Evaluating SOFTwarfare, LLC’s Use of Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) 1.0 Grant Funding (Limited-Scope)

The Building a Stronger Economy 1.0 grant program (or BASE 1.0 grant program) awarded almost $100 million in federal funds to Kansas businesses for infrastructure development. The Department of Commerce awarded SOFTwarfare a BASE 1.0 grant in April 2022 to build a data center in Great Bend, Kansas. SOFTwarfare’s grant agreement allowed them to use grant funds for construction and equipment costs and matching funds for permitting, inspection, and administrative costs. As of September 30, 2024, SOFTwarfare spent grant funds and matching contributions on the types of items allowed in the award agreement. Some of the expenditures differed from the specifics in the award agreement but Commerce staff accepted the deviations. However, SOFTwarfare didn’t spend all the grant funds by July 6, 2024 as the contract required and Commerce officials did not proactively adjust the deadline.