Date:
August 18, 2026
01
To:
Board of Supervisors
Title
Sheriff - Request for Single Source Procurement of DNA Analysis Supplies from Promega Corporation (Districts: All)
End
Overview
The ability of the San Diego County Sheriff's Office (Sheriff's Office) Regional Crime Laboratory (Crime Lab) to perform deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis is crucial to criminal investigations. The Crime Lab processes DNA casework for the Sheriff's Office and various agencies within the county. The technology behind DNA analysis is continually advancing and ever changing. To ensure timely and reliable DNA analysis services, the Crime Lab must maintain up-to-date technology and supplies. The Crime Lab currently uses instruments that have been validated to use Promega Corporation's DNA analysis supplies. Introducing another manufacturer would require the Crime Lab to re-validate all its instruments and could jeopardize the Crime Lab's accreditation through the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), which is the largest multi-disciplinary accreditation body in the western hemisphere ensuring conformance with internationally recognized standards. Accreditation provides confidence that evidence is handled appropriately, instruments are properly calibrated, and test and inspection results are reliable for use in criminal proceedings.
Today's action requests the Board to approve a single source procurement of DNA analysis supplies from Promega Corporation for a period of one year, with four option years, and a six-month extension if needed, subject to the availability of funds, and to amend the contract as required to reflect changes to services and funding allocations, subject to the approval of the Sheriff.
Body
Recommendation by Sheriff:
In accordance with Board Policy A-87, Competitive Procurement, approve and authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting, to enter into negotiations with Promega Corporation and subject to successful negotiation...
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