Department: Institute of Forensic Sciences
Department Head/Elected Official: Luis A. Sanchez, M.D., Executive Director & Chief Medical Examiner
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Donation
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Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for approval to donate certain chemicals to the Sam Houston State University Forensic Sciences Department.
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Background and Discussion:
During Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, the HCIFS Forensic Genetics (DNA) Laboratory lost power for several days. The Laboratory stores a chemical called Acid Phosphatase in a lab freezer. This chemical is used in presumptive testing for the presence of seminal fluid in potential sexual assault evidence. Even though the chemical has not expired and is probably still acceptable to use in DNA testing, HCIFS has concerns that any testing performed with chemicals that weren’t stored at the appropriate temperature during the week of non-power might cause concerns of evidence contamination during any future court proceedings. Therefore, HCIFS has replaced the chemical for evidence testing with new bottles and would like to donate the unused chemical to the Sam Houston State University (SHSU) Forensic Science Department for educational / training purposes. HCIFS has 130 bottles of unusable Acid Phosphatase, at an original cost of $50 per bottle, or $6,500 total.
Expected Impact:
Continued cooperation between HCIFS and SHSU. Ability for SHSU to train students.
Alternative Options:
If chemicals are not donated to SHSU, they will be disposed of.
Alignment with Goal(s):
X Justice and Safety
_ Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
_ Transportation
_ Flooding
_ Environment
_ Governance and Customer Service
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Anticipated Court Date: December 10, 2024
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date):
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Julie Prine, Chief of Staff, Institute of Forensic Sciences
Attachments (if applicable):