Technical Application Review

The Kansas Water Office is conducting a competitive procurement for technical water experts to review grant applications for the Technical Assistance Grant Fund and Water Projects Grant Fund, established through Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302. The primary objective is to engage a vendor with specific Kansas water infrastructure experience to conduct comprehensive technical feasibility reviews of approximately 50 grant applications. Vendors will be required to perform an initial meeting with the Kansas Water Office, evaluate each application for risks, challenges, and opportunities, and provide ongoing consultation during the grant awardee selection process. The procurement is structured as a one-year contract for the FY26 grant application cycle, with potential rebidding for future cycles. The solicitation (Event ID 17300-EVT0010466) was posted on August 21, 2025, with proposals due on September 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM CDT. Bidders must submit a technical proposal detailing qualifications, experience, references, and a proposed methodology for implementing review services. The deliverable is a comprehensive review of grant applications, with a final submission deadline of December 31, 2025.

The procurement includes several set-aside and preference provisions, specifically for Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses and Certified Businesses. Potential bidders must navigate specific state procurement requirements, including vendor registration and submission of a current Tax Clearance Certificate. Mandatory forms related to immigration reform, sexual harassment policies, and boycott regulations must be completed as part of the proposal. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the contract will be funded through the State Water Plan Fund, which received increased legislative support in 2023. No explicit budget range is provided in the documentation, but bidders are required to complete a cost sheet with proposed hourly rates for the initial meeting, application reviews, and support meetings. Vendors must be officially invited to participate and are expected to request an invitation at least 24 hours before the event's closing, demonstrating a structured and controlled procurement process designed to ensure qualified and experienced participants.