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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program, Request for Authorization to Accept Grant Funds in the amount of $55,680 to be used for software and training for the Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory.
1. Motion authorizing acceptance of the 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant and authorizing the City Manager, or a designee, to execute the necessary agreements, certification, and other documents required to accept the Grant.
2. Resolution to dispense with competitive bidding and authorize the City Manager, or a designee, to execute an amendment to the software contract with Cellebrite, Inc. to provide software licensing, maintenance, and upgrades in the amount of $43,380 increasing the maximum cost to $156,162 and to execute subsequent annual software licensing agreements with Cellebrite, Inc. for the life of all software supported by the Agreement, subject to Police Department budget availability.
3. Resolution of Appropriation to appropriate $55,680 in 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant funds.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Consent Calendar
Approved for August 19, 2025 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Glendale Police Department requests acceptance of $55,680 in grant funds from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for the grant period of April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026, to be used for software licensing and training in the Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory (VRCL).
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RECOMMENDATION
Accept the 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant funds in the amount of $55,680, authorize the City Manager, or a designee, to execute the necessary agreements, certification, and other documents required to implement the Grant, and adopt a resolution to dispense with competitive bidding and appropriate the funds for software licensing and training.
ANALYSIS
Over the last twenty years law enforcement investigative techniques have evolved due to advances in technology. These advances have placed increased demands on a computer forensics laboratory to conduct examinations of evidence obtained from mobile devices and cloud data. As changes are rapidly occurring, it is incumbent upon laboratories to stay abreast of developments within the field of digital evidence examination to best serve law enforcement and the public with examination of submitted evidence.
In applying for the grant, the Laboratory conducted a needs assessment and identified software and training required to fulfill the grant objectives of improved forensic testing services. Grant funds will be used to enhance, expand, and upgrade digital evidence examination capabilities, as well as to provide training opportunities for examiners.
The Laboratory respectfully requests an amendment to its current three-year contract with Cellebrite, Inc., increasing the not-to-exceed amount by $43,380 for a total contract amount not to exceed $156,162. This increase is necessary to expand the Laboratory’s use of proprietary Cellebrite software licenses to enhance digital forensic capabilities.
Additionally, the Police Department seeks authorization to execute future software licensing agreements with Cellebrite, Inc. for the duration of the softwares’ useful life, contingent upon budget availability. This will ensure continuity of operations and maintain access to critical forensic tools without interruption.
Online, on-demand, and in-person instructor-led courses cover a range of topics using different software currently in use in the laboratory. From fundamentals to advanced offerings, the range of training opportunities will address varying experience levels within the Computer Forensics Unit to improve the overall quality and efficiency of digital examination services.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Grant funds will be used to improve the quality of forensic testing services provided to customer agencies and the public.
FISCAL IMPACT
The 2024 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant funds in the amount of $55,680, which was not included as part of the FY2025-26 approved budget. Therefore, staff is requesting an appropriation of $55,680 from grant revenue. The appropriation request is outlined below:
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Requesting Appropriation
Amount From (Account String) To (Account String) Funding Source $8,300 GL: 31240-2610-GPD-
0020
PL: GPD01383AG
GL: 44650-2610-GPD-
0020
PL: GPD01383AG
Police Fund
$47,380 GL: 31240-2610-GPD-
0020
PL: GPD01383AG
GL: 44700-2610-GPD-
0020
PL: GPD01383AG
Police Fund
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
This item is considered a ministerial activity and therefore, not subject to CEQA/NEPA review. There is no possibility that the acceptance of this award may have a significant effect on the environment. (14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3)).
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
The names and business addresses of the members of the board of directors, the chairperson, CEO, COO, CFO, Subcontractors and any person or entity with more than 10% interest in the company proposed for contract in this Agenda Item Report are attached in Exhibit A, in accordance with the City Campaign Finance Ordinance No. 5744.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Deny the Police Department’s request. Expenses for software licensing and training would be absorbed by the Police Department budget.
Alternative 2: Consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Manuel Cid, Police Chief
Prepared by:
Catherine Nguyen, Lab Director
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A – Campaign Finance Disclosure