RECOMMENDATION(S):

APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the Sheriff-Coroner, or designee, to execute a contract with National Medical Services Inc., in an amount not to exceed $240,000 to provide forensic toxicology analysis for the period January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019.

FISCAL IMPACT:

$240,000. 100% Agency Fees. Budgeted.

BACKGROUND:

Contra Costa County provides, through its Office of the Sheriff – Forensic Services Division – Crime Laboratory, toxicology analysis on blood, urine, and tissue samples submitted as evidence. The County’s Crime Laboratory is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors–Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB) and also processes submissions from other agencies. National Medical Services Inc., (NMS) is also accredited by ASCLD-LAB and performs testing and analysis on forensic samples on both ante-mortem and post-mortem cases, providing product assurance and validity of results. The Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab and Coroner's Office will utilize services provided by NMS for sample evidence analysis.