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Expertise
Research, Evaluation, and Statistical Analysis
Advanced Analytics
Synergy provides clients with the ability to gain greater insight from their data. Deploying a range of advanced analytic techniques, we unearth patterns that might otherwise be hidden, informing critical debates with meaningful understanding. Synergy’s findings have been published in a variety of peer-reviewed journals as well as under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Education. Our data analytics experts employ such methods as multivariate regression techniques, principal component analysis and factor analysis, geographic modeling, and other statistical techniques in psychology, epidemiology and other fields.
Research and Evaluation
Synergy's evaluation team designs needs assessments; experimental and quasi-experimental studies; trend, gap, and cost-benefit analyses; environmental scans; and case studies using the appropriate methods for the program. Our data collection approaches include site visits, focus groups, cognitive interviews, multimodal surveys, including online surveys, geostatistical mapping, literature reviews, and environmental scans.
Our analytic skills range from the quantitative—such as national estimates using complex survey and sampling design, experiments embedded in complex surveys, appropriate tests of significance, and multivariate data analyses—to qualitative approaches, such as content analysis, coding of open-ended questions, and focus groups. We bring rigor and objectivity to our work by following the position statements on ethical and cultural competency set forth by the American Educational Research Association, the American Evaluation Association, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Health Resources & Services Administration, and the American Association for Public Opinion Research.
Technology Solutions
AI + Advanced Analytics
We partner with agencies to bring analytics and embedded AI into mission workflows.
- AI/ML solutions (predictive analytics, NLP, GenAI copilots)
- Decision intelligence platforms
- Responsible AI frameworks (governance, bias, explainability)
Cloud + Platform Engineering
We deliver secure, scalable platforms that can evolve over time and work with clients to create reusable, scalable environments.
- Multi-cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Cloud migration + modernization
- Platform engineering (DevSecOps, CI/CD, IaC)
- API-first architecture and systems integration
- Low-code / rapid application development platforms
Cybersecurity (Zero Trust)
Security must be embedded across everything we deliver. We build security in from the start, not layered on afterward.
- Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
- Continuous ATO (cATO)
- Identity, endpoint, and data security
- Integrated DevSecOps and automated security controls
Data Engineering + Data Platforms
We understand the value of end-to-end data platforms to support real-time decision-making and work with clients to maximize how data is structured, governed, and operationalized.
- Data lakes / lakehouses (Fabric, Databricks)
- Data governance (metadata, lineage, quality)
- Interoperability (especially in health/data agencies)
- Data products and Data-as-a-Service
Digital Experience & Service Delivery
The digital experience has evolved beyond traditional UX/UI into more holistic service delivery. We work with clients to design complete service experiences.
- Human-centered design
- Omnichannel service delivery
- Accessibility (Section 508 and beyond)
- Personalization and user engagement
Innovation & Emerging Technologies
We translate emerging technologies (and hype) into practical, mission-ready solutions - focusing on near-term impact while preparing agencies for what’s next.
- Applied AI & Intelligent Automation - embedding AI into workflows to enhance productivity and insight
- Advanced Data & Real-Time Platforms - enabling faster, more connected, and data-driven decisions
- Digital Twins & Simulation - modeling systems to support planning, forecasting, and optimization
- Edge & Connected Systems (IoT) - integrating real-time data from distributed sources
- Next-Generation Cybersecurity - preparing for AI-driven threats and quantum-resilient security
Policy Analysis and Strategic Communications
Communications Research
Well-researched, original, results-driven communications strategies are essential for the success of any program or initiative. The ever-changing communications landscape can be challenging to navigate.
Our evidence-based communications strategies create impact by delivering the right message to the right audience at the right time. From initial concept development, planning, and research to campaign implementation and evaluation, we partner with our clients to deploy action-oriented communications strategies that create meaningful and memorable results.
Materials Development
Our researchers, writers, and editors have supported more than 20 federal agencies in developing products published in more than 200 scientific journals, academic curricula, books, and magazines. We deliver award-winning communications products, including congressionally mandated reports, white papers, infographics, newsletters, tool kits, and campaign materials.
Policy Analysis
Synergy stays abreast of complex and constantly evolving policy landscapes across topic areas through detailed, evidence-based analysis procedures. Our team of policy experts includes social scientists, legal researchers, subject matter experts, and communications experts who work together to assess current policies; determine changes in those policies over time; assess the impacts of policies on individuals, families, and communities; and communicate these findings to a wide variety of audiences.
Our policy work is grounded in a deep understanding of how policy is developed, implemented, enforced, and sustained, acquired from decades of experience. Our interdisciplinary team is able to apply our tested methods across topic areas—partnering with in-house subject matter experts and external stakeholders to ensure the most systematic, rigorous, and comprehensive policy analysis possible—and provide guidance, insights, and general information to our clients.
Section 508 Compliance
Our Section 508 compliance specialists keep pace with the latest technical developments and trends for comprehensive accessibility. We conduct quality assurance reviews using up-to-date, gold standard tools and 508 compliance diagnostic software. Additionally, we can provide formal training or simple tips to help simplify 508 compliance testing and assurance.
Social Marketing
Our social marketing experts tailor campaigns that drive behavior change. We approach every challenge through a data-driven lens, bringing together commercial marketing tactics to build frameworks that elicit positive behavior change from your target audience. We apply evidence-based behavioral psychology models, social marketing theory, and formative research to motivate audiences in the context of cultural and physical environments.
Synergy provides measurable, integrated marketing and communications services to help clients change social norms or behaviors in communities nationwide.
Stakeholder Outreach
Synergy develops strategic mission-driven partnerships, showcasing client leadership among like-minded organizations, forging relationships with influential groups, and engaging with target audiences through multiple communications channels. Building these relationships is essential to growing an organization, amplifying its messages, and reaching its goals.
Technical Assistance and Program Implementation
Contact Center
Serving as the public voice of a federal agency requires a blend of skilled staff articulate about an agency's services; processes grounded in best practices to support consistent, high quality customer service; and a robust technology platform that supports efficient omnichannel operations and captures critical performance data. Synergy's team brings the experience of managing one of HHS' largest and most complex, 24/7/365 contact centers. Our team includes staff with expertise in developing and operating high quality omnichannel customer service operations that allow customers to access support via phone, e-mail, text message, and web chat.
Integrative E-learning Programs
Synergy’s information technology, communications, and doctoral-level instructional design experts use industry best practices to build state-of-the-art tools to teach skills and concepts in a variety of subject areas. Our blended approach integrates subject matter expertise with innovative technology and effective instructional design. We start with learner analysis, needs analysis, objective and assessment development, and media selection. Our subject matter experts and plain language writers help develop storyboards for each instructional step. We use multiplatform and multiscreen design techniques to develop engaging, customized information architecture plans for self-paced and timed courses. Our experts also ensure that download times are manageable, and that the privacy and security of module users are protected at all times. Our instructional developers work hand-in-hand with our internal user experience experts to provide the best possible look for each e-learning project we deliver.
Technical Assistance
Synergy develops technical assistance (TA) strategies that include powerful and diverse resources and dissemination vehicles. Our custom-built TA strategies consider adult learning practices and are based on the needs of the target audience. Additionally, we have the flexibility to respond to ad hoc needs and requests, provide continuous refinement of services, and offer sustained TA when needed.
Conference and Peer Review Services
Grant Management and Peer Review Services
Synergy’s specialized competition specialists and peer review staff supports grant competitions and reviews that range from 1-day teleconferences and electronic reviews for one panel to highly complex weeklong reviews requiring multiple panels that review hundreds of grant applications. Our team of competition specialists, review coordinators, grant supervisors, screeners, and system architects support Federal Program Officers with all aspects of pre-online/on-site and post-review tasks that allow clients to efficiently assist with the development of program announcements, solicit applications, identify qualified reviewers, screen applications, create panels, assign applications to ensure there is no conflict of interest, track grants through the review process, and provide support for creating award slates, as well as provide management of the entire grant cycle. Synergy has also developed an online peer review tool with an application/reviewer and scoring module which allows for secure, efficient and cost effective review cycle.
Meeting and Facilitation Services
Synergy’s project management professionals (PMPs) certified government meeting managers (CGMP), certified virtual meeting planners, and coordinators offer a range of support for conferences and meetings of all types (e.g., virtual, hybrid, in person, or multimedia), sizes (from 10-person focus groups to 4,000-person conventions), and duration (1-day to 2-weeklong events). We have convened meetings at single and multiple locations locally, nationally, and globally. Synergy has managed pre-, on-site, and post-meeting support in China, Australia, Vietnam, Russia, Bali, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Chile. Clients include the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Departments of Education, Housing and Urban Development, National Institutes of Health, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Our staff members routinely facilitate industry panels and policy academies for select National Institutes of Health Institutes and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Synergy has designed and developed an online meeting database which allows for an efficient management of all pre-onsite and post phase services.
Synergy collaborates with clients to produce a full range of materials, including program content, concise and cogent abstracts, quick turnaround working notes for breakout sessions, and congressionally mandated reports and summaries.