As you said, 8+ years of experience as an Analyst, you should be easily getting job. During your work experience, you never try to keep some good relation with direct vendor? I would never go to consultancy hassle with that real 8+ experience. If you have friends in dallas, ask them if they know any vendors and go from there. Just asking what kind of analyst were you, data, business, system ? Hope you find good job in Dtown. Good luck.