Procurement, Project Finance Readiness, Consulting
Procurement Optimization, Project Finance Readiness Consulting, & Management Consultancy FAQ
Who is ATS?
ATS (Above the Standard) began in 1979 as a cost-reduction and full procurement solutions firm. We later added project finance readiness consulting to our portfolio. Today, our core solutions — advancing projects, boosting profits, and cutting costs — are delivered through three integrated practices: project finance readiness consulting, procurement optimization, and management consultancy.
How do I engage ATS solutions?
Simply fill out the contact form on our website. We will respond with the next steps.
What is the next step for cost-reduction solutions?
Fill out the contact form on our website. We will provide the next steps.
Where does ATS offer Procurement and Cost Reductions Solutions?
United States.
Where does ATS offer Consulting?
We serve in most nations except: Afghanistan, all African nations, Belarus, Central African Republic, China, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, the Balkans, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.
Where is ATS listed online?
• Corporate Website: https://www.ats-business.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/above-the-standard
Terms of Use
https://www.ats-business.com/tou
Our Project Evaluation & Readiness Process?
ATS serves as the primary gateway and leadership point for every incoming project. We manage the initial intake, vetting, and qualification. Only credible, serious, and potentially viable projects advance. Once ATS confirms a project meets our threshold, it is introduced to our Strategic Partner — a specialized project-readiness advisory firm.
The Strategic Partner performs a detailed technical, commercial, organizational, and risk assessment to determine if the project is truly “bankable” and ready for institutional underwriting. Important boundaries (for all communications): Neither ATS nor our Strategic Partner raises capital, introduces investors, arranges financing, negotiates terms, places securities, or receives compensation tied to financing outcomes. Both organizations operate strictly in advisory roles. All financing discussions occur directly between the sponsor and independent lending institutions.
Structure?
• Fully bankable projects: No upfront fees. Compensation is consulting-based and may include a fixed results component once the project successfully completes institutional underwriting — never a percentage of funding.
• Projects requiring development: Standard project-readiness consulting engagement with transparent fees following a gap analysis.
Simple Messaging?
ATS is the primary gateway for all projects. We handle intake and initial vetting. When appropriate, we introduce qualified projects to our Strategic Partner, who specializes in project-readiness and bankability preparation. When in doubt, ask before responding.
What Sponsors Fit?
We proceed with sponsors who: Seek financing for a specific project (not a fund, equity raise, or private placement). Have basic project fundamentals in place (site control, feasibility work, technical progress). Use project-finance language (readiness, bankability, institutional expectations). Are willing to follow our structured readiness process.
What Sponsors Do Not Fit?
We do not proceed with sponsors who: Present PPMs, equity offerings, or securities-driven fundraising. Expect ATS or our Strategic Partner to raise capital or find investors. Emphasize investor ROI, equity splits, or commission-based structures. Attempt to dictate compensation or fundraising mechanics.
Project Customization & Advisory Role?
As project finance readiness consultants, we help sponsors understand and meet the standards required by institutional lenders. Every project is unique; our guidance is tailored to its specific technical, commercial, and operational needs. We remain strictly advisory and do not engage in capital sourcing, investor introductions, or financial intermediation of any kind.
Shovel-Ready vs. Financing-Ready?
• Shovel-ready: All planning, permitting, regulatory approvals, and construction readiness are complete.
• Financing-ready: The project is shovel-ready and fully structured, documented, and aligned with institutional underwriting standards (financial modeling, risk mitigation, commercial agreements, etc.).
Many projects are shovel-ready but not financing-ready. Our work focuses on closing that gap.
Project Readiness Evaluation Process?
• ATS receives the completed project data sheet and performs threshold evaluation.
• If the project qualifies, ATS introduces the sponsor to a senior officer of our Strategic Partner.
• The Strategic Partner conducts an orientation call and detailed readiness assessment (typically 10+ business days).
• If gaps exist, project finance readiness consulting (PFRC) is offered at standard rates.
• If the project is already fully bankable, the sponsor may independently approach institutions of their choice.
• RDD involvement ends upon introduction to the Strategic Partner.
• Projects are reviewed and transmitted on a weekly schedule to maintain discipline and quality.
How long has ATS been in existence?
ATS was founded over 40+ years ago by Theodore (Ted) Landgraf. Key milestones:
• 1979 – Started contract and cost-reduction work as a sole proprietorship in Renton, Washington. Added procurement cost reduction and outsourcing in the 80's.
• 1993 – Officially launched project finance readiness consulting.
• 1996 – Operated as Compass NW.
• 1995 – Integrated e-commerce, web, and technology solutions.
• 1999 – Working remotely became standard practice.
• 2000 – Expanded internationally in procurement and scalable solutions.
• 2009 – Rebranded to Above the Standard Procurement Group, Inc. and launched ATSPG Franchising.
• 2015 – Maintained existing franchise owners and launched the Relationship Development Director (RDD) partner program.
• 2017 – Relocated corporation to Nevada.
• 2021 – Placed certain legal entities in Wyoming (ATSP Group, LLC and ATS Above the Standard LLC).
We continue to grow with more partners, active projects, and clients worldwide.
Project Finance Readiness Consulting Nations?
We review projects in most nations except: Afghanistan, all African nations, Belarus, Central African Republic, China, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Hong Kong, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Myanmar, Nicaragua, North Korea, Russia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, the Balkans, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.
Project Finance Readiness Consulting Industries?
• Hospitality / Tourism.
• Mixed-Use Real Estate.
• Infrastructure.
• Energy / Power Generation.
• Waste-to-Energy.
• Manufacturing / Industrial.
Key Review Areas in Project Due Diligence?
We do not disclose individual assessment results or rejection reasons to protect proprietary and confidential information. The following areas are typically reviewed:
• Project Overview – Description, objectives, location, timeline
• Legal & Regulatory – Permits, environmental assessments, zoning
• Financial – Historical & projected statements, cost estimates, sources & uses, sponsor equity commitment
• Market & Demand – Market analysis, competition, pricing
• Technical – Engineering studies, technology specifications, construction plans
• Management & Team – Qualifications, resumes, organizational structure
• Risk Factors & Mitigation – Risk identification, insurance
• Contracts – Construction, feedstock, offtake, power purchase agreements
• Operational – O&M plans, staffing, long-term costs
• Intellectual Property, Taxation, Legal Structure, Litigation
• Sensitivity Analysis & Compliance/Ethics
What is Project Finance Readiness Consulting?
In our experience, 99.99% of projects we review are not truly ready for institutional financing — even when sponsors believe they are. Readiness consulting closes this gap by identifying and resolving technical, commercial, organizational, and documentation deficiencies so the project can withstand rigorous institutional underwriting.
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