Board approves $65,352 upgrade to Project Docs software for commercial plan review

On Oct. 10, 2024 the Sedgwick County Board of Bidding Contracts approved a $65,352 quote from Evolve Software Corporation to upgrade Project Docs, the building plan review software used by the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD).

Lee Barrier, speaking for MABCD, told the board the department currently uses version 9.2 and that the vendor is offering version 9.4. Barrier said the department delayed a 9.3 upgrade last year to defer costs but now needs features in the new release to maintain service levels and to add two new jurisdictions that will use MABCD for plan review. He said the upgrade and required 9.3/9.4 changes together are the most timely and cost-effective approach.

Board members asked if the upgrade would change ongoing annual license or maintenance costs. Chris Labrum, director of MABCD, said the department pays annual service and maintenance fees that will not change; the $65,352 is a one-time charge to implement the upgrade and any required training and go-live tasks. Barrier also said the Project Docs costs are funded through permit fees charged to customers.

A motion to accept the Evolve Software quote was made and seconded; the board recorded affirmative responses for Tim Myers, Jennifer Blasey and Anna Meyer (the transcript contains two different spellings for the last name). The motion passed.