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Adopt a resolution authorizing the District Attorney, or her designee, to submit a grant application and related documents to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement (CQ) Program in the amount of $51,391 for the term July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No __X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No __X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The District Attorney (DA) recommends that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution authorizing the District Attorney, or her designee, to submit a grant application and related documents to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement (CQ) Program in the amount of $51,391 for the term July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant affords qualifying forensic laboratories in California an opportunity to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in providing forensic science services through the improvement of the quality and timeliness of forensic services, the reduction of the number of backlogged cases, facilitation of the accreditation of forensic laboratories, and addressing emerging forensic science issues. Funds awarded through this grant will allow California’s local forensic science laboratories, medical examiners’ offices, and coroners’ offices to continue to provide support to law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies throughout the state.
The Solano County District Attorney’s Office was awarded $51,391 for its 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement (CQ) Program. The grant award period is from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The CQ grant funds can be used in one of six Program objectives, (a) implement a program intended to improve the quality and timeliness of services; (b) eliminate backlogs in the analysis of forensic science evidence; (c) train, assist, and employ forensic laboratory personnel and investigators to eliminate backlogs; (d) address emerging forensic science issues and emerging forensic science technology; (e) education and training on appropriate protocols; and (f) facilitate accreditation.
CalOES requires written Proof of Authority that certifies the District Attorney is authorized by the governing body (e.g., County Board of Supervisors) to enter into a Grant Subaward; therefore, the adoption of a Resolution (Attachment C) is required.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Solano County District Attorney’s Office plans to use the awarded $51,391 as follows (Attachment B):
• $22,500 Configuration hours for contracted vendor for laboratory information management system (LIMS) - Versaterm;
• $16,639 for lab supplies; and
• $12,252 for travel and training expenses for staff at the District Attorney’s Bureau of Forensic Services.
This award and appropriations were included in the FY2026/27 Adopted Budget. The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2026/27 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board can choose not to accept this grant. This will prevent Solano County from receiving the funding from the California Office of Emergency Services for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program and may affect its potential to receive future awards from these agencies.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
There are no other agencies involved with this agenda item.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION