Department: Purchasing
Department Head/Elected Official: DeWight Dopslauf
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Amendment
Project ID (if applicable): 190031
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Sentinel Offender Services, LLC
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - project was awarded prior to launch of County's M/WBE Program
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval of a renewal option with Sentinel Offender Services, LLC for electronic monitoring equipment and services for Harris County for the period of September 1, 2022 - August 31, 2023 at a cost of $8,500,000 (190031).
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Background and Discussion:
For many years, Pretrial Services has provided electronic monitoring (EM) and transdermal alcohol monitoring (SCRAM) services to the courts for the management of perceived risk presented by defendants released on bond. Particularly during the COVID pandemic and the increased backlog of cases, courts increased their use of these services. In January 2019, the department's average daily population (ADP) on EM was 28 defendants. By October 2021, the EM ADP peaked at 3,974 and since that point has decreased only to 3,665 (May 2022). As well, since March 2020, the ADP of defendants using court-ordered SCRAM units provided by this vendor has continued to rise from 18 to 838 (May 2022). For the indicated renewal term, Pretrial Services anticipates expenses of between $8,500,000 and $12,000,000, depending on how the courts utilize the services.
Expected Impact:
The renewal and anticipated funding are expected to meet the needs for the indicated court-ordered services for the period from September 1, 2022, through August 31, 2023.
Alternative Options:
Given that the department has no authority to discontinue these court-ordered services, there is no viable option that will meet the needs and the...
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