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Adopt a resolution affirming the acceptance of a California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) grant for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement (CQ) Program in the amount of $53,931 for the period of April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025; Approve fixed asset purchases in the amount of $21,605 for three replacement balances for use in weighing drug evidence; and Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request recognizing $53,931 in unanticipated grant revenue offset with grant expenditures (4/5 vote required)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The District Attorney recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Adopt a resolution affirming the acceptance of a California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) grant for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement (CQ) Program in the amount of $53,931 for the period of April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025;
2. Approve fixed asset purchases in the of $21,605 for three replacement balances for use in weighing drug evidence; and
3. Approve an Appropriation Transfer Request (ATR) recognizing $53,931 in unanticipated grant revenue offset by with grant expenditures. (4/5 vote required)
SUMMARY:
The 2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant affords qualifying forensic laboratories in California an opportunity to improve their efficiency and effectiveness to provide forensic science services through the improvement of the quality and timeliness of forensic services, the reduction of the number of backlogged cases, facilitation of accreditation of forensic laboratories, and address 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 $53,931 for its 2023 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement (CQ) Program. The grant award period is from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. 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 D) is required.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The District Attorney’s Office received the award in the amount of $53,931 on May 29, 2024. No funding from this grant was used in FY2023/24. This award was not included in the FY2024/25 Adopted Budget. The Solano County District Attorney’s Office plans to use the awarded $53,931 as follows:
• $21,705 for travel and training expense for staff at the District Attorney’s Bureau of Forensic Services;
• $4,535 for alcohol breath simulators with fittings;
• $6,086 for general lab supplies; and
• $21,605 for three replacement balances for use in weighing drug evidence such as fentanyl and opioids in the BFS Controlled Substances program.
An ATR is required to appropriate these expenses into the District Attorney’s FY2024/25 Working Budget and recognize the grant revenue.
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the department’s FY2024/25 Working Budget.
DISCUSSION:
The District Attorney’s (DA) Office received the 2023 Paul Coverdell award (Attachment A) on May 29, 2024, since receiving the award the grant has been modified twice. CalOES approved the first modification (Attachment B) on October 22, 2024, and a second modification on February 20, 2025. The first modification only modified which trainings the District Attorney’s Bureau of Forensic Services staff was planning on attending. The second modification (Attachment C) removed the Rotary Scroll Air Compressor fixed asset expense and replaced it with three balances used to weigh drug evidence, funding for general lab supplies, funding for alcohol breath simulators with fittings and added the following trainings:
• The CAT Spring Meeting, April 28-29, 2025 Incline Village NV
• The California Association of Criminalists meeting, April 27-May 2, 2025, Folsom CA
• The California Toxicology Stakeholders Meeting, December 2, 2024, San Diego CA
• Added two Criminalists to the IACT Annual Conference, April 6-11, 2025, Las Vegas NV
The original award included funding to purchase a replacement air compressor that was presumed to need replacement due to its age. In January 2025 it was determined that the existing air compressor was able to handle the workload of the new toxicology instruments that are to be in place in next few months. Therefore, it was determined that the grant funds allocated for an air compressor could be used for other equipment needs.
Fixed asset purchases included in the current amendment include the replacement of three balances for use in weighing drug evidence such as fentanyl and opioids in the BFS Controlled Substances program. Drug weight and testing are important factors when evaluating criminal charges for drug crimes. The weight of an illegal drug may determine if the charged crime is a misdemeanor possession or a felony possession for purpose of sale. Drug weights determine if the amount is a usable quantity. Drug weights also matter in drug sales cases as the weight of the drugs determine possible sentencing enhancements. The current balances are in need of replacement.
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:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION