Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Binder, Sheriff
Subject: Agreement with Life Technologies Corporation
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing and directing the President of the Board of Supervisors to execute an agreement with Life Technologies Corporation, to provide preventative maintenance and emergency repair services for DNA analysis instrumentation for a term of three (3) years from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2029, in an amount not to exceed $310,049.64.
body
BACKGROUND:
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory provides forensic services to support law enforcement agencies throughout San Mateo County and plays a critical role in the investigation and adjudication of criminal cases. The Forensic Laboratory’s Forensic Biology/DNA Unit performs forensic DNA analysis of evidence associated with criminal investigations, including the examination of biological evidence and the generation of DNA profiles for investigative and identification purposes.
The DNA analysis process relies upon specialized laboratory instrumentation that must be maintained, calibrated, serviced, and repaired in accordance with manufacturer specifications, laboratory policies and procedures, and applicable forensic science accreditation requirements. Preventative maintenance is necessary to maintain the reliability, performance, and operational readiness of the laboratory’s DNA instrumentation, identify potential equipment problems before they result in instrument failure, and minimize interruptions to forensic casework. Emergency repair services are necessary when critical DNA instrumentation experiences an unexpected failure or malfunction, as prolonged equipment downtime may delay the analysis of forensic evidence, increase case turnaround times, contribute to case backlogs, and adversely affect the Laboratory’s ability to provide timely forensic services to law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
The DNA instrumentation includes highly specialized scientific equipment for which timely service by qualified technicians with appropriate training, experience, and access to manufacturer-specific parts, diagnostic equipment, and technical information is necessary to restore the instrumentation to proper operating condition.
DISCUSSION:
The Sheriff’s Office has utilized Life Technologies Corporation for the provision of preventative maintenance and emergency repair services since the laboratory acquired its instrumentation. The agreement with Life Technologies Corporation expired September 30, 2026. In June 2026, the Sheriff’s Office issued a request for proposals for preventative maintenance and emergency repair services for DNA analysis instrumentation. The Sheriff’s Office received three proposals, and a committee consisting of representatives from the Sheriff’s Office Forensic Laboratory and the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Crime Lab reviewed and evaluated the proposals and recommended that the County enter into an agreement with Life Technologies Corporation for the provision of preventative maintenance and emergency repair services for DNA analysis instrumentation.
Life Technologies Corporation has specialized knowledge, technical expertise, equipment, and experience necessary to provide preventative maintenance and emergency repair services for the DNA instrumentation utilized by the Forensic Laboratory.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the agreement and resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The services provided under the agreement will support the continued reliability and availability of critical forensic laboratory instrumentation and will assist the Forensic Laboratory in maintaining accreditation, quality assurance, and operational requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The agreement is for a three-year term, commencing October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2029, for an amount not to exceed $310,049.64, which has been included in the Sheriff’s Office FY 26-27 Adopted Budget.