DATE: March 7, 2017
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Margaret Mims, Sheriff-Coroner
SUBJECT: Retroactive 2016 Coverdell Forensic Grant Application and Acceptance
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Retroactively approve and authorize the Sheriff-Coroner’s previous submittal of a 2016 Coverdell Forensic Grant Application to California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to expand the training of the Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner’s Forensic Services effective January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 ($4,105);
2. Approve and authorize the Sheriff-Coroner to execute retroactive grant award from Cal OES, for the 2016 Coverdell Forensic Grant for the period of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 ($4,105);
3. Approve and authorize the Sheriff-Coroner, or her designee to sign the Certificate of Assurance required by the Grantee Agency, the Certificate for External Investigations, and claims for reimbursement and activity reports for the above grant award; and
4. Adopt Budget Resolution increasing the FY 2016-17 appropriations and estimated revenues for Sheriff-Coroner Org 3111 in the amount of $4,105 (4/5 vote).
REPORT
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with these actions. The grant application was submitted to Cal OES contingent on your Board’s approval. Divisions of the Department of Justice (DOJ), National Institute of Justice (NIJ), working through Cal OES, have awarded this grant to assist local forensic laboratories in improving the quality and timeliness of forensic services. The Department will use the grant funds to provide continuing education and training in technical and professional skills to the laboratory’s forensic scientists. It should be noted that although the grant award is retroactive, funds have not been received or expended. Once the grant award face sheet is executed by the Sheriff and the DOJ, the award documents become the final agreement between the County and the DOJ.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
The non-approval of this item will result in the loss of the Cal OES grant funds with an associated decrease in the professional training opportunities for forensic staff.
RETROACTIVE AGREEMENT:
The department was notified January 13, 2017 of the Request for Application. The non-competitive application was submitted to Cal OES on January 24, 2017 to meet the deadline of February 6, 2017. The grant award is contingent upon your Board’s approval that will be forwarded to Cal OES who will subsequently make the award notification. Grant funds will not be expended prior to acceptance by the Board and award of the grant by Cal OES.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with these actions. The award includes $4,105 for the 2016 Coverdell Forensic Grant. There is no match requirement for receipt of the funds. Approval of the fourth recommended action will increase the FY 2016-17 appropriations and estimated revenues in the Sheriff-Coroner Org 3111 in the amount of $4,105 to provide continuing education and training to the laboratory’s forensic scientists.
DISCUSSION:
The 2016 Coverdell Forensic Grant funding offered and administered through Cal OES, will be used to address current needs in the crime lab. The funds will be used to provide continuing education and training in technical and professional skills to the laboratory’s forensic scientists in order to improve their level of expertise, ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of laboratory work, and in turn maintain quality and reduce case turnaround time. The grant period will run for 12 months from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017; however, the funds have not been received or spent.
In addition to the standard State and Federal certifications included in the Board of Supervisors’ Administrative Policy No. 47, the grant also requires the certification summarized here: the applicant must complete a Certification of Assurance of Compliance-PC, that certifies the applicant will comply with the Grantee’s Agency regarding Federal Grant Funds; Equal Employment Opportunity Program (EEOP); Drug Free Workplace Compliance; California Environmental Quality Act; Lobbying, Debarment and Suspension requirements; Eligibility Requirement Certification; and Proof of Authority from City Council/Governing Board. Additionally, the Grantee Agency requires the Grantor to sign a Certification as to External Investigations agreeing to an external investigation in the case of an alleged misconduct or serious negligence affecting the integrity of forensic results by an employee or subcontractor of the agency. Your Board can authorize the Sheriff’s Office to sign this certification. The applicant is required to submit the necessary assurances and documentation before finalization of the grant award agreement. In signing the Grant Award Face Sheet, the applicant formally notifies Cal OES that the applicant will comply with all pertinent requirements.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI # 18, December 16, 2014
BAI # 23, February 9, 2016
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Grant/Agreement with Cal OES
On file with Clerk - Resolution (Org 3111)
CAO ANALYST:
Jeannie Z. Figueroa