DATE: December 6, 2016
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Margaret Mims, Sheriff-Coroner
SUBJECT: Agreement with Serological Research Institute for DNA Forensic Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Make a finding that it is in the best interest of the County to waive the competitive bidding process consistent with Administrative Policy No. 34 for unusual or extraordinary circumstances for the solicitation of Forensic DNA services for the Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office; and
2. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute Agreement with Serological Research Institute, Inc., to provide grant funded and overflow Forensic DNA services effective December 6, 2016 through November 30, 2021 which includes a three-year base contract and two optional one-year extensions, ($200,000 annually), total not to exceed $1,000,000 over the five year term.
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with these actions. The Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office receives DNA Backlog Reduction grants for the outsourcing of DNA cases that are considered backlogged. This contract will allow the Sheriff’s Forensic Laboratory to use the awarded grant funds to decrease the DNA backlog and provide better investigative leads on cases that involve DNA analysis. Serological Research Institute (SERI) is the only DNA testing company in California accredited to perform DNA casework for law enforcement agencies. This service will be provided on an as needed basis covering the period of December 6, 2016 to November 30, 2021.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Non approval of the recommended actions will result in an increase in backlogged DNA cases in the Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory, and the return of funds of the DNA Backlog Reduction grant.
SUSPENSION OF COMPETITION/SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT:
The Department requests the Board to waive the competitive bidding process consistent with Administrative Policy No. 34. The Sheriff-Coroner’s Office has a current contract with Serological Research Institute (SERI). SERI is the only DNA testing company located in California within driving distance of Fresno accredited to perform DNA casework for law enforcement agencies that will accept cases on a piece by piece basis. There are no other vendors that meet this need. Purchasing concurs with the selection process.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with these actions. The DNA fees for the service are funded via the DNA Backlog Reduction Grant and are included in the Sheriff-Coroner’s Org 3111 FY 2016-17 Adopted Budget. The services covered by the agreement will be provided on an as needed basis and shall not exceed $200,000 per year including the standard DNA overflow analysis. Appropriations and estimated revenues for subsequent years will be included in the Sheriff’s requested budgets.
DISCUSSION:
The Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory has been working with SERI for 20 years. SERI was instrumental in the initial training of the original Criminalists in the Laboratory. They have been an asset to the department when validating new systems within the Forensic Laboratory. The current Agreement, approved by the Board on December 6, 2011, has been in place for five years and is due to expire on November 30, 2016.
For the previous three years the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office has been awarded DNA grants to assist the Forensic Laboratory in reducing or eliminating the DNA case backlog. The Sheriff-Coroner’s Office requires a vendor that can handle cases that will be tested under the terms of these grants. The Sheriff-Coroner’s Office also needs the vendor to be located in California, as depending upon the case, certain time constraints require immediate testing. SERI is the only accredited DNA laboratory in California that can perform the needed services, and is within driving distance. SERI is the only private vendor in California that has a proven track record with over 30 years in business and is accredited, which is required by the terms of the DNA Backlog Reduction Grant.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI # 29, January 27, 2009
BAI # 17, November 15, 2011
BAI #24, December 6, 2011
BAI # 20, October 22, 2013
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Suspension of Competition Acquisition Request
On file with Clerk - Agreement with Serological Research Institute
CAO ANALYST:
Jeannie Z. Figueroa