Title
Sheriff’s Office and Probation Department (Probation) recommending the Board:
1) Make findings that it is appropriate to engage an independent contractor to provide as-needed pre-employment background investigation services, as Agreement 9841 is in the best interest of the public and is not sufficient to warrant addition of permanent staff in accordance with County ordinance code 3.13.030(C);
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign Amendment I to competitively procured Agreement 9841 with KP Research Services, Inc., increasing the amount of the Agreement by $75,000, for a total amount of $225,000, and adding Probation to the Agreement, with no change to the term; and
3) Authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute further amendments relating to Agreement 9841, 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 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. On September 30, 2025, with Legistar file 25-1591, the Board approved Agreement 9841 (Agreement) with KP Research Services, Inc. (KP), to provide background investigative services for hiring of law enforcement and civilian positions for the Sheriff’s Office (EDSO).
The hiring process for positions with the Probation Department (Probation) 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, Probation has seen a substantial increase in the volume of background investigations due to expanded recruitment efforts, retirements, and the filling of long-standing vacancies. To address these expanded efforts, Probation has communicated with EDSO the need for increased background investigative services to assist with the review and evaluation of applicants, and the desire to work with KP.
This Amendment I to Agreement 9841 with KP will provide for background investigative services to Probation, increase the amount of the Agreement to $225,000 from $150,000, and increase billing rates for both EDSO and Probation to $2,000 from $1,900 per investigation.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve the Amendment; however, this will create a backlog of backgrounds by limiting resources to complete background investigations in a timely manner.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
09/30/2025 Legistar file 25-1591
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
No change to Net County Cost. This expense is budgeted for the Sheriff’s and Probation’s annual operating budget and will continue to be requested in following years’ budgets.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Chair to sign two originals of Amendment I to Agreement 9841.
2) Clerk of the Board to return one executed original Amendment I to Agreement 9841 to the Sheriff’s Office for processing.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
Monica Ferguson, Chief Fiscal Officer, Sheriff’s Office 530-621-5655
Nikki Moeszinger, Chief Fiscal Officer, Probation, 530-621-6066