Sexual Assault Kit Testing

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory is seeking qualified, accredited forensic service providers through a Request for Proposals to support the testing of approximately 450 untested sexual assault kits (SAKs) spanning from the 1980s to the present. The primary objective is to eliminate the backlog of untested kits, thereby enhancing investigative efforts and improving survivor outcomes by conducting DNA analyses, including STR and biological fluid screening, and uploading eligible DNA profiles into the CODIS database. The project aims for completion by March 31, 2028, with a flexible submission schedule aligned with an ongoing audit of all sexual assault kits held by law enforcement agencies across the jurisdiction. The contract size is estimated between $450,000 and $1,350,000, and proposals are due by October 24, 2025, with the primary contact being Samantha Dal Porto. Supporting documentation includes draft standard contract templates for agreements exceeding $200,000, which outline the terms of service, payment structures, contract duration, termination rights, ownership of work products, and indemnification obligations, including provisions related to intellectual property and compliance requirements such as HIPAA. These templates serve as the legal framework to formalize contractual relationships with selected providers, ensuring clarity on responsibilities, deliverables, and legal protections. The overall initiative underscores San Mateo County’s commitment to addressing sexual assault kit backlogs through collaborative forensic efforts, leveraging certified providers to deliver accurate DNA testing and contribute to public safety and justice.