Volume 45 - Issue 15 - April 9, 2026

State of Kansas

Department of Transportation

Request for Proposals

106 P-1809-26- Kansas District Road Safety Plans

Notice to Consulting Firms

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is seeking a qualified consulting firm or team of firms to perform professional services for the project(s) described below. Interested consultants must submit a proposal as laid out herein by 12:00 p.m. (Central Time) April 29, 2026, to be considered for selection.

Consultant Prequalification

Interested consulting firms must be prequalified by KDOT or otherwise demonstrate qualification in the following category(s):

• 162 – Long Range Planning

If a firm is not currently prequalified by KDOT in any of the required categories, a proposal may still be submitted. Firms not prequalified must also provide documentation that demonstrates the firm is qualified for each specified category listed in this solicitation for the project. Firms must use the KDOT prequalification form to provide this documentation. KDOT 1050 Prequalification Category Definitions (Blue Book) can be found at https://www.ksdot.gov/doing-business/design-consultants/design-consultant-prequalification. Consultants may create a team to meet the prequalification requirements. All firms doing business with KDOT must be registered and in good standing under the laws of the State of Kansas at the time of contracting and must comply with applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

Development of KDOT District Road Safety Plans Introduction

Kansas’ recent development of the Drive To Zero (DTZ) Plan includes strategies and initiatives to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes in Kansas. One strategy within this plan is to develop District Road Safety Plans (DRSPs) for state system roads and highways in each of the six KDOT districts. The DRSPs are intended to support data-driven identification of safety priorities and roadway improvements on the KDOT system that offer the greatest potential safety benefit. The Drive To Zero Plan can be found at https://www.ksdot.gov/about/publications-and-reports/strategic-highway-safety-plan.

Background

Kansas is guided by a framework of roadway safety plans that serve different, but complementary, purposes. At the statewide level, the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) and DTZ Plan, sets the vision, goals, and emphasis areas for roadway safety. Through adoption of the Safe System Approach (SSA), the Kansas DTZ Plan establishes a comprehensive framework to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes by embedding system-wide redundancies and addressing the interconnected elements of behavior, design, speed, vehicle safety, and post-crash care. District Road Safety Plans (DRSPs) are intended to function as an extension of the DTZ Plan, moving strategies from vision and planning to programs, projects, and implementation. The District Road Safety Plans strategy is described in the DTZ Plan Safer Roads Strategy 5.

The DRSPs may be informed by previously identified safety priorities and projects from traffic engineering studies, corridor plans or studies, safety performance analysis, safety systemic analysis, and various local road safety plans (where local roads connect to the KDOT system).

Project Approach

KDOT seeks proposals from qualified consultants outlining their proposed approach to accomplishing the outcomes and outputs defined in the project scope and addressing the questions and considerations detailed within.

Anticipated Project and Consultant Scope

The scope included herein may not be all-inclusive. A scoping meeting will take place after consultant selection is made. KDOT anticipates the following to be included in the project and consultant’s scope.

Project Scope

This project will include two phases of work. Phase A will involve the development of a work plan and replicable plan template that standardize and document the methodology to develop a DRSP. Phase B will produce an actual DRSP, using the methodology and template developed in Phase A. Lessons learned in Phase B will also be used to update the methodology developed in Phase A.

Phase A

The purpose of Phase A is to develop a work plan that establishes a uniform, data-driven process and clear requirements for DRSPs. In addition, a replicable plan template will be created to ensure consistency among plans.

The consultant will work with the project management team and KDOT’s SAFE-T steering committee to weigh options and make decisions leading to the deliverables of Phase A. First, the consultant should compile examples from other states to provide recommendations and options to be considered. The consultant may also refer to existing KDOT plans, including but not limited to Local Road Safety Plans and Corridor Plans. The consultant should establish innovative methodologies and tools to streamline data compilation and analysis, compile previous study recommendations, and data use in project scoring. KDOT will provide the consultant with access to the AASHTOWare Safety application to support work under this project.

Work Plan Development

Following the document review and discussion, work can begin on establishing the methodology, standard practices, and guidance that will inform the work plan and support DRSP development. Considerations for the work plan include, but are not limited to:

1. Alignment with other plans/studies:
   1. What are the existing plans and studies that should be utilized in the DRSP development process (e.g., SHSP, SS4A, LRSP, TEAP, etc.)?
2. Eligible State system roads and highways:
   1. What State system roads and highways are to be included in the DRSPs (e.g., City Connecting Links, MPO areas, etc.)?
3. Data sources and analysis:
   1. What types of safety data should be used and analyzed (e.g., crash, volume and roadway data) and how should it be depicted (e.g., visualizations) in each DRSP?
      1. The consultant will utilize KDOT’s safety performance analysis as well as the vulnerable road user systemic analysis to determine crash patterns by location, crash type, roadway/intersection type, and any circumstances of the crash which would lead to potential countermeasure identification.
4. Countermeasure recommendations – nominal and substantive safety:
   1. How will potential infrastructure countermeasures be identified and applied? (e.g. Through existing plans and studies? Through systemic or systematic application?)
   2. Will the DRSP provide low, medium and high-cost countermeasure recommendations?
   3. Will non-engineering countermeasures be included in the DRSPs (e.g., education, enforcement, emergency response) and how will they be identified?
   4. Will policy, practice or standards recommendations be included?
5. Project identification/list:
   1. How will projects be selected and prioritized for inclusion in the plan?
      1. How will KDOT’s existing analysis be used (i.e., level of service of safety (LOSS) and vulnerable road user safety assessment)?
      2. Will cost-benefit analysis be conducted?
      3. What will be the prioritization factors and weights?
   2. What will be included in project cut sheets? (e.g., location description, location maps, priority ranking summary, estimated cost summary, project purpose and need, etc.)
6. Stakeholder engagement:
   1. Beyond the SAFE-T Steering Committee, should additional stakeholders be engaged in the process or informed of the plan’s recommendations? When, how and how frequently will KDOT and the consultant engage these stakeholders?
7. Timeframe:
   1. How much time and what resources will be needed to complete a DRSP? (e.g., preparation of a scope of work for future DRSPs)

Template Structure for DRSP

The consultant shall develop a standardized, replicable template for KDOT DRSPs. This template will serve as the framework for all subsequent district-level road safety plans including the document layout and required contents of a DRSP.

The template shall:

• Be informed by and directly aligned with the approved Work Plan, including the processes, procedures, analytical methods, and steering committee and/or stakeholder engagement approach.
• Reflect the vision of the Kansas DTZ Plan, including alignment with the Safe System Approach including the objectives of Safer People, Safer Roads, Safer Speeds, Safer Vehicles and Post- Crash Care.
• Provide a clear outline structure (headings, required sections, and recommended content) to ensure consistency across districts. Provide templates for all documents and graphics including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ArcGIS.
• Identify and document required data inputs, analysis steps, prioritization methodology, and performance measures.
• Include guidance prompts and instructions to support consistent application by KDOT staff or future consultants.
• Be scalable and adaptable to districts of varying size and data availability.

The intent is to institutionalize the planning process developed under this contract so that future DRSPs can be prepared efficiently, consistently, and in accordance with established procedures.

Phase A Deliverables

Recommendations or options from other states, specifically states that are geographically similar to Kansas.

• Draft DRSP Work Plan.
• Final DRSP Work Plan.
• Draft DRSP Templates.
• Final DRSP Templates.

Phase B

Execution of Work Plan for a KDOT District

Phase B is dependent on completion and acceptance of Phase A by the project management team and steering committee. In Phase B, the consultant will execute the work plan established in Phase A to complete one DRSP following the completed template structure. KDOT’s District 2 will serve as the pilot District.

Completion of the plan should incorporate input from District staff and other stakeholder types identified in Phase A and will accurately follow the methodologies, standard practices and guidance outlined in the Work Plan. If a practice or process outlined in the work plan is not functioning as intended, the consultant should communicate with the project management team and steering committee prior to making modifications to the Work Plan or Template. Any adjustments should be documented for future consideration.

Data Analysis for District 2 DRSP

In the development of KDOT’s District 2 DRSP, the consultant is expected to, at a minimum, conduct analysis of crash data and other supporting data to inform decisions to be made by KDOT staff. The consultant will produce supporting graphics, figures or tables to summarize data analysis.

KDOT will provide crash data, current safety performance analysis, and roadway data. Current and already planned project information will be provided by KDOT through existing plans and/or studies.

Modifications to DRSP Work Plan

After completing the District 2 DRSP, the consultant will document lessons learned and provide the project management team and steering committee with recommendations for modifying the DRSP Work Plan and Template. After approval by the project team and steering committee, the consultant will update and finalize any relevant Phase A deliverables.

Note, the remaining five DRSPs will utilize the work plan and template developed in this contract; however, additional DRSPs will be solicited in a separate RFP.

Phase B Deliverables

• Data analysis for the District 2 Work Plan
• Draft District 2 DRSP
• Final District 2 DRSP
• Lessons Learned
• Recommended Modifications to DRSP Work Plan and Template(s)
• Draft Revised DRSP Work Plan
• Final DRSP Work Plan

Anticipated Consultant Scope (not mentioned above)

• Project Management:
  • Consultant will develop a timeline including milestones and deliverables.
  • Consultant will track milestone progress and schedule.
  • Consultant will host project management meetings with appropriate KDOT staff and other stakeholders as needed and directed by KDOT.
  • Consultant’s operation of this contract will include timely submissions of contract documents (i.e., monthly progress reports, budget management, invoices, etc.)
  • Consultant will create a SharePoint or other document sharing electronic website to manage materials, agendas, minutes and other project documents.
• Document Review:
  • Consultant will review the current Drive To Zero Plan.
  • Consultant will review and report possible safety research or applications of information that may be valuable to this effort, including peer states and their regional/District Road Safety Plan structures.
  • Consultant will review and compile recommendations from existing plans and/or studies within a KDOT District, including but not limited to Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), Local Road Safety Plans (LRSP), corridor plans/studies, and traffic studies.

Preferred Consultant Team Qualifications

• The consultant team should:
  • Include the disciplines needed to successfully conduct this work (planning, engineering, safety analysis, facilitation).
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and objectives of the Safe System Approach and how they are relevant and should be considered in the DRSP process.
  • Have familiarity with Federal and State DOT processes, programs and plans.
  • Consultant experience must include project management; stakeholder facilitation and organizing; subject matter expertise in the Safe System Approach; behavioral and engineering strategies to improve traffic safety, and traffic safety culture; technical writing and editing; graphic design; and publishing.
  • Consultant should have experience with the transportation system network planning and project prioritization methods.

Anticipated Schedule and Key Dates

1. Proposals are due by or before 12:00 p.m. (Central Time) April 29, 2026.
2. Ranking of proposals is expected to occur on or around May 13, 2026. Negotiations with the most highly ranked firm are expected to begin on or around June 3, 2026. An executed agreement is anticipated around June 24, 2026.
3. The program fiscal year for this project is FY2026 (July 2025 – June 2026).

Instructions for Proposal

1. No cost or pricing information shall be submitted with the proposal. Proposals including cost or pricing information will be considered non-responsive and withdrawn from further consideration.
2. The consultant’s proposal must not exceed 8 pages total (including any cover letter, index, etc.). All pages shall be standard letter size (8.5” x 11”). Any page larger than standard letter size will be counted as two or more pages depending on size.
3. A single PDF (10 MB maximum size) of the proposal must be uploaded to the appropriate bid form on Bid Express by the proposal due date and time.
4. The proposal PDF file name must read:
   1. “106 P-1809-26_Kansas District Road Safety PlansFIRM NAME”
5. The proposal must be accompanied by Special Attachments No. 8 (“Tax Clearance Certificate”), No. 10 (“Policy Regarding Sexual Harassment”), and No. 12 (“Certification of Company Not Currently Engaged in the Procurement or Obtainment of Certain Equipment, Services, or Systems”). If you need a Tax Clearance Certificate, you can request one at https://www.ksrevenue.gov/taxclearance.html. Allow 2-3 business days for processing. Both attachments are required for every firm involved in a multi-consultant team. Upload these files as instructed in Bid Express.
6. Note, Federal Restrictions on Foreign Drones: Effective December 22, 2025, the American Security Drone Act of 2023 (ASDA) and OMB Memorandum M-26-02 strictly prohibit the use of federal funds for UAS manufactured by covered foreign entities. This includes any aircraft, flight controller, camera, or ground control station supplied by a manufacturer that is based in, or subject to the control of, a foreign adversary country, specifically the People’s Republic of China.
   
   This prohibition restricts the use of drones from these countries on any federal-aid project even if the drone related costs are billed separately or not at all. Any use of these covered drones including operation, maintenance or data processing on federal aid projects is prohibited. KDOT is evaluating adding a contract provision acknowledging this requirement on contracts moving forward. The prime consultant shall remain fully responsible for monitoring their team, (subconsultant and vendor) compliance with this requirement.
7. The outline in Table 1 below describes the expected proposal organization and content sections.
8. Depending on the number and quality of responses received, KDOT anticipates shortlisting (based on proposals) and if chooses to hold interviews prior to final selection (which may be based on both proposal and interview content). If KDOT deems interviews to be necessary, interview details and requirements and evaluation criteria for the interview will be distributed to shortlisted consultant teams in advance.
9. Table 2 lists the evaluation criteria and associated weights which will be used to shortlist respondents and may be considered in final selection.

Table 1: Proposal Content
Section	Description of Intent	Page Limit
Cover Letter		1 Page
Project Approach	Demonstrate a unique approach to accomplish the work efficiently and to a high standard. Include the disciplines needed to successfully conduct this work (planning, engineering, safety analysis, facilitation. Include unique qualifications or experience related to the project approach.
Approach to Schedule	Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and objectives of the Safe System Approach and how they are relevant and should be considered in the DRSP process. Describe the approach to accomplish the scope of services within the schedule requirements. Include anticipated key milestone dates and availability of staff.
Approach to Quality Control	Describe methods or procedures your firm will use to provide all reports and other services with professional quality and technical accuracy.
Qualifications and Experience	For key personnel to be assigned to the project provide names, office location, qualifications, education, training, and expertise. Identify their area(s) of responsibility and percent of their time dedicated to the project. List work for which you do not have in- house capability and name the firm you propose to subcontract with. Consultant experience must include project management; stakeholder facilitation and organizing; subject matter expertise in the Safe System Approach; behavioral and engineering strategies to improve traffic safety, and traffic safety culture; technical writing and editing; graphic design; and publishing.
Past Performance	Describe team’s past performance with respect to ability to meet project schedules; quality of work; and ability to control costs on similar transportation projects, especially those performed for KDOT. Include three references and contact information.
Familiarity with KDOT and Project Area	Describe team’s familiarity with KDOT’s design process and standards. Describe familiarity with this type of project and any identified special conditions. Have familiarity with Federal and State DOT processes, programs and plans. Consultant should have experience with the transportation system network planning and project prioritization methods.

Table 2: Evaluation Factors
Evaluation Factor	Weight
Qualifications and experience of project manager and other key project team members proposed for services	25%
Approach and commitment to meet advertised schedule	20%
Past performance history for similar projects/services for KDOT	5%
Availability to respond to the work	15%
Approach to quality control	15%
Demonstrated understanding of nature and scope of project	20%

Contract Terms and Conditions

A standard KDOT agreement for engineering and technical services will be used for professional services projects. The following special attachments will need to be provided by the selected consultant and all subconsultants with the signed work order following negotiations and will become attachments to the contract:

• Special Attachment No. 8 (“Tax Clearance Certificate”)
• Special Attachment No. 10 (“Policy Regarding Sexual Harassment”)
• Special Attachment No. 12 (“Certification of Company Not Currently Engaged in the Procurement or Obtainment of Certain Equipment, Services, or Systems”)

Special Contract Conditions Questions

All questions regarding this Request for Proposals shall be submitted via Q&A section of bid form in Bid Express.

Questions can be submitted until April 16, 2026; answers will be provided to all prequalified consultants on April 23, 2026.

Calvin Reed
Secretary
Kansas Department of Transportation

Doc. No. 054037