$10-20k/Year? Policy Intel Shouldn’t Break the Bank
Throughout my career in public affairs, I’ve worked with just about every tool out there for tracking legislation, monitoring news, staying ahead of political developments, and understanding the climate tech industry. And hands down — Bloomberg Government and BNEF are two of the best tools I rely on.
For those who don’t know them:
Bloomberg Government (BGov) is basically the Cadillac of government affairs tools. It tracks federal and state legislation, offers real-time news and regulatory updates, produces sharp legislative and regulatory analysis, produces detailed policymakers and staff directories.
BNEF is the go-to source for providing primary research and analysis on the transition to a lower-carbon economy. Recent BNEF reports include “Top Climate Tech Best for 2025,” “New Energy Outlook 2025,” and “The next Phase of the Energy Transition.”
But here’s the catch — and it’s a big one: BGov and BNEF licenses run north of $12,000 per year. Sometimes, as much as $25,000 per year.
That’s a rounding error for national firms or big trade groups advocacy organizations – but for small and mid-sized associations, boutique advocacy shops, or solo government relations pros in places like Pennsylvania, it’s often a non-starter.
And at Viewpoint Public Affairs, we see that gap as an opportunity.
We’re living in a time where access to good information shouldn’t be limited to who has the biggest budget. In advocacy, timing and accuracy are everything — whether you’re preparing for a hearing, responding to emerging legislation or market forces, or navigating a complex issue area.
So here’s the idea — and I’ll admit it’s still a “throw spaghetti at the wall” concept.
What if Viewpoint Public Affairs launched a concierge policy intelligence service — where a small group of subscribers receive curated content, insights, and access to some of the most valuable outputs from BGov and BNEF, at a fraction of the cost?
Now, let me be clear: this wouldn’t replace the full BGov or BNEF license. Some high-powered tools require direct access. But these platforms produce a ton of shareable insights – and for smaller teams that need credible intel without the $12,000/year sticker price, this could be a game-changer.
I’m envisioning a cooperative model which would deliver regular curated reports of key legislation, policy news, and relevant industry policy analysis and emerging trends.
So, I’ll ask:
Would this excite you?
Would you pay for it, and if so, how much?
Would you share it with a colleague or your association members?
Like a lot of things we do at Viewpoint Public Affairs, this idea comes from a simple place: smart strategy shouldn’t be out of touch. If this idea resonates – or if you think I’m totally off base – I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line.
Nick
Viewpoint PA helps investors, philanthropies, and clean energy leaders navigate this shifting landscape. If you need strategic insights on how policy changes could impact your clean energy investments, let’s talk.