Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long does it usually take to complete a research project?

A. It varies depending upon the amount of data that the client can make available and the amount which we must collected or develop. Typically, our projects require between a month and six months to complete. We often work on short time lines and make a special effort to deliver our product on time and on budget.

Q. Do you also do forensic economic analyses?

A. Yes we do prepare forensic analyses. Forensic economics is the practice of analyzing the financial damages or liability associated with legal claims or litigation. Our billing rate of this type of analysis is the same as listed above.

Q. How much should I expect to spend on a project?

A. Again, that depends on the complexity of the project. We prepare a draft agreement and a work plan for our clients based on the estimated number of hours we estimate that it will require. Our billing rate is based on $250 per hour for research and $350 per hour for analytical, projection and forecasting services. If the work requires a presentation, deposition or testimonial before a legislative, judicial or public body, our rate for that time is based $350 per hour for preparation time and for the testimonial time and any necessary travel costs.

Q. What type of payment terms do you expect?

A. Once we have agreed on an accepted proposal, we develop an agreed upon budget and we will not exceed the stipulated fee unless the client wishes to change the specifications of the project. For a new client, we may require a portion of the fee in advance and the balance when the work is completed. We consider the project completed only when the results are acceptable to the client. Payment is general due within 30 days after billing. Accounts unpaid after 30 days will be assessed a late payment penalty of 1.5% per month compounded monthly.

Q. Who owns the rights to the finished product?

A. Generally, Strategic Economics Group owns all rights to the intermediate work products, working drafts, and models developed for the project. Once the final bill has been paid, ownership of the research results, any final reports transfers to the client unless stipulated otherwise in the project agreement. In some instances we will construct models and lease their use to the client. We have included on this website copies of many of the reports that we prepared, but only with the permission of those clients.

Q. What types of models do you use in your analyses?

A. We custom develop our statistical, managerial and economic models for each project using surveying, projection, extrapolation and input-output tools. We have access to some of the most sophisticated computer modeling tools including the state and county-level IMPLAN Input-Output Model.