ARTICLE
For Immediate Release: Sept. 6, 2019 Contact: Jason Bartolone, Communications Specialist 941-928-3988 Jason.bartolone@SarasotaFL.gov City to hold training sessions on new bid solicitation program Sarasota, FL: The City of Sarasota is transitioning to a new bid solicitation program that will help improve the procurement process for both the Purchasing Division and vendors who do business with the City. Beginning Oct. 1, the division will make the switch from DemandStar, the system it currently uses to publish solicitations. Vendors can register for the new BidSync program for free online, or existing BidSync users can add the City of Sarasota to their notification group. BidSync is considered one of the leaders in the government procurement industry and is also used by Sarasota County and many other municipalities. There will be four scheduled training and registration sessions around the community to assist vendors in signing up in the new system, which will also include some education on the City’s procurement process. Attendees can visit any time during the sessions, and no registration is required. Sessions will be held: • Tuesday, Sept. 10 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, 1845 34th St. • Tuesday, Sept. 24 – Noon to 8 p.m. in Room 112 at City Hall, 1565 1st St. • Saturday, Sept. 28 – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Office of Economic Development, 1782 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way • Thursday, Oct. 10 – 8 a.m. to noon at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, 1945 Fruitville Road The City’s Purchasing Division is responsible for competitively acquiring goods and services, administering contracts, approving payments and more while ensuring the best value for taxpayers. The division recently received the Achievement of Excellence award from the National Procurement Institute, becoming one of just 25 recipients in Florida and 201 winners nationwide. It was the fifth straight year the City’s team has been honored. For more information contact David Boswell, Purchasing General Manager: 941-926-6448. -30- About the City of Sarasota: Distinguished by U.S. News and World Report as the 18th Best Place to Live in the U.S., the City of Sarasota is a diverse community located on Florida’s Suncoast with 55,000 year-round residents, several internationally recognized cultural arts venues, stunning sunsets along Lido Beach, a 45-hole municipal golf course at the historic Bobby Jones Golf Club, and Major League spring training baseball with the Baltimore Orioles. Learn more about us at www.SarasotaFL.Gov Connect with Us: Facebook: City of Sarasota Twitter: City of Sarasota YouTube: City of Sarasota Flickr: City of Sarasota