Sarasota Bay Estuary Program External Auditing Services

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program was established on July 23, 2004, through an Interlocal Agreement among the City of Sarasota, the City of Bradenton, Sarasota County, Manatee County, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Town of Longboat Key. Operating as an independent special district under Florida Statutes Chapters 163.01 and 189, the Program is part of the national network of 28 estuary programs authorized by the Federal Clean Water Act and overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Its primary mission is to enhance and safeguard Sarasota Bay by improving water quality, restoring habitats, and enriching natural resources for public benefit. Governance is entrusted to a policy board composed of representatives from the member entities, and the Program employs six staff members with a fiscal year 2026 payroll of $490,000. Funding is derived from member contributions and a grant from the EPA under Section 320 of the Clean Water Act, with additional federal grants occasionally secured, potentially triggering the need for a single audit. The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program has issued a solicitation for external auditing services under reference number 26-37JS, posted on July 16, 2026, with a response deadline of August 18, 2026. The solicitation is managed by the Program’s office in Sarasota, Florida, and the point of contact is Jessica Smith, Senior Professional Buyer, reachable via email and phone. The procurement is classified under state, local, and education (SLED) agency type, and the services are expected to support the Program’s financial accountability, particularly in light of potential federal grant requirements. Detailed financial records and program information are accessible through the official Sarasota Bay Estuary Program website.