Title
Sheriff’s Office recommending the Board:
1) Make findings that in accordance with Ordinance 3.13.030(C), as-needed pre-employment background investigation services are in the best interest of the public and due to the limited timeframes, temporary or occasional nature, or schedule for the project or scope of work, the ongoing aggregate of work to be performed is not sufficient to warrant addition of permanent staff;
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign competitively bid Agreement 9841 with KP Research Services, Inc. in the amount of $150,000 for a term of three years beginning October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute future amendments to Agreement 9841 that do not alter the total amount or the term, contingent upon approval by County Counsel and Risk Management.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Sheriff's Office formally submitted a request in March 2025, to the Procurement and Contracts Division of the Chief Administrative Office to issue a competitive Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for background investigation services on an as-needed basis. On August 21, 2025, as a result of RFQ #2025-0118, KP Research Services, Inc was identified as a qualified firm.
The hiring process for law enforcement and civilian positions with the Sheriff's Office requires extensive background investigations to ensure that all candidates meet the high standards of integrity, reliability, and professionalism expected in public safety roles. These investigations are critical to maintaining community trust and organizational effectiveness.
In recent months, the Sheriff's Office has seen a substantial increase in the volume of background investigations due to the expanded recruitment efforts, retirements, and the filling of long-standing vacancies. To address this challenge, the Sheriff's Office seeks to bring on an experienced Background Investigator to assist with the review and evaluation of applicants.
The Investigator will be responsible for:
-Conducting interviews with candidates, references, employers, neighbors, and others as needed.
-Reviewing personal history statements, employment and education records, and law enforcement databases.
-Verifying information and identifying potential areas of concern or disqualification.
-Preparing comprehensive written reports for review by command staff and hiring managers.
-Ensuring all investigations are completed in accordance with California POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) guidelines and departmental policies.
By supplementing current staff, the investigator will help reduce backlogs, accelerate onboarding timelines, and ensure that only the most qualified candidates are recommended for hire.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to not approve the Agreement; however, this will create a backlog of backgrounds by limiting resources to complete background investigations in a timely manner. This approach provides immediate, cost-effective support and ensures continuity, quality and compliance with State standards.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
04/22/2025 Legistar file 25-0269
07/18/2023 Legistar file 23-1293
05/16/2023 Legistar file 23-0858
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel has reviewed and approved this agreement.
Human Resources has been contacted to confirm that there is not a bargaining unit concern with these services.
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No change to Net County Cost. This expense is budgeted in the Sheriff’s annual operating budget and will continue to be requested in following years’ budgets.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Please return one fully executed agreement to the Sheriff’s Office for distribution.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Undersheriff Bryan Golmitz