Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: John T. Keene, Chief Probation Officer
Subject: Agreement with Buddi US, LLC to provide electronic monitoring services for clients of the San Mateo County Probation Department
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing:
A) The President of the Board of Supervisors to execute an agreement with Buddi US, LLC to provide electronic monitoring services for clients of the San Mateo County Probation Department, using advanced technologies, including global positioning systems (GPS), radio frequency (RF) monitoring, continuous alcohol monitoring (CAM), remote breath testing, and drug patch options, for the term of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028, in an amount not to exceed $1,800,000; and
B) An option to extend the agreement with Buddi US, LLC for up to two additional years, in an amount not to exceed an additional $600,000 for the first option, if exercised, and an amount not to exceed an additional $600,000 for the second option, if exercised, at the sole discretion of the Chief Probation Officer or his designee.
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BACKGROUND:
In February 2025, the Probation Department issued Request for Proposals (RFP No. 2025-RFP-00344) seeking qualified vendors to provide electronic monitoring services. Following a competitive procurement process, the Department entered into contract negotiations with Buddi US, LLC (Buddi) to deliver a full range of electronic monitoring services, including global positioning systems (GPS), radio frequency (RF) monitoring, continuous alcohol monitoring (CAM) technologies.
The Probation Department enhances public safety through safe, humane, and cost-effective services of adult and juvenile offenders. Buddi offers these electronic monitoring services as alternatives to detention for juveniles and targeted supervision strategies for adults. Juvenile clients will be monitored in lieu of secure confinement, while adult clients will include individuals participating in Specialty Court programs-such as Multiple Driving Under the Influence (MDUI) Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and Military Diversion-as well as those under supervision by the Sex Offender Unit and pretrial defendants who lack the ability to pay.
Electronic monitoring is a nationally recognized evidence-based practice that offers structured supervision while allowing clients to remain in the community. The Probation Department currently supervises approximately 20 juveniles and 180 adults on electronic monitoring daily. The Department estimates an average of 20 juveniles and 180 adults will need monitoring per month.
The implementation of AB 1869 on July 1, 2021, prohibited California counties from charging administrative fees, which includes to adult clients for participation in electronic monitoring programs. This includes supervision fees previously assessed for post-conviction monitoring. In addition, fees for pretrial electronic monitoring are not automatically imposed; they are only required if the court determines that the individual has the ability to pay. As a result, the County generally bears the full financial responsibility for these services. Similarly, SB 190 (2017) eliminated electronic monitoring and other administrative fees for juvenile clients, and SB 1290 (2020) vacated any outstanding juvenile fee debt assessed prior to 2018.
DISCUSSION:
Through this agreement, Buddi will provide comprehensive electronic monitoring services to adult and juvenile clients under the supervision of the Probation Department. These services will be supported by Buddi’s proprietary web-based software platform, Buddi Eagle, which facilitates real-time monitoring, data management, and reporting. Buddi will also offer training for staff on the use of the platform, along with ongoing technical assistance.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution and agreement as to form and content.
PERFORMANCE MEASURE:
|
Measure |
Description |
FY 2025-26 Target |
FY 2026-27 Target |
FY 2027-28 Target |
|
On-time Delivery of Services |
Staff are available for installation during necessary hours. Inactive equipment is picked-up in a timely manner. |
90% |
90% |
90% |
|
Responsiveness |
Issues are addressed in a timely manner and addressed with appropriate urgency. |
90% |
90% |
90% |
|
Communication |
Professional and clear communication is utilized. |
90% |
90% |
90% |
|
Invoicing |
Invoices are timely, accurate, and easy to understand. |
95% |
95% |
95% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
This electronic monitoring agreement supports rehabilitation by enabling individuals involved in the criminal justice system to pursue employment, education, and treatment while maintaining compliance with court-ordered conditions. By offering a community-based alternative to detention, the County’s electronic monitoring program promotes equity by helping individuals-particularly those from marginalized and underserved communities-remain connected to their families, jobs, and support systems. This approach reduces the disruptive impacts of incarceration and supports more equitable outcomes in the justice system.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The initial term of this agreement is from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, in an amount not-to-exceed $1,800,000 with County-held options to extend the agreement for up to two additional years, in an amount not-to-exceed $600,000 for the first option, if exercised, and an amount not-to-exceed $600,000 for the second option, if exercised. The agreement will be funded through a combination of sources, including the State Office of Traffic Safety Grant Program, State Pretrial Release Program funding, the Substance Abuse Focus Grant, and net county costs. Funding for this agreement has been included in the FY 2025-26 budget and will be included in the FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-2028 budgets.