Posting Language
Title
Authorize an amendment to a contract for continued forensic analysis of biological evidence for Austin Forensic Science with Bode Cellmark Forensics, Inc. dba Bode Technology, to increase the amount by $1,875,000 and to extend the term by five years for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $3,878,500. Funding: $375,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Forensic Science. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Body
Lead Department
Austin Financial Services.
Client Department(s)
Austin Forensic Science.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $375,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2025 - 2026 Operating Budget of Austin Forensic Science.
Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets.
Purchasing Language:
Contract Amendment.
MBE/WBE:
This contract is exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9C Minority Owned and Women Owned Business
Enterprise Procurement Program; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established.
Prior Council Action:
March 23, 2017- Council approved a contract for forensic analysis of biological evidence with Bode Cellmark Forensics, Inc.
April 25, 2019 - Council approved an amendment for forensic analysis of biological evidence with Bode Cellmark Forensics, Inc.
For More Information:
Direct questions regarding this Recommendation for Council Action to the Austin Financial Services - Central Procurement at: FSDCentralProcurementRCAs@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2500.
Additional Backup Information:
The proposed amendment will allow for continued forensic analysis of biological evidence, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sample testing and comparison to suspect DNA identified by the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and additional evidence to aid in casework investigations for Austin Forensic Science.
The continued outsourcing of DNA services is necessary to meet current casework demands and allows the City to:
• Provide timely response to DNA analysis requests;
• Reduce the accumulation of DNA evidence creating a backlog;
• Maintain compliance with applicable laws to ensure that sexual assault kits (SAKs) are submitted within 30 days to accredited laboratories with the capacity to analyze them within 90 days;
• Provide expert support for investigators and the Case Management Unit
The current contract expires December 31, 2025. A delay in approving this amendment could affect the City’s ability to meet current DNA caseload demands, including those within the State mandated timeframe for SAKs.
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Contract Details: |
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Contract Term |
Length of Term |
Contract Authorization |
Requested Additional Authorization |
Revised Total Authorization |
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Initial Term |
3 years |
$1,300,000 |
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$1,300,000 |
|
Contract Amendment |
5 years |
$703,500 |
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$703,500 |
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Proposed Amendment |
5 years |
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$1,875,000 |
$1,875,000 |
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Total |
13 years |
$2,003,500 |
$1,875,000 |
$3,878,500 |
Note: Contract Authorization amounts are based on the City’s estimated annual usage.