Analytical scaling laws for laser wakefield acceleration in both blowout and quasi-linear regimes are reviewed, and applied to parameters consistent with likely ELI-NP experimental configurations. Strategies for carrying out particle-in-cell simulations with limited computing resources are developed, including application of quasi-3D and ponderomotive guiding center methods. Manipulation of focusing conditions using plasma optics is considered as a means of accessing higher energy configurations. Plasma lenses can modify the focusing in a small amount of space, but dispersive effects on the pulse can present a problem. Vortex lenses being developed at NRL are briefly described.