Public projects we estimate
- K-12 schools funded by bond elections, including additions, renovations and new buildings with storm shelters.
- Higher education projects at state universities and community colleges.
- City and county buildings: fire stations, police facilities, libraries, public works shops, courthouses.
- Water and wastewater: treatment plant upgrades, lift stations, water mains and sewer rehabilitation.
- Transportation: KDOT lettings, city street reconstruction, sidewalks and trails.
- Federal and military: projects at Fort Riley, McConnell Air Force Base and federal agencies, priced with Davis-Bacon wages.
What is different about public bids
Bid forms and unit prices
Public owners compare bids line by line. We build quantities to the owner's exact bid items, units, alternates and allowances, and flag quantity discrepancies in the bid documents early enough for you to submit a question before the deadline.
Sales tax exemption
Projects for Kansas exempt entities such as school districts, cities, counties and certain nonprofit hospitals can be covered by a Project Exemption Certificate (PEC) issued by the Kansas Department of Revenue. A PEC exempts materials and labor for the project, but only purchases made on or after its effective date. We price the project tax-exempt only when the bid documents confirm a PEC. Read more in our Kansas contractor sales tax guide.
Prevailing wage
Kansas has had no state prevailing wage law since 1987, and a 2013 law limits local governments from imposing their own. Federally funded or assisted projects over $2,000 still fall under the Davis-Bacon Act, with wage determinations published on SAM.gov and weekly certified payroll. See our Davis-Bacon guide.
Storm shelters
Kansas lies in the 250 mph shelter design wind-speed zone. Under the 2015 and later International Building Code, new K-12 school buildings with an occupant load of 50 or more, and certain emergency facilities, require ICC 500 storm shelters, which significantly affect structure, envelope and door costs. Our storm shelter cost guide covers benchmarks and estimating steps.
Delivery methods
Kansas public owners use design-bid-build, construction manager at risk and design-build. For CMAR and design-build pursuits we prepare conceptual and GMP estimates; see preliminary budget estimating.
Bid-day support
We can deliver estimates organized for bid-day plugging, with clear sub scope sheets and a quantity summary you can use to check incoming subcontractor bids. Our guide to bidding public projects in Kansas covers plan rooms, prequalification, bonds and common reasons bids are rejected.
It is especially relevant in Topeka and Manhattan, where state, university and federal work is concentrated.
Frequently asked questions
Do Kansas public projects require prevailing wages?
Kansas repealed its state prevailing wage law in 1987, so state and local projects generally do not require prevailing wages. Projects with federal funding, such as many water, transportation and military projects, are subject to the federal Davis-Bacon Act.
Are Kansas school construction projects exempt from sales tax?
Schools and other exempt entities can apply for a Project Exemption Certificate from the Kansas Department of Revenue, which exempts materials and labor for that project. The certificate must be issued before materials are purchased.
Can you match a KDOT bid item list?
Yes. For KDOT and municipal road and utility work, we organize quantities and pricing by the owner's bid item numbers and units so your bid can be entered directly.
What bonds are needed on Kansas public projects?
Most public owners require a bid bond, often 5 percent, with the bid, and performance and payment bonds on award. Kansas law requires payment security on most public works contracts. Always check the instructions to bidders for the exact requirements.