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Invitation for Quotes: EDC Seeks Accounting Services
Download the PDF Version of this IFQ Here
May 12, 2025

Re: Invitation for Quotes

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC) is accepting an Invitation for Quotes (IFQ) for outsourced accounting and financial services for our organization. A description of our organization, the services needed, and other important information as follows.

Economic Development Corporation Sarasota County

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is a successful 501(c)(6) public-private partnership founded in 2004. We are comprised of community leaders and government officials. We are the designated economic development agent for Sarasota County including the cities of North Port, Venice, and Sarasota, and the Town of Longboat Key. We support diverse business relocations and expansions that complement our community. Our work facilitates new job creation, grows the economy and the tax base, and reduces vulnerability to external shocks that can undermine our community’s long-term health. We are dedicated to collaborating with our stakeholders to identify and successfully grow the diverse business community in Sarasota County.  The EDC’s fiscal year ends on September 30th, with target completion dates for audited financial statements of December 15 and tax filings (Form 990s) of April 15.

Scope of Services

Please include the following services in your proposal to provide services:

1. Month-end general ledger closing procedures in QuickBooks, which may include the following:
   • Prepare any deferred revenue journal entries
   • Post final accounts payable entries, if necessary
   • Post final employee expense / payroll entries
   • Complete depreciation journal entries
   • Prepare and post recurring monthly journal entries
   • Begin preparing non-standard journal entries (review of GL accounts)
   • Complete bank reconciliations and post final cash
2. Monthly Finance Committee financial reports on or about the 15^th of each month
3. Engage EDC Finance Committee to develop short-, medium- and long-term financial plans and projections; Attend Finance and Audit Committees (8 total per year) and provide financial updates
4. Work directly with EDC President & CEO and the Financial Operations Manager to advise on best practicing and process improvements for internal bookkeeping and financial processes.
5. Assess organizational performance against both the annual budget and the EDC’s long-term strategy
6. Ensure timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of financial and management reporting for CEO and board of directors / finance committee
7. Maintain and regularly update year-end and multi-year financial projections
8. Monitor accounts, which may include the following:
   • Cash
   • Accounts Receivable
   • Investments (CDs)
   • Accounts payable
   • Fixed assets and leases
   • Project balances (restricted projects)
   • Payroll reports and inquire of any unusual items
9. Prepare Form 1099s
10. Assist with yearly budget preparation for submission to the Board of Directors and County.
11. Manage preparation and support of all external audits
12. IRS Form 990 preparation (optional: if this service is provided)
13. Economic Development Foundation (a separate 501(c)(3) organization) IRS Form 990 preparation (optional: if this service is provided)
14. Remain compliant with the Florida Sunshine and Public Records Laws

Specific Information Requested in Response

In response to this request, we request the following:

1. Describe any challenges you see meeting the requested scope and technology/ software that will be utilized.
2. Summarize your firm’s experience in providing outsourced accounting and financial services to other nonprofit organizations or foundations. Include a list of the relevant clients the firm has served within the past three years and identify at least two references.
3. Provide, for reference purposes, the names and contact information for at least two other, similarly sized clients of the partner and manager who will be assigned to our organization.
4. Identify the account executive (e.g., partner), manager, and any others who will be assigned to our engagement and provide biographies.
5. Provide a fee structure based on a three-year contract with any monetary guarantees that can be given regarding increases per year.
6. Describe why our selection of your firm is the best decision we could make and provide additional information that would be beneficial to the selection process, including any conflicts of interest in working with EDC and mitigants to those conflicts.
7. Please include a timeline for service implementation once the service contract is agreed upon.

Evaluation

While cost is an important factor, the EDC will evaluate proposals on cost and the following criteria:

• Prior experience with similar organizations
• Qualifications of staff to be assigned to the engagement
• Firm’s understanding of work to be performed
• References
• Completeness and timeliness of the response to this invitation to quote

Our evaluation may include review of additional materials, as needed, and interviews with senior engagement personnel to be assigned to our organization. Firms identified as top candidates may be asked to present to our Finance Committee, as this committee will be responsible for the final selection. Services would be effective for the month of June 2025.

Budget for Accounting and Financial Services

Please include in your response the three (3) year annual costs, including expenses, of the accounting and financial outsourcing services. Also provide budgeted hours and individual billing rates for personnel assigned to the contract used in determining the annual cost. Indicate the billing practices and rates for any additional services that may be required and/or requested beyond the scope of services set forth herein.

Responses to this IFQs should be sent to:

Erin Silk, President & CEO

Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County
301 N. Cattlemen Rd., Suite 203
Sarasota, Florida 34232

OR

esilk@edcsarasotacounty.com

Please submit your response for consideration by May 31, 2025.
For additional information, please contact Erin Silk. She will provide copies of our most recent audit and monthly internal financial statements, upon request.

D-Trans LLC is a full-service trucking and logistics company dedicated to the service-sensitive sector and high-value shippers needing advanced security. D-Trans LLC has 15 years of experience in providing qualified truckload, less-than-truckload, and logistics services throughout the United States and Canada. Their corporate headquarters is located in Venice, FL.

Link to original post: SRQMagazine.com
Written by: Erin Silk, CEcD, President & CEO
Published on September 28, 2024

 

Full Circle: The Story of the Collaboration Between D-Trans LLC and the EDC of Sarasota County

 

Located in a bustling corporate park off Jacaranda Boulevard in Venice, D-Trans LLC’s new corporate headquarters is not only open for business, but it is also a beautiful building. When entering the pristine office, a person’s eyes are drawn to the natural beauty that can be seen outside every window. The corporate office and bonded warehouse facility were thoughtfully designed to service their nationwide freight operations while embracing the beauty of Florida’s natural fauna. As a full-service trucking and logistics company, D-Trans is dedicated to the service-sensitive sector and high-value shippers, providing advanced security and reliability. Their new facility adds 25,000 sq. ft. to the company’s footprint in Sarasota County. The journey to this successful point was challenging, but D-Trans never wavered.

D-Trans was co-founded in September 2005 by Vladimir (Vlad) and Tanya Durshpek in Portland, Oregon, only five months after they were married. It consisted of one truck. Vlad had always aspired to work in the trucking and logistics industries. Tanya played a vital role in the establishment of D-Trans. She did everything, from working on operational policies to overseeing the company’s finances and working together with her husband to ensure the company’s success.

In 2008, the Durshpeks moved their business to Sarasota County. Over the next decade, the staff grew to 40 employees, serving most of the United States. It was in 2020 that Vlad first contacted the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County (EDC). Shortly after, the teams started working together. The EDC assisted Vlad and Tanya as they embarked on a growth plan to double their staff and capabilities. The EDC became part of their project team, helping to navigate the permitting processes, utility hookups, and much more.

D-Trans will expand its capabilities in its new corporate headquarters, adding 50 new team members over the next three years. “People are vital to building a company and culture,” says Vlad.

As D-Trans continues to prosper, the EDC will remain a key partner. Vlad and his team are now eager to give back to the community that has supported them by helping other local entrepreneurs and contributing to the economic development of Sarasota County. This commitment to supporting our community is a testament to why small businesses like D-Trans are vital to a vibrant Sarasota County.

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is a team of engaged public and private leaders committed to being the catalyst for a sustainable, globally competitive, vibrant economy. Their mission is to grow and diversify the economy of Sarasota County while enhancing its unique natural and cultural environment. To learn more about the EDC of Sarasota County, visit www.edcsarasotacounty.com.

 

Ringling College student Jenna Watts ’25 (middle), Virtual Reality Development, attended the AWE Conference in California alongside (from left-right) Robin Moulder, CEO of 3lb Games and recipient of 2024 AWE Auggie Award Best Indie Creator; Ginna Lambert, LighthouseXR; Karen Alexander, co-founder and executive director of XRWomen; and Christine Hill Hobbi, chief immersion officer, ServiceAlliance International.

For over 85 years, Ringling College of Art and Design has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The private, not-for-profit fully accredited college offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 11 disciplines and the Bachelor of Arts in two. The College’s rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive, first-year program that is both specific to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. The Ringling College teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers.

Link to official blog post: ringling.edu
Written by: Ringling College communications
Published on July 2, 2024

 

Ringling College forms first-ever XR Women student chapter 

 

Ringling College of Art and Design has formally established the first-ever student chapter of XR Women, a global community promoting women’s participation in XR (Extended Reality) technologies. The historic partnership was announced June 19 during the 4th Annual XR Women Awards at the Augmented World Expo (AWE) in Longbeach, California.

Ana Carolina Pereira, a member of the Ringling Virtual Reality Development and Game Art departments, will serve as the student chapter’s faculty representative.

Ringling’s VR students have been taking part in XR Women events over the past year-including the AWE, where Ringling student Jenna Watts ’25, Virtual Reality Development, was onsite for the announcement. XR Women also hosts weekly online meetups inside virtual settings, where members around the world can share their work and experiences.

Now, Ringling College students will be able to participate in activities designed specifically to engage and support the next generation of women leaders in XR technology. After each chapter event, students will have the opportunity to give the organization feedback on their experiences.

The academic year will culminate in a presentation by the Ringling chapter detailing their takeaways, to be showcased on the XR Women social media accounts and virtual platforms. That year-end report will also allow both institutions to assess how well the partnership is meeting their goals.

“We’re thrilled to establish the first-ever student chapter of XR Women at Ringling College, aligning our VR program with such an influential group of industry leaders,” said Martin Murphy, Joel and Gail Morganroth Endowed Head for Virtual Reality. “By identifying this opportunity and securing the partnership, our goal is to inspire and empower our students through unparalleled access to resources, networking and mentorship, driving the future of XR technology and reinforcing Ringling’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

The XR Women student chapter at Ringling College was made possible in part by a generous gift from Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth. Their financial contribution was the first-ever eight-figure gift donated to support the College’s Virtual Reality program.

Contact:
Office of Marketing and Communications
communications@ringling.edu
941-309-4008

Ringling College’s new Artificial Intelligence Undergraduate Certificate program is the first of its kind at an art and design college. Provided By Ringling College

For over 85 years, Ringling College of Art and Design has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The private, not-for-profit fully accredited college offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 11 disciplines and the Bachelor of Arts in two. The College’s rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive, first-year program that is both specific to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. The Ringling College teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers.

Link to official article here: heraldtribune.com
Written by: Ringling College communications
Published on May 7, 2024

 

Ringling College of Art and Design launches AI undergraduate certificate program

 

Ringling College of Art and Design is launching a new Artificial Intelligence Undergraduate Certificate program, the first of its kind at an art and design college.

The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex impact of AI on creative industries of all kinds. While AI can provide powerful creative tools, the technology has been developed using methods that raise serious moral and legal concerns. Ringling College has designed a program that prepares students for careers merging AI with art, design, and creativity in a responsible and ethical manner.

“AI is scary, exciting, revolutionary, and sometimes feels like an existential threat to creators of all kinds. At Ringling College, we are committed to innovation and providing our students with the tools they need to thrive in constantly evolving creative professions,” said Rick Dakan, AI coordinator at Ringling College. “The AI Undergraduate Certificate program is a proactive response to the rapid technological changes reshaping the creative landscape.”

The certificate program is available as an option to all Ringling College students pursuing studies in 13 different majors. The three-course program covers fundamental AI and machine learning principles, their application in creative contexts, and the ethical, societal, and cultural implications of AI in art and design. Through hands-on experience with AI tools and a focus on responsible integration of AI in creative practices, students will gain the skills and knowledge needed to tackle real-world challenges and succeed in AI-driven creative industries.

“Creativity is the heart of the future,” Ringling College President Larry R. Thompson said. “All that creativity encompasses – imagination, design thinking, emotional intelligence, and a holistic perspective – will fuel our future economy, and society. Therefore, it’s our responsibility as an institution of higher and creative learning to teach our students how to responsibly leverage this new tool to their advantage; much in the same way as we did several years ago when the computer was introduced to art and design and became the new paintbrush.”

Upon completion of the program, students will have a portfolio showcasing their ability to innovatively apply AI in their creative work. This program will add another credential to their resume, positioning these students as competitive candidates in the job market. For more information, visit ringling.edu/minors.

Submitted by Ringling College communications

Nucleus is a Risk Based Vulnerability Management (RBVM) solution that automates vulnerability management processes and workflows, enabling organizations to mitigate vulnerabilities 10 time faster, using a fraction of the resources that it takes to perform these tasks today.

Link to official article here: nucleussec.com/blog. 
Written by: Steve Carter
February 12, 2024

 

How Nucleus Security’s $43M Series B Funding Powers Enterprise Risk-Based Vulnerability Management Innovation

 

We at Nucleus Security are thrilled to share our journey and vision following our recent $43 million Series B funding round.

This investment, led by Arthur Ventures and Lead Edge Capital, is a testament to our commitment to leading the charge in vulnerability management innovation and our dedication to protecting digital infrastructures worldwide.

Read the full press release here. 

 

A Deep Dive into Our Government Collaboration

Our roots are deeply embedded in solving the complex issues faced by government agencies.

As such, our partnership with In-Q-Tel (IQT), the not-for-profit strategic investor for the U.S. national security community and its allies, who also joined the Series B round as a new investor and partner, is a cornerstone of our strategic direction.

This collaboration not only brings us closer to the cutting-edge needs of the national security community but also enables us to tailor our solutions to the unique challenges faced by government agencies and nuanced requirements of government organizations.

Our alliance with In-Q-Tel (IQT) is built on a mutual understanding of the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure and sensitive data against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Explore Unified Vulnerability Management Built for the Federal Government

 

Innovation at the Core of Our Technology Strategy 

From day one, our mission has been clear: to tackle the toughest cybersecurity challenges out there. It’s been a thrilling adventure, filled with ups and downs, but always driven by our passion for making the digital world a safer place. This Series B funding is fueling an aggressive technology roadmap aimed at redefining risk-based vulnerability management.

Here’s a glimpse into the future we’re building: 

 

Elevating Risk-Based Vulnerability Management

Our enterprise vulnerability management platform is evolving to incorporate more dynamic threat intelligence feeds, offering real-time insights into the threat landscape. This capability allows us to provide more contextual risk assessments, enabling security teams to prioritize their responses based on the most current and relevant information.

Watch Now: How to Operationalize Vulnerability Threat Intelligence. 

 

Streamlining Cross-Functional Collaboration 

Recognizing the critical role of collaboration in effective cybersecurity and vulnerability management programs, we’re enhancing our platform and our integrations to facilitate seamless interaction between IT, security, and development teams. Our goal is to streamline the vulnerability management process, making it more efficient and effective by integrating automated workflows and collaboration tools.

Watch Now: How to Automate and Streamline Vulnerability Management Processes. 

 

The Vision for a Unified Vulnerability Management Platform 

Looking ahead, we’re focused on consolidating disparate cybersecurity tools and data source in a unified vulnerability management platform. This “single pane of glass” approach is designed to give decision-makers a holistic view of their organization’s security posture, enabling more informed strategic decisions.

Join Us: Visualizing Vulnerability Management: What Does a Single Pane of Glass Really Look Like?

 

Gearing Up for Growth 

All this innovation is fantastic, but we also know that growth is key. We’re thrilled to share that we’ve seen our enterprise customer base more that double recently. This funding round is our ticket to scaling up our team and capabilities to keep that momentum going. We’re not just planning to stay ahead of the curve; we’re aiming to redefine it.

 

What’s Next? 

So, what does all this mean for you? If you’re grappling with the complexity of cyber threats and vulnerabilities, we want to be your go-to ally. With out latest funding, top-tier investors, and a commitment to innovation in the risk-based vulnerability management space, we’re all set to help you navigate these challenges with confidence. We can’t wait to show you what’s in store.

 

– Steve Carter, Co-Founder and CEO of Nucleus Security

Consultant Connect, a national consulting firm focusing on strengthening partnerships between economic developers and site selectors, has named EDC of Sarasota County President & CEO Erin Silk, CEcD, one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers of 2024. (Photo/Lori Sax)

Erin, originally from Columbia, MD, has forged a successful career in economic development with a diverse background in international logistics and business management. Her professional journey commenced at a Baltimore manufacturing headquarters, where she managed international shipping logistics and oversaw large national accounts.

Following a family tradition, Erin became the fourth generation to relocate to Sarasota County, where, since 2015, she has passionately championed economic development initiatives.

She first joined the EDC in 2019 as Director, Business Development Services. She has since then worked her way through the ranks, from Vice President, Business Development Services, Chief Operating Officer, and then President & CEO. Each of her roles has better prepared her for the next.

Under Erin’s leadership, the EDC has effectively managed a robust pipeline of 75 diverse company expansions and relocations, attracting substantial new capital investments in Sarasota County. With $13.4 million in new capital investment made by businesses supported by the EDC during 2023 and additional projects in various stages, nearing establishment over through 2027. These projects are projected to exceed $50 million in investment in the coming years. Through her innovative approach, the organization has spearheaded groundbreaking programs that are reshaping the economic landscape of Sarasota County, such as CreateSRQ – a national campaign focused on branding Sarasota County as the chosen destination for creative industries.

Erin’s passion for economic development shines through her exceptional wealth of knowledge and the example with which she leads her team.

According to Consultant Connect’s website, the Top 50 Economic Developer Award by Consultant Connect is a prestigious recognition that celebrates the outstanding achievements of economic developers across North America. This accolade honors professionals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and effectiveness in driving economic growth and prosperity in their communities. Economic developers play a vital role in fostering business expansion, job creation, and overall economic vitality. The Top 50 Economic Developer Award acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to their regions by implementing strategic initiatives, forging partnerships, and leveraging resources to stimulate economic development.

Through their vision, leadership, and collaborative efforts, awardees have successfully attracted investments, supported local businesses, and enhanced the competitiveness of their communities in the global marketplace. Consultant Connect’s recognition highlights the importance of economic development efforts in fueling sustainable growth and improving the quality of life for residents. Winners of the Top 50 Economic Developer Award serve as exemplars of excellence in the field, inspiring others to emulate their success and drive positive change in their respective regions.

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County is a team of engaged public and private leaders committed to being the catalyst for a sustainable, globally competitive, vibrant economy. Their mission is to grow, diversify, and sustain the economy of Sarasota County.