How we work
A clear path from first conversation to measurable results
Free audit, then a fixed-scope pilot, then optional ongoing support. Each step is small enough to approve quickly and clear enough to evaluate honestly.
Operations & Grant Readiness Audit
- About 30 minutes, by video or in person in DFW
- We define one problem and the decision it should inform
- We review what data exists, in whatever form it is in
- We map your grant obligations and reporting calendar
- You get a written summary and an honest recommendation
Pilot
- Scope, deliverables, and price fixed in writing
- Baseline measures agreed before work starts
- Weekly check-ins with your project lead
- A dashboard, map, or report your staff own
- Training and a results summary at close
Ongoing support
- Refreshed analysis on a set schedule
- Quarterly and results-report preparation support
- Reporting against the pilot baseline
- Month-to-month, with no long-term lock-in
Human oversight
Strategic analytics, reviewed by people who answer for it
We use modern analytics tools, including AI-powered analysis where it genuinely helps. But a model is never the final word.
- We review every analysis ourselves before it reaches your team.
- Your staff review findings before they inform a decision, a council item, or a grant report.
- Methods and assumptions are written down in plain language, so results can be explained and repeated.
- Deliverables are yours to keep and use after the engagement ends.
Measuring results
Targets, baselines, and honest reporting
Before a pilot starts, we agree on what will be measured and what "better" looks like: for example, repeat dumping at targeted sites, staff hours spent on reporting, unplanned equipment downtime, or recycling participation.
We report results against that baseline. Savings and improvements are targets to be measured, not guarantees, and we will say so plainly if a pilot does not move the number.
Procurement notes
Designed to be easy to buy, the right way
We know purchasing rules exist for good reasons. Our engagements are structured so your purchasing and grants staff can approve them with confidence.
Small, fixed-scope pilots
Pilots are priced well under the competitive bidding threshold for Texas cities and counties, which rose from $50,000 to $100,000 effective Sept 1, 2025 (Local Government Code §252.021, SB 1173). Each city follows its own purchasing policy and quote requirements, and we are glad to provide quotes or documentation your process calls for.
Independent contractor agreements scoped to deliverables
We work under a simple independent contractor agreement that names the deliverables, timeline, and fixed price. No software licenses to manage, no auto-renewals.
Grant-funded work
- No work begins, and no costs are incurred, before your notice to proceed.
- NCTCOG requires prior written approval of contractual scopes and of software expenses. We help prepare the scope for that review.
- Contractor selection follows your competitive procurement policy or NCTCOG's guidelines; we provide what you need for the file.
- Invoices are itemized to match reimbursement documentation requirements, and records are kept for the required retention period.
- We complete conflict-of-interest disclosures (Local Government Code ch. 176) wherever required.
- For data collection, we plan for a TCEQ-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan before any data is gathered.
This is general information, not legal advice. Your city attorney and purchasing office make the call for your organization. Source for grant rules: NCTCOG FY2026–2027 Solid Waste Grant Application Guidelines.
Pricing
Indicative pricing
| Step | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Readiness audit | Free |
| Founding pilot | $2,000–$8,000, fixed scope |
| Ongoing support | $1,500–$3,000 per month |
| Add-on | Leadership & change workshop for staff |
Final pricing is set in writing after the audit, based on the agreed scope.
Common questions
Questions from public works, purchasing, and grants staff
Do you sell software?
No. We deliver analysis, dashboards, maps, and reports built for your team, using tools your organization can keep. If a software purchase ever makes sense, we will say so and leave the choice to you.
What do you need from us for the free audit?
About 30 minutes with the person closest to the problem, and a rough idea of what records exist: spreadsheets, work orders, service requests, hauler reports, or grant paperwork. Nothing needs to be cleaned up first.
Can grant funds pay for this work?
Sometimes. Consultant services appear as example expenses in several NCTCOG categories, including Technical Studies, but contractual scopes and software need NCTCOG's prior written approval, and some activities, such as trash collection routing, are excluded. We will tell you what we think fits and what belongs in the operating budget instead.
Who owns the data and the deliverables?
You do. Your data is used only for your engagement, and dashboards, maps, and reports are yours to keep and use.
Are you on a cooperative purchasing contract?
Not at this time. Pilots are sized so most cities can purchase directly under their own purchasing policy.
Do you work outside DFW?
Our focus is the 16-county North Central Texas region, and we are glad to talk with other Texas cities and counties.
Start with a free Operations & Grant Readiness Audit
Tell us the one problem you most want solved. We will review what data you already have, your grant obligations, and your reporting calendar, then tell you honestly whether a pilot makes sense. No cost, no obligation.