Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Stephen M. Wagstaffe, District Attorney
Subject: Second amendment to the Agreement with VIQ Solutions, Inc.
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing a second amendment to the agreement with VIQ Solutions, Inc. to continue providing transcription and translation services for prosecution cases, extending the term through December 31, 2026, and increasing the maximum amount payable under the agreement by $150,000 to a new total amount not to exceed $310,500.
body
BACKGROUND:
On August 1, 2023, the County entered into an agreement with VIQ Solutions, Inc. to provide transcription and translation services for prosecution cases in an amount not to exceed $90,000, with a term of August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2026.
On April 30, 2025, the parties amended the Agreement (“Amendment 1”) to increase the maximum amount payable under the Agreement by $70,500, to an amount not to exceed $160,500.
DISCUSSION:
The County has reached the not-to-exceed amount of the current agreement with VIQ Solutions, Inc., who provides the County with transcription and translation services. To allow the County to conduct a competitive procurement to evaluate current market offerings, staff recommend a 5-month extension to the Agreement. This extension will allow time for the County to develop and conduct a comprehensive request for proposals (RFP) process to identify and select a qualified service provider for these services, while ensuring continued use of the VIQ Solutions, Inc transcription and translation services for prosecution cases.
It is in the best interest of the County that the Agreement be amended a second time to extend the term through December 31, 2026, increasing the maximum amount payable by $150,000 to a new total amount not to exceed $310,500. The Procurement Manager has approved a waiver request to permit a contract term of this duration.
This second amendment to the Agreement and resolution have reviewed and approved by the County Attorney’s office as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Services provided by this contract assist with the presentation of evidence in court for criminal cases. Per California Rule of Court 2.1040, transcripts are required before a party may present or offer evidence into an electric sound of sound-and-video recording of deposition or other prior testimony. At the time the recording is played, the party must identify on the record the page and line numbers where the testimony presented or offered appears in the transcript. Transcripts support evidence used in the prosecution of all criminal cases, as well as evidence that could serve to mitigate or exonerate. Additionally, it is a necessity for jurors to possess in court during hearings and trials as it allows them to clearly listen to an audio recording or video, especially in high-stress situations where it can be difficult to understand what is being said during a chaotic scene or by a distressed witness or victim. All jurisdictions within our County will benefit, as transcripts ensure accountability in the judicial system and contribute to public safety as criminal defendants are held responsible for the crimes that they have committed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The maximum amount payable by the County under this second amendment to the Agreement is increased by $150,000 to a total amount not to exceed $310,500. Funds for this Agreement have been included in the FY2025-26 Adopted Budget.