Report Prepared by: Leone Pintabona, Police Lieutenant, City of Merced Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Waive the Competitive Bid Process and Enter into a One (1) Year Agreement with Forensics Nurse Specialist of Nor CA (FNSNC), LLC to Provide Specialized SART Exams from August 1, 2025 Through August 1, 2026
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers waiving the competitive bid Process and entering into a one (1) year agreement with Forensics Nurse Specialist of Nor CA (FNSNC), LLC to provide specialized SART exams from August 1, 2025 through August 1, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council – Adopt a motion:
A. Waiving the competitive bidding requirements to provide improvement to victims’ access and to improve operation efficiency of the Police Department; and,
B. Approving a one-year agreement with Forensics Nurse Specialist of Nor CA (FNSNC), LLC to provide specialized SART exams; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Merced Municipal Code Title 3 Article III Purchases Over Thirty-Eight Thousand Dollars.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-2026 Adopted Goals & Priorities.
DISCUSSION
The Merced Police Department currently relies on Forensic Nurse Specialists of Nor CA, LLC to conduct local forensic examinations (SART) for victims and suspects of sexual assault. While there is an alternate contract with a forensic nurse in Fresno, CA, many victims are reluctant to travel an hour for their examination. Additionally, suspects require an officer to remain with them during the exam before booking, which adds to the burden on law enforcement. Utilizing a local forensic nursing service improves access to resources for victims and helps to reduce overtime and the need for officers to transport suspects.
Merced PD has spent approximately $28,000 on SART exams from January 2025 through May 2025 with the average cost per month at $5,600. At the average rate for the remainder of the fiscal year, the department expects to spend an additional $39,000 for a total estimated cost of $67,000 for SART exams. This amount is an estimate and subject to change based on actual costs for services provided from June 1, 2025 thru July 31, 2026.
Each exam per the agreement will cost between $500 and $3,000 depending on the type of exam. Partial reimbursement for Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) exams is available through the California Office of Emergency Services, with reimbursement estimates ranging from $911 to $1,127 per exam. The Merced Police Department has submitted a reimbursement request in the amount of $15,778 for SART exam services provided from January to May 2025.
The Merced Police Department has negotiated a $250 deduction on all SART exams which should help to reduce costs along with the Cal OES reimbursements.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No budget appropriation is needed. The expected revenue and related expenses are included in the fiscal year 2025-26 adopted budget of the Police Department.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Original Agreement with FNSNC LLC