Outside Counsel Services

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is issuing a Request for Proposal to procure outside counsel services for legal and advisory matters related to the acquisition of right-of-way and other real estate property needed for state highway purposes within Sedgwick County. The procurement seeks competitive proposals from qualified law firms to assist the Bureau of Right of Way during property acquisition processes, including title verification, appraisal review, and communication with KDOT staff and landowners, with potential expansion to handle condemnation proceedings under the Eminent Domain Procedures Act if negotiated acquisition fails. Selected firms must provide regular status reports, maintain case files, and deliver all documents to the Office of Chief Counsel within 90 days of case closure. KDOT anticipates selecting one to three firms to distribute work and prevent project delays. Required qualifications include Kansas bar licensure, admission to Kansas District Courts, and demonstrated experience in all phases of real estate law, administrative condemnation actions, eminent domain procedures, and appellate practice. Compensation is structured on an hourly basis with separate rates for partners/members, associates, law clerks, legal assistants/paralegals, and real estate specialist positions, plus travel reimbursement at half the regular hourly rate and mileage at the state rate; actual costs such as court reporting, recording, and publication fees are reimbursable upon approval by the Chief Counsel, with meals capped at $25 and lodging at state travel reimbursement rates. The proposal submission deadline is March 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM CST, with written questions due by February 26, 2026, to Procurement Officer Lee Askew. The contract period runs from the date of award through December 31, 2027, with options to renew for two additional twelve-month periods.

All bidders must submit a current Tax Clearance Certificate from the Kansas Department of Revenue, a Certification Regarding Immigration Reform and Control form, a Boycott of Israel form, a Sexual Harassment policy form, and confirmation of acceptance of State of Kansas terms and conditions; the State reserves the right to confirm tax status of all potential contractors and subcontractors prior to contract award. Bidders may claim Certified Business or Disabled Veteran Owned Business preferences if they provide supporting documentation, though no specific set-asides are designated for disadvantaged enterprises. This is an indefinite quantity agreement with no guarantee of volume or stated budget range; payment terms are Net 30 days from receipt of goods or services, with no monetary bid guarantee required. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement documents, and bidders must register with the State of Kansas if not already registered, with official bid invitations requested at least 24 hours before the closing date. The State will accept payment via Procurement Card with no additional charges or Electronic Funds Transfer, and all bidder responses become property of the State of Kansas and are subject to the Kansas Open Records Act.