Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Kenneth Binder, Sheriff
Subject: Agreement with Cadre Forensics for Firearms Examination Solutions
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with the Cadre Research Labs Illinois LLC to provide advanced three-dimensional imaging and analysis solutions for forensic firearm and toolmark examination and three years of maintenance and support beginning with installation, which is estimated to be on August 11, 2026, for an agreement term of May 5, 2026 through August 10, 2029, in an amount not to exceed $302,105.31.
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BACKGROUND:
In the course of law enforcement activities, it is necessary to gather forensic evidence to establish objective facts in legal proceedings, primarily to identify perpetrators, link suspects to crime scenes, and exonerate the innocent.
Firearms evidence is used to identify, link, and analyze weapons, ammunition, and toolmarks found at crime scenes to assist law enforcement in solving crimes, determining firearm functionality, establishing connections between suspects and weapons, and linking shooting events together.
The Sheriff’s Office has executed an agreement with the State of California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) for distribution of the FY 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program funds to enable the purchase of a 3D imaging platform for firearms evidence.
The Board of Supervisors authorized execution of said agreement with the State of California Board of State and Community Corrections under Resolution Number 081542.
DISCUSSION:
In January 2026, the County issued a request for proposals for a 3D imaging and analysis system for firearms and toolmark examinations. The Sheriff’s Office received one proposal from a qualified and responsible vendor.
Both parties now wish to enter into an agreement to provide advanced three-dimensional imaging and analysis solutions for forensic firearm and toolmark examinations, including High Capacity Desktop and Versa Portable 3D scanning systems, analysis software, and databases that enable virtual comparison microscopy analysis of bullets, cartridge cases, and toolmarks.
In addition, both parties wish to enter into an agreement to provide three years of support and maintenance which will begin at installation. Installation is estimated to occur fourteen weeks after order placement which will be on or near August 11, 2026.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Improved transparency in analysis, efficiency in workflow, and increased investigative leads will promote equity by ensuring all community members, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic background, have equal access to objective forensic examinations and justice.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of this agreement is from May 5, 2026, through August 10, 2029, for a total amount not to exceed $302,105.31. The cost of this agreement will be reimbursed by the State of California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) FY 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program funds. There is no Net County Cost associated with this agreement.