantly reduce a government’s cost of energy through (i) negotiating special
contracts to reduce costs inherently by as much as 20%, and (ii) providing expert analytical advice to support timing issues (long-
term contracting, hedging, etc.).
EXECUTIVE OFFICES 11 CROOKED OAK ROAD BELLE TERRE NEW YORK 11777 PHONE: 631-474-1151 FAX: 631-331-9260
GENERAL OFFICES JACKSON HOLE WYOMING 83001
WWW.USCONSULTS.COM
10. LOCAL SCHOOLS
• INCREMENTAL REVENUE: US Consults has a successful track record of creating and implementing funding mechanisms that result
in real, retained, and non-earmarked incremental revenue for school districts.
• REVENUE RETENTION: It is one thing for school districts to collect incremental revenue. It is usually quite another matter for that
school district to be able to retain those revenues. US Consults is expert at structuring revenue streams to ensure that local school
districts retain incremental revenue generated by activities such as oil and gas production.
PRIVATE SECTOR (OTHER ENERGY SECTOR BUSINESSES)
• AD VALOREM ABATEMENT: US Consults has unique and extensive experience negotiating ad valorem valuation and abatement,
utilizing a collaborative rather than adversarial approach that results in improved rather than strained government and community
relations. The cost of these taxes are inclusive in the usual and customary market prices of the commodity. As a result, by
structuring purchases to exempt these taxes, the client can save substantially versus market commodity prices – enhancing its
margins.
• SEVERANCE ABATEMENT: US Consults has developed a proprietary collaborative approach to severance tax abatement. As the
market price for natural gas and crude oil includes taxes paid, when these same taxes are abated a client can save substantially
versus the market price.
• CASH GRANTS: Because of its extensive experience obtaining grants for manufacturers such as Frito-Lay, Campbell Soup and
others, US Consults is able to obtain grants to offset both hard investment costs as well as soft costs (community development,
etc.).
• LABOR INCENTIVES: US Consults is expert at obtaining work trials (free wages), wage subsidies (50% of the wages reimbursed), tax
credits (up to $10,000 per hire) and training grants.
• DISCRETIONARY TAX CREDITS, ABATEMENTS & EXEMPTIONS: US Consults is expert at obtaining discretionary tax
considerations for investment – federal, state and local.
• ENERGY PURCHASING: US Consults can significantly reduce a client’s cost of energy through (i) negotiating special contracts to
reduce costs inherently by as much as 20%, (ii) providing expert analytical advice to support timing issues (long-term contracting,
hedging, etc.), and (iii) implementing new purchasing methodologies to minimize costs.
PRIVATE SECTOR (NON-ENERGY SECTOR)
• AD VALOREM & SEVERANCE ABATEMENT: US Consults has unique and extensive experience negotiating ad valorem valuation
and abatement, utilizing a collaborative rather than adversarial approach that results in improved rather than strained government
and community relations. Additionally it has developed a proprietary collaborative approach to severance tax abatement. The cost
of these taxes are inclusive in the usual and customary market prices of the commodity. As a result, by structuring purchases to
exempt these taxes, the client can save substantially versus market commodity prices – enhancing its margins.
• CASH GRANTS: Because of its extensive experience obtaining grants for manufacturers such as Frito-Lay, Campbell Soup and
others, US Consults is able to obtain grants to offset both hard investment costs as well as soft costs (community development,
etc.).
• LABOR INCENTIVES: US Consults is expert at obtaining work trials (free wages), wage subsidies (50% of the wages reimbursed), tax
credits (up to $10,000 per hire) and training grants.
• DISCRETIONARY TAX CREDITS, ABATEMENTS & EXEMPTIONS: US Consults is expert at obtaining discretionary tax
considerations for investment – federal, state and local.
• ENERGY PURCHASING: US Consults can significantly reduce a client’s cost of energy through (i) negotiating special contracts to
reduce costs inherently by as much as 20%, (ii) providing expert analytical advice to support timing issues (long-term contracting,
hedging, etc.), and (iii) implementing new purchasing methodologies to minimize costs.
HENRY HUB PREMIUM VS WAHA HUB
INTERCONTINENTAL EXCHANGE DAY AHEAD DATA 6 MONTH ROLLING AVERAGE 2001-2005
70.0 7.000
6.500
60.0
6.000
50.0 5.500
5.000
40.0
4.500
30.0
4.000
3.500
20.0
3.000
10.0
2.500
0.0 2.000
Nov 5, 2001
Jan 22, 2002
May 9, 2002
Jun 14, 2002
Jul 24, 2002
Nov 7, 2002
Jan 24, 2003
Mar 4, 2003
May 14, 2003
Jun 19, 2003
Jul 25, 2003
Nov 10, 2003
Jan 28, 2004
Mar 4, 2004
May 14, 2004
Jun 22, 2004
Jul 28, 2004
Nov 11, 2004
Jan 27, 2005
Mar 4, 2005
May 16, 2005
Oct 1, 2001
Dec 12, 2001
Feb 27, 2002
Apr 4, 2002
Aug 28, 2002
Oct 3, 2002
Dec 16, 2002
Apr 8, 2003
Aug 29, 2003
Oct 6, 2003
Dec 17, 2003
Apr 8, 2004
Sep 1, 2004
Oct 7, 2004
Dec 20, 2004
Apr 11, 2005
Avg Hub Spread Avg Henry Hub Price
12. INCENTIVES
ABOUT US CONSULTS LLC
US Consults is a privately held national consulting company that has been providing unique income-enhancing solutions to its clients in
both the public and private sectors for over 25 years. These solutions invariably have been attained through the successful negotiation
of significant discretionary benefits – negotiations conducted by US Consults. Our client list includes manufacturers (Frito-Lay, Hi-Tech
Pharmacal, Kolmar Labs, etc.), energy producers (Riata Energy, Sempra Energy, Infinite Energy, etc.), utilities (Lakeland Electric, TECO,
etc.) and local government (Pecos County, Polk County, City of Lakeland, etc). Additionally, we function as ad hoc advisors to state
government. Of note: (i) two of our partners are members of the Petroleum Club of Midland, Texas, and the Dallas Petroleum Club; and
(ii) Pecos County is one of the three largest oil and gas producing counties in Texas. In fact, it is one of the five largest oil and gas
producing counties in the U.S.
OUR GOVERNMENT INCENTIVES EXPERTISE
Through our representation of clients during the past twenty-five years, US Consults has developed unique relationships and an
exclusive and extensive knowledge base – as well as a profoundly successful record of achieving maximum awards for our clients. For
example, we negotiated over $100 million (cash) incentives for a client creating 600 low-paying jobs in one state – a record award both
in the gross amount as well as in ratios of incentives to jobs and incentives to investment. We have even negotiated zero interest loans
(for which the principal was then forgiven) for an energy producer in Texas - who prior to the loan request had sold a minority interest
in his company for $500 million. In short, we have an extensive successful record of obtaining maximum discretionary incentives for
our clients for either their new investments, or for simply staying in place. Such incentives have included (but not been limited to): (i)
cash grants (investment, training, working capital) ; (ii) tax incentives (exemptions, abatements, credits -including salable, refundable,
state and federal); (iii) forgivable loans; (iv) low/no interest loans; (v) evergreen loans; (vi) real estate grants (land, building); (vii) special
utility contracts (oil, gas, water and wastewater); (viii) subsidized labor (wage reimbursements); (ix) tariff inversion and mitigation; and
(x) quota management. In accomplishing our objectives, we work in full transparency to our client, with full pre-approval of all
communication (written and verbal) to ensure that our representation is fully consistent with our client’s direction.
RAISON D’ÉTAT & RAISON D’ÊTRE
We are able to communicate effectively both political and economic rationales for government support, drawing upon extensive
research. This ability is critical for success – both absolute and in the magnitude of the awards. We are told continually by client and
government alike that our expertise is truly unique and wholly unmatched.
STATUTE VS POLICY
Passionate about our knowledge of the facts, we differentiate between policy and statute – a critical discipline for success in
government incentives negotiations. We are known for being over-prepared for each and every meeting – and being the acknowledged
expert in the negotiations (more expert than the government officials).
DISCRETION VS ENTITLEMENT
Our non-belligerent, collaborative approach to negotiations is a critical factor in our success, for the incentives of greatest value are
those that are discretionary, not entitlements.
MATURITY IN REPRESENTATION
Clients are always represented by experienced, mature and knowledgeable partners in US Consults who are considered peers by senior
government officials with whom we negotiate.
LEVERAGE
Through our extensive research and experience, we understand the value issues for government and craft proposals that include the
most effective raison d’état & raison d’être. Additionally, because of our national experience we are able to add rationale (leverage) to
the negotiations that with competitors is simply absent.
GRACIOUS GUEST
As we are often ad hoc advisors to the same government agencies with which we negotiate on behalf of clients, we enjoy a distinct
advantage from our relationship. In many instances we have provided pro bono services, obtaining federal grants for states or their
subdivisions – or provided other critical consulting without fee that was highly valued. Additionally, because of our extensive national
service, we are a critical source of competitive intelligence as well for those state agencies. As a result, our clients benefit as witnessed
by the record awards.
ADJUNCT STAFF
Rather than simply advising, US Consults acts as adjunct staff for its clients and actually does the work. We conduct the research, write
applications and proposals, serve as point of contact for communication, negotiate the awards, and then manage the contracts. As a
result, we have a perfect record – no client has ever had any funding disqualified or recaptured.
EXECUTIVE OFFICES 11 CROOKED OAK ROAD BELLE TERRE NEW YORK 11777 PHONE: 631-474-1151 FAX: 631-331-9260
GENERAL OFFICES JACKSON HOLE WYOMING 83001
WWW.USCONSULTS.COM
13. INCENTIVES
GRANTS
Whatever your needs, whether the source of the funds is the government or a foundation, our company will maximize both the
probability of award and the amount of that award. US Consults is expert in all aspects of grant negotiations, writing, and
administration. We have successful experience with federal (US Department of Labor and US Department of Education) and state (22
States) agencies as well as numerous foundations. We provide a full range of grant services, from the development of concept through
the writing of the proposal and negotiation of the award to the administration of the grant itself. Grants are available for a broad
spectrum of purposes, such as:
Investment Machinery & Equipment Building & Land Energy
Infrastructure Construction Job Creation Economic Recovery
Employee Training Working Capital Retention Transportation
PROPOSAL IDEAS: We work with our clients to develop superior proposal ideas, assisting in concept and program development. To
accomplish this, we meet with our clients regularly at their business, and maintain open communication between meetings with e-mail,
teleconferencing, Internet postings, or express mail, depending on client preference.
GRANT RESEARCH: We conduct extensive research to (i) develop and support the raison d’état and raison d’être of a grant request and
negotiation; (ii) provide statutory as well as program guidance for awards and fund sourcing; (iii) multiple source funds to maximize the
aggregate award; and (iv) determine historic basis for maximizing awards.
GRANT WRITING: We can provide comprehensive, full-service Grant Writing or consulting support to in-client resources.
COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE
Continuous searches for funding sources Continuous research for ideas Contract negotiation
Continuous research for rationale Budget construction & justification Contract management
Proposal writing, including all narratives Proposal concept development Contract audit
Support to secure proposal advocacy Program development & design Agency coordination
FOR CLIENTS WITH GRANT WRITING CAPABILITIES IN-HOUSE
Proposal review before submission Continuous research for ideas Award negotiation
Proposal revisions Consulting re general proposal Contract management
Grant searches Proposal concept development Contract audit
Support to secure proposal advocacy Contract negotiation Agency coordination
LOANS
Using state and federal resources, US Consults negotiates discretionary forgivable, evergreen, and low/no interest loans for its clients.
TAXES & TARIFFS
US Consults negotiates discretionary tax incentives for its clients, including tax exemptions, abatements and credits. As a result, US
Consults is able to mitigate sales, property and income taxes, using a variety of methodologies and approaches. For example, as
regards property taxes, US Consults is expert in probative evidence, successfully presenting inutility rationales – thereby lowering
valuation. Additionally, US Consults is also expert in the various structures that impart exempt status to property. Of note: US Consults
owns seven Community Development Entities certified by the US Department of the Treasury for the New Markets Tax Credit program,
and, as a result, is an authorized conduit for those tax credits. Also of note: US Consults is expert at negotiating tariff inversion and
mitigation, as well as quota management as benefits a client.
EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
In addition to training grants (for both new and existing employees), US Consults is expert at negotiating other significant benefits for a
client, including: (i) free recruiting, screening and testing services; (ii) work trials (pre-employment training with 100% of wages paid by
government); (iii) wage subsidizes (50% of wages of a new hire reimbursed for a negotiated period of time); (iv) federal tax credits for
employment (in some instances over $10,000 per employee hired); and (v) retention bonuses (cash awards for new hires retained
through a milestone date, such as 90 days).
UTILITIES & ENERGY
US Consults has extensive successful experience negotiating special contracts for electricity, natural gas, water and wastewater, having
negotiated its first electricity and natural gas special contracts in 1984 – well before the deregulation of both industries. The company
specializes in “non-capital” solutions to reducing costs significantly – including for water and wastewater.
14. CREATING & CAPTURING OPPORTUNITIES
END
EXECUTIVE OFFICES 11 CROOKED OAK ROAD BELLE TERRE NEW YORK 11777 PHONE: 631-474-1151 FAX: 631-331-9260
GENERAL OFFICES JACKSON HOLE WYOMING 83001
WWW.USCONSULTS.COM