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Agenda Item 26.

City Council Meeting

Meeting Date:	07/16/2019
FROM:	Bill Gallardo

Subject:

Pre-Employment Background Investigation Services

RECOMMENDATION

1. Approve the Agreement with RCS Investigations & Consulting LLC to provide the Police Department with pre-employment background investigation services in the amount not-to-exceed $75,000 per year; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to issue up to four one-year extensions exclusive of any cost increases.

BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION

The Brea Police Department has contracted with RCS Investigations & Consulting LLC (RCS) for pre-employment background investigation services since 2011. During the term of this contract, RCS has conducted numerous background investigations for both sworn and non-sworn candidates. Their work product is both thorough and timely. RCS reports provide much-needed information to aid the police department in properly screening highly qualified candidates.

During the entire eight-year term of the existing contract, RCS has charged $1,650 for a sworn background investigation and $1,500 for a non-sworn background investigation. In certain circumstances where RCS has learned of information that leads to the disqualification of the applicant early in the investigation, they have only charged the police department a pro-rated portion of that amount resulting in cost savings. For the first time in eight years, RCS has proposed a modest price increase. Under the terms of a new contract, their pricing structure would be $1,750 for a sworn background investigation (an increase of $100 or 6%) and $1,550 for a non-sworn background investigation (an increase of $50 or 3%).

Based on a long track record of quality work, timely reports, familiarity with our organization and needs, and the proposed modest price increase, the police department recommends approving the new contract with RCS for pre-employment background investigation services. Staff requests that City Council authorize the City Manager to exercise the renewal terms as long as the consultant’s performance continues to meet Brea’s requirements and there are no price increases.

COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Finance Committee reviewed staff's recommendation at their July 9, 2019 meeting and it was recommended for City Council approval.

FISCAL IMPACT/SUMMARY

The not-to-exceed amount is based on anticipated needs in FY 2019-20 for the necessary quantity of background investigations to meet hiring demands. The FY 2019-20 budget has sufficient funding available in the Police Department’s Professional Services account (110-21-2111-4249).

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:

William Gallardo, City Manager
Prepared by: John Burks, Police Chief

Attachments
Agreement