REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
June 28, 2022
FROM
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator
SUBJECT
Title
Grant Application to the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance for the Fiscal Year 2022 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Approve and authorize the submission of a grant application in the amount of $431,920 to the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance for the Fiscal Year 2022 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program, for the period of October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2024.
2. Authorize the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator to submit the electronic grant application and accept related assurances and certifications, on behalf of the County, as requested by the United States Department of Justice, subject to review by County Counsel.
3. Direct the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator to transmit all documents in relation to this application to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within 30 days of execution.
(Presenter: John Ades, Deputy Chief, 387-3760)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
Pursue County Goals and Objectives by Working with Other Agencies and Stakeholders.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). If awarded, this grant would provide funding in the amount of $431,920 to assist with DNA analysis conducted by the Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator’s (Department) Crime Laboratory. If the application is successful, the Department will return to the Board of Supervisors (Board) for acceptance of the grant award and may request a budget adjustment, if necessary. No matching funds are required.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Department is seeking grant funds from the United States Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) that are available to states and local governments with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis. The funds are to be used for analyzing backlogged forensic DNA casework samples, as well as improving DNA laboratory infrastructure and analysis capacity so that forensic DNA samples can be processed efficiently and cost effectively.
The Department has received funding under this program since fiscal year 2006, which has been used to replace outdated equipment, purchase supplies, and provide training and overtime for the crime laboratory’s personnel.
The Department’s application under the Fiscal Year 2022 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program (Program) requests funding for overtime, training/travel, contract services, and supplies to improve the crime laboratory’s efficiency in processing case evidence. The overtime will provide additional staff time dedicated to DNA analysis. The grant requires a training component; therefore, the travel/training funds will be used to attend DNA related meetings/conferences and workshops. The contract services will provide for an external audit of the DNA analysis process. The funding for supplies will be used to purchase kits and other supplies necessary to process DNA samples during the grant period.
The submission of the Program application is an on-line process that requires the acceptance of certifications that are binding upon the County, as well as an up-front agreement to be bound by the conditions that will accompany the federal grant funds. No approval signatures are required until the grant is awarded. County Policy 05-13 requires Board approval to submit any grant application or related amendments that are legally binding.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Richard D. Luczak, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on June 1, 2022; Finance (Tom Forster, Administrative Analyst, 387-5285) on June 7, 2022; and County Finance and Administration (Robert Saldana, Deputy Executive Officer, 387-5423) on June 9, 2022.