Flexibility in state purchasing contracts can be essential to meeting the needs of AgrAbility clients. Kansas AgrAbility staff worked closely with two regional supervisors from Kansas Rehabilitation Services (KRS) to document common modifications needed for vehicles used in agricultural settings. KRS recently entered into a sole-source contract with a vehicle modification vendor who specializes in van adaptations in the northeast corner of the state. This created a gap in meeting the service needs of individuals engaged in agricultural employment. The KRS regional supervisors used a sample case based on collaboration with KAP staff to justify the need to work outside the existing sole-source state contract particularly when dealing with retrofitting trucks used in agricultural settings. The justification passed KRS central office review and is at the KRS Division of Purchases for review and final approval. This systems change effort will open the door to KAP staff and VR counselors being able to obtain quotes and services from vendors in central and western Kansas who have extensive experience working on agricultural vehicles. Final approval is expected in the next four to six weeks.
Submitted by Sheila Simmons