How a data analytics platform is changing the way D.C. functions
The traditional, political game of D.C. lobbying is rapidly changing. This change has nothing to do with the president, the tense political climate or news media organizations. The way Washington does business is shifting because of Alex Wirth and Jonathan Marks — two recent Harvard graduates and their startup firm, Quorum Analytics.
At it’s core, Quorum is the first integrated public affairs platform that uses data to serve scores of federal, state, grassroots and corporate clients. According to a story about Quorum from The Huffington Post, “both the Republican and Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives are clients, as are D.C. consulting firm Glover Park Group, conservative political advocates Club for Growth and at least four Fortune 500 companies, including General Motors.”
The uniqueness of the company lies in its pure existence. Although a startup, compared to other companies with similar business models Quorum took no venture capital funding. The company promotes its true “bootstrap” mentality, by making its money based on an annual subscription fee for clients to access the valuable data.
Quorum compiles data that is already available to the public but makes it more accessible and understandable for clients. The Library of Congress goes through and tags every bill in Congress related to a specific issue, but Quorum uses those tags as metadata to determine which legislators are more active in certain areas. The database is also able to rank effectiveness of legislators by assigning a “Quorum score” based on their ability to get bills co-sponsored by their colleagues and to move legislation. Another capability is thier use of predictive analytics to forecast potential outcomes of legislation.
There are other analytics firms in the market with similar capabilities as Quorum. However, the difference lies in their ability to focus in on one specific issue. Take, for example, the issue of healthcare — a hot topic today. With its algorithm, Quorum runs tests every 24 hours to update pre existing information on a range of issues. They are then able to center in on this specific area of legislation and compile data regarding which members are most prominently acting on it, which ones get the most support for their legislation and what kinds of proposals are made regarding it. The information gathered is then offered to the subscribers privately.
Information about actions in Congress is not the only benefit of a nearly $5,000 annual subscription, however. Clients also receive information every time they or their organization are mentioned as well as when issues they care about are mentioned by legislators in bills, tweets, Facebook posts, press releases or emails to constituents. Another innovative tool offered is the spreadsheet creator, which compiles Members’ voting records, legislative productivity and interactions from staff. Again, this information is all already available but Quorum makes it available in an understandable, accessible way for subscribers.
This innovative, unique business model helps explain why the world of analytics and lobbying are rapidly changing. Now, instead of lobbyists spending years building personal relationships with members of Congress to obtain information about upcoming legislation, subscribers can pay an annual fee to access the same data. The service goes deeper, however, offering insight into state legislatures, grassroots organizations, Fortune 500 companies and even the European Union.
This new data science driven side of Capitol Hill will only grow stronger from here.
This article was originally published on June 5, 2017.
