Depends on what you want from these folks...

I spent the last 3 years dealing with gov't accounts, press and analysts. Our PR team was in DC which helped a lot with the press briefings and local networking with the lobbyists. I am based in Tampa Bay, so all other services were local to me. You can get the corporate SWAG anywhere from online to smaller marketing firms like the ones here in Tampa a lot cheaper than competing with the big city firms. The DC market and associated political biz creates a fairly inflated market, go to one of the hungry tech markets and you can strike a better deal.

Try www.brandrageous.com I have others, but these guys are good.

Same goes for getting attorneys. Unless you need specific DC insider stuff, you do not need a local attorney. It sounds like you are a services firm, so you probably do not have any IP issues to worry about. Basic contracts and biz lawyers are easy to find. Get someone that has tech company experience it will save you a lot of billables by not having them learn the biz on your dime.

As for accountants, this also depends on what you need. Basic book keeping, get an office manager. Performing an audit pre financing (probably doesn’t apply to you) get a regional firm with a good rep. Setting up the articles of incorporation, get a book from the SBA and then send the stuff to your attorney.

The biggest issue with doing biz in the gov’t sector is a good contracts admin. They can save your ass. I know you guys are starting small, so hiring all these heads is a long term plan. Take your time, wear all the hats you can before hiring full time, contract out as much as you can and have a ton of fun.

Best of Luck,

KEE