DATE: December 6, 2016
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Margaret Mims, Sheriff-Coroner
SUBJECT: Retroactive 2016 DNA Backlog Reduction Grant Application and Acceptance
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Retroactively authorize the Sheriff-Coroner’s previous submittal of grant application to the National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice for the 2016 Forensic DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program Grant;
2. Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute and accept the grant award from the National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice, for the 2016 Forensic Casework DNA Backlog Reduction Grant for the period of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018 ($205,465);
3. Adopt Budget Resolution increasing FY 2016-17 appropriations and estimated revenue for Sheriff-Coroner’s Org 3111 in the amount of $205,465 (4/5 vote); and
4. Authorize the Sheriff-Coroner, or her authorized representative, to sign claims for reimbursement and activity reports for the above grant award.
REPORT
There is no additional Net County Cost associated with these actions. Divisions of the Department of Justice (DOJ) have awarded this grant to assist local forensic laboratories that conduct DNA analysis with reducing casework backlog. Currently, it can take six to nine months for DNA cases to be processed. This grant continuation will fund equipment purchases to assist the Sheriff’s Forensic Laboratory in reducing this turnaround time. The competitive application was submitted May 11, 2016, to the National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice to meet the application deadline. The Sheriff-Coroner’s Office was notified August 30, 2016, that the application was accepted for funding, contingent on your Board’s approval.
It should be noted that once the Grant Award Face Sheet is executed by the Chairman and DOJ, the award documents become the final Agreement between the County and DOJ.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the recommended actions are not approved, the grant award will be withdrawn. This will result in backlogged DNA cases in the Sheriff-Coroner’s Office Forensic Laboratory continuing to take six to nine months to be processed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with these actions. The award includes $205,465 for the 2016 Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Grant. The resolution will increase FY 2016-17 appropriations and estimated revenue for Sheriff-Coroner’s Org 31116338 DNA Backlog Reduction in the amount of $205,465. The Sheriff-Coroner’s Office anticipates expending the full amount of the grant prior to December 31, 2018. Should the entire grant not be expended during the current fiscal year, any unexpended funds will be re-budgeted in FY 2017-18.
DISCUSSION:
The FY 2016 Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Grant in the amount of $205,465 from the National Institute of Justice will be used to reduce or eliminate backlogged DNA casework. Currently, it can take six to nine months for DNA cases to be processed. This is due to the volume of DNA cases, limited staffing and outdated equipment. The funds are to be used to purchase:
• Probabilistic Genotyping mixture interpretation software and equipment used to interpret previously un-interpretable DNA mixtures = $172,500;
• Two computers to replace older computers = $6,700;
• One mixing heat block with heated lid used in the DNA extraction process = $4,992;
• Outsourcing DNA casework to private accredited fee-for-service vendors = $10,317; and
• Travel costs for staff to attend Forensics Training Workshop(s) = $10,956.
The grant will run for 24 months from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI # 28, November 17, 2015, Agt # 15-589
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Resolution
On file with Clerk - Agreement with National Institute of Justice
CAO ANALYST:
Jeannie Z. Figueroa