ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 10, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - PSVS TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brent Stratton, Chief of Police
DATE: May 19, 2026
SUBJECT: Amendment 3 to Agreement No. 2024-070 with Serological Research Institute ($40,000; not to exceed $180,000 and extend the term date to June 30, 2027) for continued DNA services.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this amendment
BACKGROUND:
The City has historically relied on the Kern Regional Crime Lab (KRCL) for DNA testing services. Due to KRCL’s limitations, specifically its limited range of DNA testing options and its inability to expedite testing results for urgent investigations, the City sought an alternative provider.
Serological Research Institute was selected for its ability to provide essential forensic services, including expedited turnaround times and expert testimony for cases requiring additional forensic analysis.
On January 3, 2024, the City entered into Agreement No. PD24-002 with Serological Research Institute for forensic evidence collection and examination services related to ongoing cases with the Bakersfield Police Department with a total compensation of $40,000, and a term date of January 3, 2025.
On March 13, 2024, the City amended Agreement No. PD24-002 and entered into Agreement No. 2024- 070, increasing compensation by $60,000, for a new not to exceed amount of $100,000.
On December 18, 2024, the City entered into Amendment 1 to Agreement No. 2024 -070, extending the term date to January 3, 2026.
On August 27, 2025, the City entered into Amendment 2 to Agreement No. 2024-070, to increase the compensation by $40,000, for a new not to exceed amount of $140,000 and extended the term date to June 30, 2026.
Due to the continued need for DNA testing services and the successful performance of Serological Research Institute, including improved turnaround times and support for case investigations, the City now seeks to increase compensation by $40,000 for a new not to exceed amount of $180,000 and extend the term date to June 30, 2027, to continue DNA testing services.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this agreement is within the Police Departments Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Safety and Resilience
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Amendment 3 to Agreement No. 2024-070