Title
Outsourcing DNA Casework to Private Laboratories (Ordinance S-43381)
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into contracts with the following companies: Sorenson Forensics and Bode Cellmark Forensics. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Phoenix Police Department Laboratory Services Bureau (Crime Lab) has been receiving grant funds from the National Institute of Justice to facilitate the analysis of backlogged cases through case outsourcing to private laboratories for more than 15 years. The Crime Lab conducted a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process in March 2016, to initiate new contracts prior to the expiration of existing contracts to avoid any interruptions of DNA outsourcing services. From this process, six private laboratories were selected to create a Qualified Vendor List (QVL). It was determined only two contracts were needed at that time due to the amount of funding available for outsourcing services. The Crime Lab sought approval to enter into two-year contracts with two vendors from the QVL, which was approved by Council.
In October 2016, the Police Department was awarded $1.59 million in the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY16 Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) program, with $450,000 of that funding going to outsourcing. This award funds the analysis of sexual assault kits by private DNA laboratories. The two labs that currently have contracts with the City of Phoenix do not have the capacity to receive and test all of the evidence that will need to be tested in order to meet the SAKI grant objectives with the approved project period. As a result, additional contracts with vendors that successfully completed the RFQ are necessary.
Procurement Information
The Crime Lab conducted a RFQ process, which resulted in six respondents. After a thorough review of vendor submissions, it was determined that each vendor met all of the minimum required qualifications and all six vendors were placed on a QVL.
Contract Term
The contract term shall begin May 1, 2017 and end April 30, 2019. Provisions of the contract may include an option to extend the term up to two years, which may be exercised by the City Manager or designee.
Financial Impact
Funding is available from state and federal grants. Currently, there is $478,201 budgeted for outsourcing services. It is anticipated additional funds will be awarded over the life of the contract for outsourcing services.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
City Council approved and adopted RCA 76903, Ordinance S-42810, on Aug. 31, 2016. This was the first Request for Council Action to enter into contracts with DNA Labs International and Strand Analytical.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Police Department.