Title
Sheriff's Office recommending the Board:
1) Make findings that it is appropriate to engage an independent contractor to provide selected forensic pathology and related services, as Agreement 9569 requires specialty skills and qualifications not expressly identified in County classifications in accordance with Ordinance 3.13.030(B);
2) Make findings in accordance with Procurement Policy C-17 Section 3.4.3 to exempt Agreement 9569 from the competitive bidding process because competitive bidding would produce no economic benefit to the county;
3) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment I to Agreement 9569 with NAAG Forensic, PC, to provide selected forensic pathology and related services on an as needed basis in the Placerville Sheriff's Coroner Division, increasing the amount by $172,000 to $250,000 with no change to the term; and
4) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute amendments relating to Agreement 9569, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management, which do not increase the maximum dollar amount or term of the Agreement.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Sheriff's Office (EDSO) contracts with NAAG Forensic, PC, to conduct autopsies of suspicious deaths to include homicides. They provide a forensic certified pathologist to respond to the Placerville Sheriff's morgue to complete the autopsy. This includes the autopsy, all reporting, and any testimony that may be needed. The role is critical in supporting the integrity of death investigations, and delivering accurate unbiased forensic evidence to assist the Placerville Sheriff's Coroner Division. This is essential for ensuring high standards in death investigations and supporting the integrity of criminal justice proceedings.
EDSO previously contracted with Sacramento County for these types of autopsies, but it was determined that Sacramento County's pathologist was unable to handle the additional cases. At that point, EDSO contracted with Placer County, however, Placer County had a pathologist retire. During the recruitment for a replacement position, Placer County learned that there is a national shortage of Board-Certified Forensic Pathologists. After being vacant for over six months, Placer County was unable to fill the allocation with a limited candidate pool. They then elected to bring back the retired pathologist, but per CalPERs regulations his hours are limited. Placer then decided to contract with NAAG. Concurrently, it was determined Placer could not handle EDSO cases and EDSO also began to contract with NAAG. Based on the information of both Placer and Sacramento it is not economically beneficial for El Dorado County to bid for pathology services as it will result in NAAG being the only viable option.
Due to the increase in the number and complexity of suspicious death investigations, as well as rising professional service costs associated with forensic pathology, the current Agreement amount is insufficient to meet projected service needs for the remainder of the term. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting to amend the Agreement 9569 to add funds to the contract. This action is being requested to ensure there are sufficient funds to cover invoices and continue providing specialty services for the remainder of the term of the Agreement.
ALTERNATIVES
The board could choose not to approve this Amendment but Sheriff's Office will exhaust the current contract funding prior to the end of the agreement term. This could result in a disruption or delay in obtaining required autopsy services for suspicious, violent, or unattended deaths.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel and Risk Management have reviewed and approved this Amendment
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no impact to Net County Cost. Funding has been included in the Sheriff's Office Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget and will be requested in future year's budgets.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Return a fully executed copy Amendment I to the Sheriff's Office for distribution.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Undersheriff Eric Palmberg