Private contractors are preparing to take over operations of the Kansas child support system from a state agency even as questions remain about how the contracts were awarded.

The private companies will begin administering the system in the coming weeks, taking over operations from Department for Children and Family Services employees who were stationed in court trustee offices statewide.

Contracts were awarded in June on a competitive bid process, though Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley of Topeka says one contractor seemed to have an inside connection to landing the contracts.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Children and Families says those who provide child support services are part of a small industry that has close ties to government.