While Congress debates what to include in the more than $930 billion dollar stimulus package, lobby firms on K St. are gearing up for a massive influx in public spending.

The stimulus plan could be a prime opportunity for state and local governments – and small businesses – to try to get in on the action. Anyone who wants into the stimulus plan might be considering hiring a lobbyist, so here are some tips on how to decide whether a lobbyist is right for you, and if so, how to pick one.

Many lobbyists are quick to point out that this spending package is not the typical appropriations bill, and the traditional lobby course of action is not at play.

"This is not like a normal earmark bill, which takes two years to write and allows a lot of input into the process," said Michael Beer, Principal with Williams & Jensen in Washington. "This is all going to happen from writing the bill to getting the cash out the door in between 90 and 120 days.”

Since the bill is being written in a hurry, projects can be added and dropped quickly. Rather than spend time fighting for a project that might not make its way into the final language, many firms find that they are of the most service to existing clients by helping them prepare for when the money actually makes its way into the system.

"You have to be ready to react and turn dirt when this money will be ready," said Dan Murphy, General Counsel at the BRG Group in Washington.

Other firms are taking a similar approach by helping their clients understand the process so they can react when the time is right.  

“We aren’t looking at it as getting more business, but many of our clients have questions and we answer them the best we can”, said another DC lobbyist. However, the fact that so much money is at stake is expected to be a windfall for Washington spending.

Once the final bill passes and the money starts flowing, “there will be a lot of work,” said Beer.

The bill passed the House, and looks as though it will pass the Senate, but even then the two chambers will have to negotiate terms before the legislation winds its way to the President’s desk. As it continues to evolve, some lobbyists are finding that their clients aren’t even that interested in getting their hands on stimulus funds yet. Instead they would rather sit tight for the time being.

“Hold on and wait, see how it all shakes out, let’s see how quickly the money will get to the respective agencies,” is how one Washington lobbyist described many of the firm’s clients.

Before hiring a lobbyist, there are some important things to look for in a firm. Many lobbyists agree that while having contacts with members of Congress is important, the ability to name-drop won't necessarily get the job done.

"Washington is a town of substance, not just contacts," Murphy said. "It's better to have someone who has the ability to understand the issues rather than a Rolodex." 

While knowing a long list of people on Capitol Hill is an integral part of the process, a lobbyist that really knows how government contracting works and has a proven track record in the field will be far more useful when it comes to getting results said one K St. insider.

Many lobbyists also recommend checking the firm's other clients to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. There is little to be gained by creating a problem to solve another one. And with the recent tightening of ethical standards for lobbyists, it's also a good idea to make sure the firm understands and obeys the latest ethical rules and regulations.

Perhaps most important is choosing a firm that has a proven track record of success. Firms that have done well in the past have done well for a reason.

However, keep in mind that not all problems require the help of a lobby firm 

"If it can be fixed quickly, you probably don't need a lobbyist,” Murphy said.

TOP 5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN HIRING A LOBBYING FIRM

1) The right level of contacts. Just because you know someone on Capitol Hill doesn’t mean you’ll get results. Get a person or firm with a substantive knowledge of the issues and how government contracts work.
2) Beware potential conflicts of interest. Most firms list clients on their Web sites. It's always a good idea to find out what other issues the firm represents, to avoid creating one problem while solving another.
3) Look for a successful firm with a proven track record in the field.
4) Be certain the firm adheres to the latest ethics rules and regulations.
5) If an issue is very straightforward and simple, you might not need a lobbyist at all.