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Adopt a resolution affirming the District Attorney’s acceptance of a grant award from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in the amount of $64,500 to strengthen the testing capabilities of the Bureau of Forensic Services’ forensic alcohol and toxicology program in support of impaired-driving investigations, for the period of October 1, 2026, through September 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 affirming the District Attorney’s acceptance of a grant award from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in the amount of $64,500 to strengthen the testing capabilities of the Bureau of Forensic Services’ forensic alcohol and toxicology program in support of impaired-driving investigations for the period of October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
SUMMARY:
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) administers grant funding received from the federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to support programs and technology that enhance the enforcement of impaired driving laws.
The District Attorney’s Bureau of Forensic Services is requesting authorization to accept $64,500 in grant funding for the purchase of a water purification system, consumable testing supplies, and training to support its forensic alcohol and toxicology program and impaired driving enforcement efforts. The water purification system will supply ultrapure water, which is essential for LC/MS/MS analysis, ensuring results that are accurate, reproducible, and sensitive. The grant period is October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Receipt of this grant funding will have no impact on the County General Fund. The grant revenue 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 may choose not to accept the grant award. This alternative is not recommended because the grant provides funding for scientific instrumentation, consumable testing supplies, and training necessary to support the Bureau of Forensic Services’ forensic alcohol and toxicology program. Without this grant funding, General Fund resources would be required to replace the instrumentation that is near the end of its useful life and to purchase the necessary testing supplies.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION