To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diana Becton, District Attorney
Report Title: Request System Terms of Use with Othram, Inc. for DNA Analysis and Genealogy Research for Cold Cases
?Recommendation of the County Administrator ? Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the District Attorney, or designee, to execute a contract with Othram, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $84,200 for DNA analysis and genealogy research for solving cold cases for the period February 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of this action will result in expenditures of up to $84,200 which is funded 100% by the Federal Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Grant.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office received the FY24 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA grant award from the US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Grant will fund a contract with Othram, Inc. for Forensic Genetic Genealogy services for solving cold cases.
The Request System Terms of Use Agreement between the District Attorney's Office and Othram, Inc. will enable both parties to utilize advanced forensic genetic techniques to assist in solving cold case murders and other violent crimes. Othram specializes in DNA analysis, including Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) profile generation, a capability currently unavailable at the Contra Costa County Crime Lab. This type of analysis is crucial for solving cold cases, particularly those involving forensic genetic genealogy. The Terms of Use outlines a financial framework that allows the District Attorney's Office to collaborate with Othram on these analyses for cold cases, following an initial review and vetting process by the District Attorney's Office and any relevant law enforcement agencies to determine whether such analysis is justified.
The Request System Terms of Use Agreement with Othram Inc includes indemnification for the County to hold Othram Inc...
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