Making headway together… from sea, land and sky
Marine ports, terminals, railroads, highways and airports are significant drivers of the economy. Thus it’s vital for airlines, railways, port authorities and marine terminal operators to strategically compete for their share of government grants and loans.
With Strong Port Strategies on your side, you have three Senior Executives with deep experience inside Washington DC. They know how to navigate the legislative bureaucracy of Federal and State assistance programs.
Federal & State Grants
Our consulting services include: ​
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Reviewing Capital Construction plans for a marine, surface, intermodal or aviation infrastructure project grant, and suggesting Federal and State assistance programs and services for which the entire project or elements of the project may be eligible
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Evaluating prior Federal or State grant applications, providing a debrief on how they can be updated to meet requirements of the same program in the current year, or to meet requirements of alternate programs
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Assisting senior management to identify partners for an application for a future project
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Mapping out a comprehensive marine, surface or intermodal operations strategy
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Drafting Public Comments to Federal agencies in response to proposed regulations, amendments and changes, which may impact new transportation or infrastructure legislation
“The maritime industry confronts significant, time-consuming challenges navigating the Federal grant system. Identifying programs best fitting your project and knowing when and how to engage government sponsors, stakeholders and affected communities can spell the difference between success and failure. Good advisors offer a priceless edge by delivering the efficiencies necessary to accomplish your goals.”
Dick Balzano
Deputy Maritime Administrator (2017-2020)
“Roger’s solid leadership, support and knowledge of the program were critical in securing over $6 billion in Private Activity Bonds that were essential to the launch of our new Brightline Florida intercity passenger rail service and Brightline West high speed rail system.”
Husein Cumber
Chief Strategy Officer, Florida East Coast Industries
Surface Transportation Strategies
It’s critical for railways, trucking companies, third-party logistics providers, shippers and distributors to keep passengers and cargo moving and the national supply chain functioning.
Our consulting services include:
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Advising BoD and senior management to identify strategic partners for a future surface transportation or infrastructure projects
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Reviewing Capital Construction and equipment acquisition plans or strategies for a transportation infrastructure project desiring Federal Assistance
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Recommending applicable Federal or State grants, programs, policies and services that may impact a surface transportation project, issue or challenge
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Evaluating Federal, State or City grant applications
Marine Terminal & Port Consulting
A thriving marine transportation system is critical to the world’s economic health. The ability to move freight quickly and efficiently requires a modern port and terminal infrastructure and an effective network of accessible waterways. Find out how SPS can help your organization.
Our marine terminal and intermodal services include:
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Assessing previous unsuccessful grant applications and providing strategic perspectives on how they can meet any new requirements or be eligible for alternate programs and services
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Reviewing Capital Construction plans for a port or intermodal infrastructure project and advising which Federal assistance programs may be available
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Preparing strategies to successfully manage current or future supply chain challenges and logistics issues
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Assisting senior management to identify partners for a future project grant application
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Reviewing nearby intermodal systems and identify partnerships and programs that can be beneficial to improvement efforts
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Establishing relationships as part of a supply chain strategy to keep your goods moving throughout North America
“I enjoyed working with you. As Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs you offered keen and practical insights on the intersection between federal aviation and rail policies and business operations both before and during COVID.”
Richard Anderson
former CEO of Northwest,
Delta and Amtrak
Aviation Consulting
Commercial aviation, essential for long-distance passenger travel and just-in-time goods movement, depends on a network of airports, airlines and supply chains. Find out how SPS can help your organization.
Our aviation services include:
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Providing consulting services to airlines, including: compliance with international aviation transportation agreements; slot restrictions at capacity-constrained airports; joint ventures (e.g., pre-reviews for mergers, acquisitions, anti-trust issues, etc.); interplay with emerging technologies (e.g. drones, broadband, NextGen)
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Evaluating aviation grant applications and providing strategic insights on how they may be eligible for various programs and services
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Reviewing airport service and infrastructure projects and advising which Federal assistance programs may be available (e.g., Airport Improvement Program (AIP), Essential Air Services (EAS) and Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP)
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Assisting senior management to identify partners for airport enhancement projects
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Preparing strategies to successfully manage current or future logistics challenges
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Establishing effective aviation supply chain relationships
Meeting Facilitation & Public Speaking
Are you seeking an experienced subject matter expert and facilitator to moderate your next leadership meeting or team strategy session? To help explain the intricacies and vagaries of Federal and State grants and programs — and how they work or don’t — Lauren Brand, Roger Bohnert and Joel Szabat are available to: ​
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Make a presentation directly to senior leadership or Boards of Directors on current and eligible Federal and State grants
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Present a speech to a gathering of strategic partners on maritime, airport, surface transportation and intermodal connector infrastructure project needs in the United States
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Facilitate meetings focused on airport, marine port/terminal, railway, intermodal and supply chain issues, including agenda development, pre-meeting prep and post-meeting follow-up
“I’ve seen Lauren explain Federal assistance programs for transportation infrastructure many, many times. Each time she drills down to local needs and shares her experience.”
Eric Shen, P.E., PTP, CPE
CEO, Shen and Associates