KCDAKING (County Directors Association)

What is KCDAKING (County Directors Association)?

KCDAKING, the County Directors Association, is a regional cooperative purchasing program that streamlines procurement for governmental entities at the county level and allows government contractors to bid on contracts that potentially encompass multiple agencies. It functions as a legally established mechanism for counties and other eligible entities to leverage combined purchasing power and achieve cost savings.

Definition

KCDAKING provides a platform where multiple county departments, agencies, and potentially other local governmental units can collectively purchase goods and services. This structure enables them to achieve economies of scale, access more competitive pricing, and reduce the administrative burden associated with individual procurement processes. For government contractors, KCDAKING offers a simplified pathway to access opportunities across multiple governmental organizations through a single solicitation and contract. KCDAKING contracts are typically established under the authority of state statutes permitting cooperative purchasing among governmental entities. Participating in KCDAKING solicitations expands a contractor's potential customer base and increases the likelihood of securing valuable government contracts within a specific geographic region.

Key Points

• Regional Focus: KCDAKING specifically targets county-level governmental entities and related organizations within a designated region, giving contractors a defined geographic market.
• Combined Purchasing Power: Member agencies pool their purchasing needs, potentially leading to larger contract values and more attractive opportunities for contractors.
• Streamlined Procurement: A single KCDAKING solicitation can address the needs of multiple entities, reducing the need for contractors to respond to numerous individual bids.
• Cost Savings for Agencies: By leveraging the cooperative, member agencies achieve competitive pricing, enabling more efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Practical Examples

1. IT Services Contract: A county-wide IT services contract could be awarded through KCDAKING, allowing a contractor to provide services to multiple county departments, such as the Sheriff's Office, the Department of Public Works, and the County Clerk's Office.
2. Office Supplies Procurement: Instead of each county department procuring its own office supplies, KCDAKING could solicit bids for a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) covering the entire county's needs, giving a contractor a guaranteed volume of sales.
3. Road Maintenance Equipment: KCDAKING could facilitate the joint purchase of road maintenance equipment, such as snowplows or asphalt pavers, by multiple counties in a region, creating a larger, more attractive contract for equipment suppliers.