Why it Matters: After two decades of primarily relying on in-house lobbying, RAND Corporation has brought in prominent external firm Mercury Public Affairs to focus specifically on homeland security issues. This marks a strategic shift for the global policy think tank, which has historically concentrated its lobbying efforts on defense and budget appropriations for research and development.
By the Numbers: RAND has been lobbying since 2002, previously using mostly internal staff with only brief external representation by individual lobbyist Carl Bayer from 2006-2008. Mercury Public Affairs has generated $4.9 million in lobbying revenue over the past five years and will deploy three lobbyists for RAND: Bryan Lanza, Deirdre Ellen Stach, and Trent Lefkowitz. Lanza brings direct homeland security lobbying experience with clients like Flock Safety and Emergent BioSolutions, while Stach has worked on defense and budget issues for Microsoft and educational institutions.
The Agenda: RAND’s new registration focuses exclusively on homeland security, though no specific legislation is identified. This represents a departure from their historical emphasis on defense authorization acts and R&D appropriations for Federally Funded Research & Development Centers. The think tank’s broader mission encompasses national security, education, healthcare, and science policy research.
Between the Lines: The timing coincides with significant congressional activity on homeland security-related issues. The House recently passed the Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act, which requires DHS to safeguard R&D from unauthorized access. Other relevant legislation includes bills addressing cybersecurity coordination, critical minerals supply chains, and the Think Tank and Nonprofit Foreign Influence Disclosure Act. Recent hearings on quantum technology leadership and Syria policy demonstrate Congress’s focus on national security challenges where RAND’s research expertise is relevant.
The Bottom Line: RAND’s decision to hire external lobbying help specifically for homeland security suggests the think tank sees emerging opportunities or challenges in this policy area that require dedicated advocacy beyond their traditional in-house capabilities. The move positions them alongside other research organizations competing for influence on technology, defense, and security policy in an increasingly complex legislative environment.