Topeka ? The Kansas Bioscience Authority on Monday said it has hired a firm to conduct a forensic audit of the agency.

The KBA has been under fire from Gov. Sam Brownback, who said public confidence in the economic development agency has been shaken by reports of a criminal investigation into it.

KBA board President John Carlin said the board hired BKD LLP, one of the 10 largest CPA and advisory firms in the country, to make an independent audit of the KBA.

In a letter to Brownback, legislative leaders, Attorney General Derek Schmidt and Johnson Country District Attorney Steve Howe, Carlin invited them to address all matters of concern to BKD’s team.

“Finally, I reiterate the board’s complete assurance that, as has always been the case, we are fully committed to a policy of maximum accountability and transparency and proper use of public funds,” Carlin said. In the letter, there was no timetable on when the audit would be completed.

Prosecutors have refused to disclose anything about the investigation.

The authority is responsible for investing $581million in tax dollars to develop the bioscience industry in Kansas.

Sen. Susan Wagle, R-Wichita, has held several meetings in which she has criticized KBA leaders, but officials with the agency have said her comments are off base.