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FAQs

FAQs About Our Sponsored Courses

See also
 - Payment, Cancellation, Substitution and Date Change Policies for Sponsored Courses from TheCapitol.Net
 - Sponsored Course Policies

Do you have a series of FAQs about Congress and Washington? What is a sponsored course? How can I sponsor a course? Can an individual attend a Sponsored course? Can you bill or invoice me? Do you offer discounts to nonprofits or government agencies? Does TCN take credit cards? PayPal? Who are you? Can I buy the materials from your programs? Do you send me the course materials before the course starts? Are all statements at your courses and seminars "off the record"? Where are your courses held? Is there parking available at the American Trucking Assn., National Democratic Club, Cannon House Office Building, or the Capitol Hill Club? Are there any hotels near the training site? I've never visited Washington, DC. Can you help me figure out how to get to my hotel from the airport? And is the subway in Washington, DC, easy to use?

What happens if my payment is not received by the start of the sponsored course? Do you accept "walk-ins" at your programs? What if I don't show up for the course? What is your date change and cancellation policy? What is your weather/snow policy? Are meals included in your sponsored courses? Do I need to bring a computer or any materials with me? Is business dress required for your sponsored courses? What sponsored courses use your publications as part of the course materials? What is your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)? Do your courses qualify for CLE or CEU? Do you issue Certificates of Training? Do you have a mailing list so I can receive your mailings announcing upcoming courses? If there are courses, or topics in your existing programs, that I would like to see TheCapitol.Net offer, how do I suggest those? What should I do the day of the course? What is your DUNS number?  Tax ID?  CAGE code?

1.  Do you have a series of FAQs about Congress and Washington?

Yes we do, just click this sentence and then scroll down the page. We also have a FAQ about our custom, on-site training.

2.  What is a sponsored course? How can I or my organization sponsor a course?

Many of our public courses are offered as Sponsored Courses, meaning organizations or individuals (individuals can sponsor our courses) bring together groups of up to 20 participants to attend one of our Sponsored Courses (see the "Sponsored Courses" listed on our calendar). 

The Sponsored Course program fee includes program development, faculty, materials, and classroom space in the DC area for up to 20 attendees (the program fee also includes AV, breaks, and lunch where specified). There is a discount if you provide classroom space in the DC area, AV, breaks and lunch.

As few as 1 person up to as many as 20 people can take a Sponsored Course, but the price is the same. Individuals can sponsor our Sponsored Courses, and can invite up to 19 more people to attend; however, the price paid to us is the same whether 1 person or 20 people attend the course.

To sponsor a course, go to our website at www.thecapitol.net and use our secure online registration process, or you may fax us a registration form at 202-688-2424. Click the "Sponsor this Course" button anywhere you see it on our web site for secure online registration. You tell us your preferred dates, and we will contact you to finalize details.

We have a registration form in Adobe pdf that you can print out, complete (include payment information), and fax (202-688-2424) or mail to us (TheCapitol.Net, PO Box 25706, Alexandria, VA  22313-5706). We have general registration information here.

All of our Sponsored Courses and any of their topics can also be tailored to meet your specific educational objectives at any location in the United States. Please see the Custom Training section of our web site or contact us for details.

Sponsors can integrate their content, speakers, and logo into our courses - contact us for details.

Our Sponsored Courses are used by different organizations to train different groups how Washington and Congress work.^TM  

Legislative Bodies Federal Agencies Military State and Local Government Military Independent Agencies National Institutes and Labs Businesses Associations Local Chambers of Commerce Health Organizations Embassies Foreign Delegations Coalitions Law and Lobbying Firms News Media Unions Think Tanks NGOs

<< These organizations use our Courses and Workshops to train >>

Clients Potential Clients Attorneys Subscribers Grassroots Advocates Congressional Fellows Executive Board Members Association Members Budget and Program Analysts Donors Presidental Management Fellows Constituents Managers Executives Military Officers Scientific and Technical Staff New Employees Staff Rotating to Washington and Capitol Hill

Individuals can also organize a group of up to 19 other people who agree to pay a program fee to the individual sponsor. In this example, you can attend for free if the other 19 people pay the full program fee (the program fee covers up to 20 attendees). However, the individual organizing the group is responsible for full payment of the program fee within the time frames set forth here. 

All payments for Sponsored Courses are due at least 3 weeks before the mutually agreed upon Sponsored Course date. (If you prefer to pay after the course, then you want a custom training program, which requires a signed contract.)

TheCapitol.Net has more than 2,000 clients representing Congressional offices, federal and state agencies, businesses, military branches, news media and NGOs nationwide.  

For more than 35 years, TheCapitol.Net and its predecessor, Congressional Quarterly Executive Conferences, have been teaching professionals from government, military, business, associations, coalitions, law and lobbying firms, media, unions, think tanks, and NGOs about the dynamics and operations of the legislative and executive branches and how to work with them. Because this is our sole focus, we provide training for numerous organizations in Washington, DC, and across the country. Our clients know that because this is all we do, this focus provides the highest quality information and training possible.

Government agencies: please see the GSA Schedule for our GSA contract pricing.

TheCapitol.Net, Inc.
Contract GS02F0192X

 

3.  Can an individual attend a Sponsored Course?

Only individuals who have been invited by a course sponsor to attend a Sponsored Course can attend. Individuals can sponsor our Sponsored Courses, but the price is the same whether one (1) person or up to twenty (20) people attend. (Individual registrations are available for our Open Enrollment courses.)

(Our Congressional Operations Briefing - Capitol Hill Workshop is an Open Enrollment course open to individuals, and it is also available as a custom, on-site training Briefing.)

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4.  Can you bill or invoice me?

We prefer payment by check or EFT/ACH.  We also accept credit cards.

Government Employees please note: TheCapitol.Net is on the GSA Schedule, 874-4, for custom on-site training. We accept government credit cards and electronic funds transfer (EFT/ACH). Please see our registration in CCR/SAM for EFT/ACH information. 

If you need a Form W-9, we have a pre-filled version here (1-page pdf)

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5.  Do you offer discounts to nonprofits or government agencies?

TheCapitol.Net is on the GSA Schedule, 874-4, for custom on-site training. We accept government credit cards and electronic funds transfer (EFT/ACH). Please see our registration in CCR/SAM for EFT/ACH information. 

6.  Does TCN take credit cards? PayPal?

**  Our preferred methods of payment are checks and EFT/ACH.

We accept Mastercard, VISA, American Express, and Discover. We also accept checks and money orders. We do not accept checks from non-US banks, and all payments must be made in USD ($).

Government Employees please note: TheCapitol.Net is on the GSA Schedule, 874-4, for custom on-site training. We accept government credit cards and electronic funds transfer (EFT/ACH). Please see our registration in CCR/SAM for EFT/ACH information. 

Your credit card statement will show charges from us as "THECAPITOLNET22305" or "THECAPITOLN" or "TheCapitolNet 2026781600" or "TheCapitolNetAlexVA 7037393790".

See our payment policy for details.

If you need a Form W-9, we have a pre-filled version here (1-page pdf)   

               

 

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7.  Who are you?

We have a page that describes our non-partisan firm.

 

8.  Can I buy the materials from your courses?

We do not sell our training manuals, but we do sell our Congressional Deskbook, Congressional Directory and regular editions of published books used in our programs. Please see our website under the "Publications" link - you can order securely online at our website or by faxing us an order.

9.  Do you send me the course materials before the course starts?

All course materials are distributed at the course during registration, which is held immediately before the Sponsored Course. We do not send out course materials in advance.

10.  Are all discussions and statements at your courses and seminars "off the record"?

All statements and discussion at all of our courses, Briefings, Workshops, and seminars, are off the record and not for attribution, unless specified otherwise. The resulting confidentiality ensures a frank and free exchange of views. All of our courses and their contents are copyright by TheCapitol.Net.

11.  Where are your Sponsored Courses held?

When we provide the classroom space, we use these Washington, DC, locations.

There is a discount if you provide classroom space in the DC area, AV, breaks and meals.

All of our programs can be presented outside the DC area. Contact us for details. 

 

12.  Is there parking available on Capitol Hill?

No. Public parking on Capitol Hill is difficult to locate and we recommend using the Metro as a result of the heightened security on the Hill after September 11, 2001. Alternatives include parking at Union Station (Metro: Union Station) or the Washington Design Center (enter at 343 Virginia Ave SW, Washington, DC) (Metro: Federal Center SW) and taking the Metro to the Capitol South Metro stop, walking or taking a cab. 

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13.  Are there any hotels near the training sites?

For a complete listing of hotels in the area, please see the map, with some hotels listed, that we distribute to our attendees. 

14.  I've never visited Washington, DC.  Can you help me figure out how to get to my hotel from the airport?  And is the subway in Washington, DC, easy to use?

Many registrants for our training courses come from across the country. We have a page that describes some of the ways of "getting into, around, and out of Washington," including to and from the three area airports, here.

The subway in Washington, also called Metrorail (or by many, "the Metro"), is very easy and convenient to use. We have a page with links, "How to use Metrorail (subway) in Washington, DC,"  here. 

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15.  What happens if my payment is not received by the start of the course?

For Sponsored Courses, payment must be made at least 3 weeks prior to the start of the Sponsored Course. If you have questions, please call us at 202-678-1600, extension 115. Also see "Payment, Payment, Cancellation, Substitution and Date Change Policies for Sponsored Courses from TheCapitol.Net" for details.

16.  Do you accept "walk-ins" at your Sponsored Courses?

Because each course is arranged in advance by a third-party course sponsor, walk-ins are at the disrection of the course sponsor.

 

17.  What if my attendees don't show up for the course I am sponsoring?

A "no-show" is when you do not call or your attendees do not show up and you forfeit all program fees. All cancellations must be in writing.

" Payment, Payment, Cancellation, Substitution and Date Change Policies for Sponsored Courses from TheCapitol.Netcomplete cancellation policy is on our web site at www.AboutCancel.com.

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18.  What is your date change and cancellation policy for Sponsored Courses?

Our "Payment, Payment, Cancellation, Substitution and Date Change Policies for Sponsored Courses from TheCapitol.Net" sets forth the date change and cancellation policy for our sponsored courses.

For all of our Sponsored Courses, substitutions, cancellations, and date changes must be submitted in writing to us. Our date-change and cancellation fees are outlined below.

** Date Change and Cancellation Fee
Time Before Originally Scheduled Sponsored Course	Substitute Attendees (If Sponsor Allows)	Fee to Change of Date of Sponsored Course	Cancellation Fee
More than 4 weeks	No charge	No charge	No charge
15 days to 4 weeks	No charge	10% of program fee	25% of program fee
4 days to 2 weeks	No charge	20% of program fee	50% of program fee
1 to 3 days	No charge	30% of program fee	75% of program fee
day of program (no refunds to no-shows)	No charge	No refund	No refund

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19.  What is your weather/snow policy?

Each course sponsor determines their own weather policy. We recommend following OPM: when the federal government operating status in the Washington, DC metropolitan area is "Federal agencies in Washington, DC are CLOSED" according to OPM, the course is cancelled.  See, e.g., our suggested weather policy on our web site at www.SnowPolicy.com.

20.  Are meals included in your Sponsored Courses?

Each course sponsor determines if refreshments, coffee breaks, and meals are included in a Sponsored Course. Networking lunches can be included in one-day and longer Sponsored Courses that have a program fee of more than $8500. Be sure to check with your course sponsor for specific course details. If you have specific requirements, please contact the course sponsor.

21.  Do I need to bring a computer or any materials with me for your Sponsored Courses?

No. You are welcome to bring a pen and a pad of notepaper, but all materials are provided. If the course sponsor wants you to bring a computer or other materials, the course sponsor will let attendees know.

Please note that no recording of our courses is allowed, and all of our courses are Copyright (c)(p) by TheCapitol.Net. All Rights Reserved.

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22.  Is business dress required for your Sponsored Courses?

Each course sponsor determines the dress code, but we recommend business attire, military uniforms optional. Please bear in mind that meeting rooms can be chilly, so you may wish to bring a sweater or jacket. 

Also see:  What should I do the day of the course? (below)

23.  What courses use your publications as part of the course materials?

The Training Edition of the Congressional Deskbook is used in three of our courses: Congressional Dynamics and the Legislative Process, Advanced Legislative Procedure, and the Congressional Operations Briefing - Capitol Hill Workshop.

Common Sense Rules of Advocacy for Lawyers is used in one of our courses: Effective Executive Briefings: The Art of Persuasion.

The Training Edition of Legislative Drafter's Deskbook is used in Drafting Federal Legislation and Amendments.

The Training Edition of Media Relations Handbook is used in two of our courses: Media Relations for Public Affairs Professionals and Advanced Media Relations Workshop.

The Training Edition of Persuading Congress is used in Strategies for Working with Congress: Effective Communication and Advocacy on Capitol Hill and the Congressional Operations Briefing - Capitol Hill Workshop.

The Training Edition of Real World Research Skills is used in Research Tools and Techniques for Analysts: Refining Your Online and Offline Resarch.

The Training Edition of Testifying Before Congress is used in Preparing and Delivering Congressional Testimony.

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24.  What is your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)?

TheCapitol.Net, Inc.'s TIN (also called the Federal Employer Identification Number, or FEIN, or just EIN), is 54-1917701. If you need a Form W-9, we have a pre-filled version here (1-page pdf)

25.  Do your courses qualify for CLE or CEU?

Many attorneys in mandatory CLE states have received credit for attending our courses. However, because we do not seek CLE accreditation, if you desire CLE credits, see our CLE credit page for information about how to apply to your state. 

Many of our Sponsored Courses are approved for CEUs from George Mason University.

   Where you see this symbol, it indicates how many CEUs are approved for that course by George Mason University.

26.  Do you issue Certificates of Training?

We issue Certificates of Training for most of our sponsored courses. For more information, see our Certificate of Training page. Our Sponsored Courses can be approved for CEUs from George Mason University. 

Also see our two Certificate Programs.

27.  Do you have a mailing list so I can receive mailings about your upcoming courses?

We have an email update lists.

28.  If there are courses or topics that I would like to see TheCapitol.Net offer, how do I suggest those?

If you have suggestions for new courses or new topics you would like to see us offer, please contact us or complete our online suggestion form.

29.  What should I do the day of the course?

• Business attire is recommended, military uniforms are optional.

• Meeting rooms can be chilly - bring a sweater or jacket.

• Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the course is scheduled to start so you can sign in and get your materials.

• Check with your course sponsor to determine if morning refreshments and coffee breaks are provided. 

• Wear your name tag to all events, including meals - on your right lapel is recommended.

• Introduce yourself and hand out your business card to other attendees - this is a great time to network.

• Turn off phones and other personal electronic devices during the course. 

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  Want to know

• Who teaches and writes for us?

• Who some of our clients are?  (longer list here)

• What our clients say about our training?

• What our cancellation policy says?

• What we do when there is bad weather in Washington?

• How to get added to or removed from our email list?

• How to get added to or removed from our fax or regular mailing lists?

TheCapitol.Net is a non-partisan firm, and the opinions of its faculty, authors, clients and of the owners and operators of its vendors are their own and do not represent those of TheCapitol.Net.

 

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TheCapitol.Net, Inc.
PO Box 25706
Alexandria, VA  22313-5706
202-678-1600

FEIN: 54-1917701   
DUNS number: 04-273-5071
CAGE: 1K5S4
SIC: 8299, 2741, 8742   
NAIC: 611430, 56192, 5111, 541611

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URL: www.TheCapitol.Net/PublicPrograms/FAQ_Sponsored.html
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