Bloomberg Government competitor First Street in private beta testing

First Street, a government policy and lobbying service from CQ Press, has entered into private beta testing in advance of its April launch.

The service is similar to Bloomberg Government, which launched at the beginning of the year.

First Street includes congressional, government and lobbying data. Private beta participants include law/lobbying firms, media organizations, and a D.C.-based association.  Also participating in the private beta are numerous university professors and librarians, and a journalism class.

“The feedback that our users provide is invaluable,” said Jasper Simons, publisher of First Street, in a statement. “This exclusive beta testing represents an important milestone, as we remain on track for the April 2011 launch of the richest, deepest database of people affecting policy.”

Developed for lobbyists, law firms, associations and other groups working to affect policy, First Street draws on CQ Press’s expertise in providing data on the players shaping the day’s issues.

According to this New York Times item, First Street will cost $3,750 for most users.