Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Christina Corpus, Sheriff
Subject: Agreement with Bay Area PL Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Bay Area PL Services, to provide forensic blood draws, for a term of three (3) years from December 1, 2024 through November 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $1,200,000.
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BACKGROUND:
In the course of law enforcement activities, it is necessary to gather forensic evidence to aid in the prosecution of individuals accused of a crime. Evidence can be gathered in many ways including withdrawing blood from individuals suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, individuals involved in a motor vehicle collision, and withdrawing blood from public safety personnel involved in critical incidents such as an officer involved shooting.
DISCUSSION:
The Sheriff’s Office has contracted with Bay Area PL Services for the provision of forensic phlebotomy services since June 2018. The agreement with Bay Area PL Services expired November 30, 2024. In May 2024, the Sheriff’s Office issued a request for proposals for phlebotomy services. The Sheriff’s Office received two proposals and a committee consisting of representatives from the Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory, the Sheriff’s Office Executive Team, and the San Mateo Police Department reviewed and evaluated the proposals and recommended that the County enter into an agreement with Bay Area PL Services for the provision of forensic phlebotomy services.
Both parties now wish to enter into an agreement to provide forensic phlebotomy services for the term of December 1, 2024 through November 30, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $1,200,000, with an option for two one-year extensions thereafter.
Phlebotomy services to be provided under this contract will consist of the collection of blood specimen evidence to be used in the prosecution of individuals accused of driving under the influence and other crimes. This evidence gathering occurs at Maguire Correctional Facility, First Chance, hospitals throughout the County, as well as at Stanford Medical Center and San Francisco General Hospital.
The average monthly volume of blood draw requests is approximately 104 draws. The agreement will mandate strict compliance with blood draw procedures and response times. The agreement will further mandate compliance with subpoenas and providing testimony at no additional charge.
The Contractor has assured compliance with the contract provisions that are required by County ordinance and administrative memoranda, including but not limited to insurance, hold harmless, non-discrimination, and equal benefits.
The resolution and agreement have been reviewed and approved as to form by the County Attorney.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The agreement is for a three-year term, commencing December 1, 2024 through November 20, 2027 for an amount not to exceed $1,200,000 which has been included in the Sheriff’s Office FY 24-25 Adopted Budget.
The cost of these services is shared between the Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory and the Laboratory’s client agencies.