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 wi...
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