>I have a question for you. I have looked at Rational Suite of tools and upper management at the client is balking at the price of their tools. I would like to find other alternatives to Rational's suite of tools that is comparable

This is a great alternative to Rose (IMO)

http://www.visualobject.com/products.htm

I've been evaluating it for almost a month, and I love it. I'm going to purchase it next week.