Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Carlos G. Bolanos, Sheriff
Subject: Vendor Agreement with Life Technologies Corporation
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Waiving the competitive bidding process for DNA testing reagents; and
B) Authorizing the Purchasing Agent to renew a Reagent Purchase Agreement with Life Technologies for DNA test kits and reagents that will result in a Vendor Agreement for a three-year term effective from the date the Reagent Purchase Agreement has been executed by both parties, for a maximum obligation of $600,000 dollars; and
C) Authorizing the Purchasing Agent to add new reagents and test supplies to the Reagent Purchase Agreement as necessary.
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BACKGROUND:
DNA analysis continues to increase in demand in the law enforcement community as a tool to aid investigators with their cases in both crimes against persons and property. DNA analysis is routinely utilized in both cold cases and contemporary investigations.
Recent advancements in DNA analysis and the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) have created a powerful crimefighting tool for law enforcement. DNA analysis assists the Forensic Laboratory in both generating possible suspects and eliminating suspects/persons of interest from continued consideration in an investigation, thus allowing investigators to focus on other leads.
DISCUSSION:
The Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR process utilized by the Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory is a proprietary process that is performed by most forensic laboratories around the world. The patent holder and manufacturer of these reagents is Life Technologies. The increase in demand for this valuable identification tool as well as the enactment of AB 1517, which requires that samples from sexual assault cases be analyzed and qualifying genetic profiles be entered into CODIS within 120 days, have resulted in the Forensic Laboratory purchasing ...
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