Our Services
In the course of his career, company President Andy Nichols has personally prepared and managed more than 5,000 mandated cost claims for over 400 local government agencies, including more than 120 cities, 75 special districts, and one-third of all community college districts in the state of California. Mr. Nichols has prepared claims for more than 80 different reimbursable mandated cost programs, totaling over $58 million in reimbursement for his clients.

Identifying Reimbursable Costs
We know the laws, and can easily identify areas where your agency may be able to submit for reimbursement - before you invest a dime in the process. You already have the documents needed - we do almost all the work. The funds recovered from the State of California can go into your agency’s General Fund or can be used in any way your agency sees fit.

Submitting Claims for Reimbursement
Nichols Consulting acts as a liaison between our clients and the State Controller’s Office on all claims. Should the State Controller's Office ever have a question regarding your state mandated cost claims, it our firm’s practice to step in and work directly with the State of California to resolve any outstanding issues.

Risk Assessment
The accuracy of our risk assessment is strengthened by Mr. Nichols' experience working with the former State Auditor and his Chief Deputy. We stand by our work.

The Bureau of State Audits found that the supporting documentation for many state mandated cost claims failed to meet minimum levels of adequate support. We provide a risk assessment of all supporting documentation and recommendations for improvement, if necessary.

With the State of California trying to cut costs in every area, your mandated cost claims are receiving the highest level of scrutiny seen in more than 27 years of the state-mandated cost reimbursement process. For this reason, and because claims payment schedules are now greatly extended, it is important that the claims you submit are highly accurate—it is crucial that your claims be prepared by a firm with a high level of experience.

Staff Training
Whether you use our firm or decide to have staff manage the reimbursement process, we can help. Training can be provided for both new and existing programs. Client identifies key staff members to receive training on reimbursable activities. Training can be conducted in a group-setting or on an individual basis. Our training can be tailored to best meet the needs of our clients to ensure the maximum reimbursement while reducing the time it takes your employees to capture reimbursable costs.

Data Monitoring and Collecting
Nichols Consulting works closely with your staff on the documentation of recently approved programs, ensuring that your agency is prepared to file for a first-time program. Establishment of periodic collection of supporting documentation. The client determines the appropriate period of retrieval–annual, semi-annual, or quarterly. We provide collection reminders via mail, phone or e-mail–you tell us which method works best for your organization. Client verification of complete and accurate costs prior to preparation of claims. (review of draft claims).

Staying Up-to-Date
Clients receive advance communication about upcoming programs, their deadlines, and other important dates. All clients also receive our notifications about recent judicial decisions and law changes which may affect existing programs, as well as potential new programs. For pressing issues and more immediate information needs, email alerts are sent in real time. Most importantly, an e-mail or phone to Andy Nichols will be responded to no later than the next business day.