Legislation Details

File #: 23-572    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Consent Item Status: Passed
File created: 10/5/2023 In control: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
On agenda: 10/17/2023 Final action: 10/17/2023
Title: APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent to execute, on behalf of the Sheriff-Coroner, a purchase order and agreement with Forensic Technology, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $157,428, to purchase a BRASSTRAX Acquisition Station to process and scan cartridge cases for evidence in the Office of the Sheriff's Forensic Services Division. (100% State)

To:                                          Board of Supervisors

From:                                          David O. Livingston, Sheriff-Coroner

Report Title:                     FY 2020 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP)

☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Purchasing Agent to execute, on behalf of the Sheriff-Coroner, a purchase order and agreement with Forensic Technology, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $157,428, to purchase a BRASSTRAX Acquisition Station for the Office of the Sheriff, Forensic Services Division.

 

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

Approval will result in an expenditure of $157,428, which will be 100% funded by the FY 2020 State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSHP). There is no net County cost.

 

 

BACKGROUND:

The Office of the Sheriff, Forensic Services Division (FSD) operates an ISO 17025 ANAB Accredited Crime Laboratory able to provide County-wide forensic testing services.

The Comparative Evidence (Firearms) Unit has experienced an increase in case submissions due to the rise of gun violence in Contra Costa County. Cartridge cases and firearms evidence are quickly triaged and prepared for entry into the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) via a BRASSTRAX Acquisition Station. The sheer volume of entries requires coordination and planning as only one user can acquire cartridge cases at a time. The State Homeland Security Grant funds will be used to purchase a second BRASSTRAX Acquisition Station that would provide the FSD the ability to more efficiently and effectively process and scan cartridge cases for entry into the NIBIN database. The purchase of the BRASSTRAX Acquisition Station will improve turnaround times, reduce the backlog, and ensure timely information is delivered to law enforcement partners.

 

This agreement contains mutual indemnification language.

 

 

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

A decision not to purchase the BRASSTRAX Acquisition Station will increase the backlog and turnaround time of firearm processing and entry into the NIBIN database, which will contribute to delays in criminal prosecutions.