Business Recruitment Consultant - East Coast

The Kansas Department of Commerce is requesting proposals for a Business Recruitment Consultant to serve the East Coast Region, with proposals due October 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CST. The position is a one-person independent contractor role exclusively representing Kansas across eighteen eastern states and Washington DC (Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida).

The Department extends a preference to bidders claiming Disabled Veteran Owned Business or Certified Business status if proper documentation is included. Candidates must possess seven or more years of economic development experience with a demonstrated track record in business recruitment and attraction, hold a bachelor's degree, and be based in one of four specified metropolitan areas: Atlanta, Greenville, Columbia, or Charlotte. The contractor will work remotely from one of these regions.

The scope includes engaging prospective companies, site selectors, and corporate executives to attract business relocations and expansions to Kansas; developing formal proposals in response to client requests for information; and maintaining project documentation in the Department's Salesforce CRM system. Compensation is a flat monthly fee that includes all expenses required to complete the scope of work and independent travel costs. Agency-requested travel up to $25,000 annually will be reimbursed separately according to Kansas State Employee Travel Center guidelines and GSA per diem rates, subject to prior approval for out-of-state travel.

The contract period runs from July 18, 2027 through June 30, 2030, with two optional one-year renewal periods available. Written questions must be submitted by October 7, 2026. No pre-bid conference is scheduled. Mandatory State of Kansas vendor registration and Tax Clearance Certificate from the Kansas Department of Revenue are required before the closing date. Award will be made by the Procurement Negotiation Committee, which may request negotiations with selected bidders or award based on initial proposals.