Title
Authorization to Apply for, Accept and Enter into Agreement for 2017 Forensic DNA Laboratory Efficiency Improvement and Capacity Enhancement Grant Program (Ordinance S-43380)
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to authorize the Police Department to apply for, accept and enter into an agreement for federal grant funds through the National Institute of Justice for the FY 2017 Forensic DNA Laboratory Efficiency Improvement and Capacity Enhancement grant program. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept and for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
This is a new grant opportunity available to the Police Department's Laboratory Services Bureau (LSB). The purpose of this funding is to enhance the capacity and increase the efficiency for crime laboratories that process, record, screen and analyze DNA and other forensic evidence. The Police Department plans to apply under purpose area one of the four available purpose areas. The grant objective for purpose area one is to provide assistance to laboratories to complete entire cases that involve requests for both DNA and at least one other type of forensic analysis. This allows the LSB to test non-DNA disciplines, as these evidence samples may overlap with and affect DNA analysis and processing. The grant application was due March 13, 2017. If City Council denies approval, the grant application will be rescinded.
Contract Term
Three years beginning Jan. 1, 2018 through Dec. 31, 2020.
Financial Impact
Eligible funding amount is $750,000.00. No matching funds are required. Cost to the City would be in-kind resources only.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was unanimously approved by the Public Safety and Veterans Subcommittee on March 8, 2017.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Police Department.