The Sarasota Bay Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing came into existence July 12, 2002. 

As our first Chapter President, Bernadette O’Brien said, “I was just so surprised that once we started the process how quickly we gained momentum in forming the Chapter. We have a great group of quite diverse entities in the Sarasota Bay Chapter and look forward to sharing our experiences and helping everyone within the chapter.”

As a chapter our purpose is to provide programs, products, and services for public purchasing entities.

• We intend to enable public purchasers to exchange useful information about policies, practices, procedures, products, and services of common interest.
  
• We will facilitate the conduct of purchasing activities by government and other public agencies and assist other charitable and educational organizations in the conduct of similar activities.
  
• We are enabled to provide these programs and services as a nonprofit association.