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Approve four (4) contract amendments: a third contract amendment for $50,000 with National Medical Services, Inc for a total contract amount of $328,400 for forensic toxicology services for a term January 2, 2021 through June 30, 2024; a first contract amendment for $125,000 with AMAR Forensics for a total contract amount of $415,000 for forensic pathology services for a term July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024; a first contract amendment for $15,000 with Jiemin Zhou, M.D. for a total contract amount of $90,000 for forensic pathology services for a term July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024; and a second contract amendment for $25,000 with Laborers’ Community Services and Training Foundation for a total contract amount of $275,000 for pre-apprenticeship training courses for a term January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024; and Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute these amendments and any subsequent amendments to these agreements, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an annual aggregate of $74,999 per agreement
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The Sheriff-Coroner recommends that the Board of Supervisors approve four (4) contract amendments:
1. A third contract amendment for $50,000 with National Medical Services, Inc for a total contract amount of $328,400 for forensic toxicology services for a term January 2, 2021 through June 30, 2024;
2. A first contract amendment for $125,000 with AMAR Forensics for a total contract amount of $415,000 for forensic pathology services for a term July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024;
3. A first contract amendment for $15,000 with Jiemin Zhou, M.D. for a total contract amount of $90,000 for forensic pathology services for a term July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024; and
4. A second contract amendment for $25,000 with Laborers’ Community Services and Training Foundation for a total contract amount of $275,000 for pre-apprenticeship training courses for a term January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024; and
5. Delegate authority to the County Administrator to execute these amendments and any subsequent amendments to these agreements, with County Counsel concurrence, up to an annual aggregate of $74,999 per agreement.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The four contract amendments will increase the total contract amounts, as it is anticipated they will exceed their current contract maximums in the coming months. The current contract period ends June 30, 2024 for all four contracts. Three of the contracts support Coroner Office operations and one provides inmate vocational training. Below is a brief description of the contract services. Full details and links to all contracts and amendments can be found in Attachment A (Contract Amendments) and Attachment B (Original Contracts).
AMAR Forensics and Jiemin Zhou, M.D.
Contracted forensic pathologists are responsible for determining the cause and manner of death (homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, or unknown), the identity of the victim, and the time of death. The forensic pathologist studies the medical history, evaluates crime scene evidence including witness statements, performs an autopsy to uncover evidence of injury or disease, and collects medical and trace evidence from the body for further analysis. The County currently contracts with five forensic pathologists; however, due to an unanticipated increased need for services, together with the availability of pathologists, the contract maximums for the two contracts need to be increased.
The contract with AMAR Forensics was originally for $290,000 for a term July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024. This first contract amendment will be effective February 6, 2024 and will increase the contract $125,000 for a total contract amount of $415,000.
The contract with Jiemin Zhou, M.D. was originally for $75,000 for a term July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. This first contract amendment will be effective February 6, 2024 and will increase the contract $15,000 for a total contract amount of $90,000.
National Medical Services, Inc.
Contracted toxicology providers are responsible for the testing of biological fluids and/or tissues for drugs and other substances to aid the Sheriff-Coroner in determining the cause and manner of death. Due to an unanticipated increased need for services, the contract maximum need to be increased.
This contract was originally for $163,000 for a term January 2, 2021 through June 30, 2023. A first amendment was made on April 1, 2023 which increased the contract $25,400 for a total contract amount of $188,400. A second contract amendment was made on June 30, 2023 to extend the term through June 30, 2024 and increase the contract $90,000 for a total contract amount of $278,400. This third contract amendment will be effective February 6, 2024 and will increase the contract $50,000 for a total contract amount of $328,400.
Laborer’s Community Service & Training Foundation
Contracted vocational training providers are responsible for facilitating pre-apprenticeship and training courses for inmates and other justice-involved persons. Vocational training is an important component of re-entry services and helps to reduce recidivism. Due to an increased need for services, the contract maximum need to be increased.
This contract was originally for $214,500 for a term January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024. A first amendment was made on July 6, 2023 which increased the contract $35,500 for a total contract amount of $250,000. This second contract amendment will be effective February 6, 2024 and will increase the contract $25,000 for a total contract amount of $275,000.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The contracts amendments totaling $215,000 are funded with a combination of $190,000 in General Fund monies and $25,000 in Inmate Welfare Fund monies. The Sheriff’s Office and Inmate Welfare Fund FY2023/24 Working Budgets include sufficient appropriations to cover the increased contract costs.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors could choose not to approve some or all of the contract amendments; however, this alternative is not recommended as the Sheriff’s Office is not staffed or trained to provide these services and it may result in an interruption of vital and/or mandated services provided to or by the Sheriff’s Office.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has approved the contract amendments as to form.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION