City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 FROM: POLICE DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL SUBJECT: FIRST AMENDMENT TO STANDARD AGREEMENT WITH STATE OF CALIFORNIA, CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FOR PURPOSE OF ALCOHOL ANALYSIS SERVICES, IN AN ANNUAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $30,000 PER YEAR THROUGH TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT ISSUE:
Consider approving the First Amendment to the Standard Agreement with the State of California, California Department of Justice for the purpose of alcohol analysis services, in an annual amount not to exceed $30,000 per year through termination of the agreement.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Approve the First Amendment to the Standard Agreement with the State of California, California Department of Justice for the purpose of alcohol analysis services, in an annual amount not to exceed $30,000 per year through termination of the agreement; and Authorize the City manager, or designee, to execute the First Amendment to the Standard Agreement with the State of California, California Department of Justice, with the ability to make minor and non-substantive changes.
BACKGROUND:
The Standard Agreement with the Department of Justice for the purpose of the State of California Department of Justice to provide alcohol analysis services for the City of Riverside through the Police Department was executed in August 2009. The term of the Agreement began on March 1, 2009 and continues until written notice is received stating the agreement is cancelled or the City of Riverside through the Police Department discontinues requesting the services.
The Police Department has regularly utilized the State of California Department of Justice alcohol analysis services since 2009. Over the last five years the Department costs have totaled less than $30,000 per year and are expected to remain at this level.
DISCUSSION:
On March 9, 2026, the State of California Department of Justice issued a letter to the Chief of Police requesting an amendment to the Standard Agreement for Alcohol Analysis. The letter states that “In early 2019, the Bureau of Forensic Services (BFS) began updating its standard contract for DUI analysis services in order to adapt to changes in the [California] Vehicle Code as well as to the increase in drug-only DUI (DUID) cases.” Per the letter, “The amended language allows [the State of California Department of Justice] laboratories to commence drug analysis immediately when no alcohol content is suspected, thus bypassing the otherwise-required testing for alcohol. This change will streamline the analytical process, minimize turn-around times, and decrease backlogs.” The Police Department recommends that the City Council approve the First Amendment to the Standard Agreement with the State of California Department of Justice for Alcohol Analysis Services. Payments are made to the State of California Department of Justice.
Purchasing Overview
The original agreement was approved by City Council in accordance with Purchasing Resolution 24101, Section 702 which states, …(g) “Competitive Procurement through the Informal Procurement and Formal Procurement process shall not be required where payment for Services is to be made to a Federal, State, and/or other public entity.” This First amendment is pursuant to Purchasing Resolution 24101, Section 1104 “Change Orders”, which states: “Modification to a Purchase Order shall be made only by Change Order. Subject to the availability of funds, Change Orders may be utilized for purposes of…(6) any other change approved by the Manager. Unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Awarding Entity, Change Orders which cumulatively exceed the following will require Awarding Entity approval.” The Purchasing Manager concurs that the recommended action is compliant with Purchasing Resolution 24101.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total impact of this action is up to $30,000 annually through term of the agreement. Sufficient funds are budgeted each year in the General Fund, Police Department Administrative Services, Professional Services Account No. 3105000-421000.
Prepared by: Brandi Becker, Police Administrator
Approved by: Larry V. Gonzalez, Chief of Police
Certified as to
availability of funds: Julie Nemes, Finance Director
Approved by: Thomas R. Hatch, Interim City Manager
Approved as to form: James Johnson, City Attorney
Attachments:
Standard Agreement with CA Department of Justice for Alcohol Analysis First Amendment to the Standard Agreement with CA Department of Justice for Alcohol Analysis Cover Letter from
DOJ DUI Analysis Amendment 2026 hPage 5