REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

2026-PURB RFP-0046

ON-CALL FORENSIC PATHOLOGY SERVICES

County of Sacramento

9660 Ecology Lane

Sacramento, CA 95827

RELEASE DATE: June 10, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: June 18, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: June 25, 2026, 2:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/saccounty https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/%7bproject.government.code%7d

County of Sacramento

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

On-Call Forensic Pathology Services

1. Introduction

2. General Rules

3. Scope of Work and Minimum Qualifications

4. Evaluation and Selection

5. Proposal Format and Content

6. Evaluation Phases

7. Vendor Submissions

Attachments:

A - Sample County Agreement

B - Proprietary Agreement

Request for Proposal #2026-PURB RFP-0046 Title: On-Call Forensic Pathology Services

1. Introduction

1.1. Summary

The County of Sacramento ("County") Coroner’s Office is soliciting proposals from qualified forensic pathology providers to furnish professional forensic pathology services for deaths falling under the jurisdiction of the Coroner, pursuant to applicable California law.

1.2. Contact Information

Any inquiries or requests regarding this solicitation must be submitted via OpenGov. Contact with unauthorized County personnel during the selection process may result in disqualification.

Sheng Yang

Administrative Services Officer II

Email: yangshe@saccounty.gov

Phone: (916) 874-9321

Department:

Coroner

Department Head:

Rosa Vega

Coroner

1.3. Timeline

Release Project Date June 10, 2026

Question Submission Deadline June 18, 2026, 2:00pm

Proposal Submission Deadline June 25, 2026, 2:00pm mailto:yangshe@saccounty.gov tel:(916)874-9321

2. General Rules

2.1. Important Instructions for Electronic Submittal

The County is accepting electronic proposal submissions. Proposers shall create a FREE account with

OpenGov Procurement by signing up at Sign Up (opengov.com). Once you have completed account registration, browse back to this page, click on "Draft Response", and follow the instructions to submit your electronic proposal.

2.2. General Rules

2.2.1 Overview

This Request for Proposals ("RFP") is an invitation for proposers to submit a proposal to the County. This

RFP does not commit the County to award a contract to any proposer. Submission of a proposal shall neither obligate nor entitle a proposer to enter into a contract with the County.

2.2.2 Proposal format and content

When submitting a proposal, proposers must follow the format and contents detailed in Section 5.

Proposal Format and Content. Failure to do so will likely prolong the evaluation process and could result in a proposal not being considered.

2.2.3 Proposal submission

Proposals must be received BEFORE 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 25, 2026 electronically via OpenGov.

Failure to submit a proposal on time may be grounds for rejection of the proposal; however, the County reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to accept proposals after the proposal due date.

2.2.4 Questions and communication

Questions concerning this RFP must be submitted in the project Q&A section in OpenGov Procurement by 2:00 pmon Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Questions received via phone or e-mail to direct points of contact for this RFP will not be considered nor responded to. The County shall respond to questions properly submitted as described above via addenda, if the answer presents a material change to the solicitation, and/or via the Question & Answer section for non-material answers.

By submitting a response, proposer affirms review of all solicitation documents including all questions submitted and answers issued by the County on the project.

2.2.5 Addenda

The County reserves the right to modify this RFP at any time prior to the proposal due date. The County will modify the RFP only by written addenda. Proposal should be based on this RFP document and any formal written addenda. Proposers should not rely on oral statements. Addenda will be posted in

OpenGov Procurement. It is the responsibility of each prospective proposer to assure receipt of all addenda.

2.2.6 County's right to withdraw, cancel, suspend and/or modify RFP

The County reserves the right to withdraw, cancel, suspend, and/or modify this RFP for any reason and https://procurement.opengov.com/signup at any time with no liability to any prospective proposer for any costs or expenses incurred in connection with the RFP or otherwise.

2.2.7 Proposer's right to edit or cancel proposal

Proposers may edit or cancel their proposal in OpenGov Procurement prior to the due date.

2.2.8 Proposals will not be returned

Upon submission, proposals will not be returned.

2.2.9 Public disclosure of proposal documents

The County will treat all information submitted in a proposal as available for public inspection once negotiations with the selected party have been completed. If copies of proposals are included with

Board materials, the County will make proposals available for public inspection once staff has made a recommendation for award.

If a proposer believes protected data is included in its proposal, the proposer shall clearly identify the data and provide the legal basis in support of the asserted classification. Proposer must present such information separately as part of its proposal OR type in bold red letters the term "CONFIDENTIAL" on that specific part or page of the proposal which proposer believes to be confidential. Classification of data as trade secret data will be determined pursuant to applicable law, and, accordingly, merely labeling data as "trade secret" does not necessarily make the data protected under any applicable law.

In order for the County to assert the confidentiality of any such information in the event a California

Public Record Act request is received, the proposer must request, execute and submit a County-prepared written agreement to defend and indemnify the County for liability, costs and expenses incurred in asserting such confidentiality as part of the proposal. A copy of that written agreement is attached as Attachment B.

The final determination of whether the County will assert a proposer's claim of confidentiality shall be at the sole discretion of the County. Any information determined to be non-confidential shall be considered public record. If the County determines that your information does not meet the criteria for confidentiality, you will be notified of the County's intent to release the public record pursuant to any

California Public Records Act request.

The proposer agrees, as a condition of submitting its proposal, that the County will not, as between the parties, be liable or accountable for any loss or damage, which may result from a breach of confidentiality related to the proposal. The proposer agrees to indemnity and hold the County, its officials, agents, and employees harmless from all claims arising out of, resulting from, or in any manner attributable to any violation of any provision of the California Public Records Act, including legal fees and disbursements paid or incurred to enforce this provision.

2.2.10 Proposer's costs

The County shall not be responsible for any costs incurred by proposer in connection with this RFP.

Proposer shall bear all costs associated with proposal preparation, submission, and attendance at interviews, or any other activity associated with this RFP or otherwise.

2.2.11 Proposer's ideas

To the extent permitted by law, the County reserves the right to use any or all ideas, concepts, or other information provided in any proposals. Selection or rejection of the proposal does not affect this right.

2.2.12 Collusion

If the County determines that collusion has occurred among proposers, none of the proposals of the participants involved in the collusion shall be considered. The County's determination shall be final.

2.2.13 Conflict of interest

The proposer affirms that to the best of its knowledge the submission of its proposal, or any resulting contract, does not present an actual or perceived conflict of interest. The proposer agrees that should any actual or perceived conflict of interest become known, it will immediately notify the County and will advise whether it will or will not avoid, mitigate, or neutralize the conflict of interest.

The County may make reasonable efforts to avoid, mitigate, or neutralize a conflict of interest by a proposer. To avoid a conflict of interest by a proposer, the County may utilize methods including disqualifying a proposer from eligibility for a contract award or cancelling the contract if the conflict is discovered after a contract has been issued. The County may, at its sole and absolute discretion, waive any conflict of interest.

3. Scope of Work and Minimum Qualifications

The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office is soliciting proposals from qualified forensic pathology providers to furnish professional forensic pathology services for deaths falling under the jurisdiction of the Coroner pursuant to applicable California law.

The selected consultant(s) shall provide forensic pathology services necessary to assist the County in determining the cause and manner of death through forensic examinations, autopsies, consultation, reporting, and expert testimony. Services shall be performed in accordance with accepted professional standards, applicable laws and regulations, and County policies and procedures.

Scope of Work

A. Services to be Provided

• Services shall be provided on an as-needed basis at the direction of the County.

• The consultant(s) shall provide comprehensive forensic pathology services, including but not limited to:

• Performing medicolegal autopsies and external examinations.

• Reviewing and evaluating investigative reports, medical records, toxicology results, laboratory findings, radiology studies, photographs, and other relevant evidence.

• Determining and certifying the cause and manner of death.

• Preparing and completing autopsy reports, external examination reports, supplemental reports, and other required case documentation.

• Consulting with Coroner personnel regarding death investigations and forensic findings.

• Consulting with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, public health agencies, defense counsel, and other authorized entities as requested by the County.

• Examining, documenting, and directing the collection and preservation of forensic evidence and specimens as appropriate.

• Recommending toxicology, histology, microbiology, genetic testing, radiology, and other ancillary studies as appropriate.

• Reviewing and consulting on complex, unusual, suspicious, violent, accidental, natural, undetermined, pediatric, decomposed, skeletal, in-custody, and other specialized death investigations.

• Providing expert witness testimony, depositions, court appearances, and related legal proceedings when requested by the County.

• Participating in case reviews, multidisciplinary meetings, and quality assurance activities as requested by the County.

B. Consultant(s) Responsibilities

The consultant(s) shall:

• Perform services in a timely, professional, and competent manner.

• Exercise independent medical judgment in determining the cause and manner of death.

• Communicate preliminary findings to designated County personnel when requested.

• Complete and submit reports within timelines established by the County, unless delayed by pending laboratory testing, investigative information, or other factors beyond the consultant’s control.

• Maintain complete, accurate, and legally defensible case records.

• Maintain confidentiality of all records and information obtained during the performance of services.

• Cooperate with County personnel and authorized partner agencies involved in death investigations.

• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and professional standards governing forensic pathology services.

• Maintain all required licenses, certifications, registrations, and permits necessary to perform the services described herein.

• Maintain professional liability insurance and comply with all County insurance requirements throughout the term of the agreement.

• Disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest that may affect the performance of services under the agreement.

• Contractor shall maintain DOJ CJIS training and successfully pass the NexTest and maintain

County required IT training.

• Contractor shall successfully pass DOJ and FBI livescan clearance and maintain good criminal history.

C. Service Availability and Scheduling

The consultant(s) shall coordinate with the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office regarding scheduling, case assignments, workload distribution, and service availability.

Services may include a variety of case types requiring forensic pathology review, external examination, autopsy, consultation, report preparation, and testimony. The number and complexity of cases may vary based on operational needs.

The consultant(s) shall maintain sufficient availability and capacity to perform requested services in a timely manner and shall work collaboratively with County personnel to establish mutually agreeable work schedules, coverage needs, case assignments, and report completion timelines.

Services shall be performed at the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office or other County-designated location unless otherwise approved by the County. Services may be scheduled during regular business hours or at other times as necessary to meet operational needs. The consultant(s) shall work collaboratively with County personnel, including Coroner investigators, morgue staff, pathology staff, and administrative staff, in the performance of services.

The County will provide access to County facilities, equipment, case records, and support staff necessary for the performance of services. The consultant(s) shall utilize such resources in accordance with County policies, procedures, and operational requirements.

D. Deliverables

The consultant(s) shall provide, at a minimum:

• Preliminary findings when requested by the County.

• Completed autopsy reports.

• Completed external examination reports.

• Supplemental reports and consultation memoranda as needed.

• Signed cause and manner of death determinations.

• Court testimony, depositions, declarations, and related legal support services as required.

• Have experience determining cause and manner of death and preparing opinions suitable for use in criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings.

E. Reporting Requirements

Reports and documentation shall be submitted electronically in a format approved by the County.

The consultant(s) shall maintain records related to services provided under the agreement and furnish status updates, case information, and other reports reasonably requested by the County for contract administration, operational planning, quality assurance, accreditation support, or legal purposes.

F. Performance Standards

The consultant(s) shall:

• Perform all services in accordance with accepted standards and practices of the forensic pathology profession.

• Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, professional standards, and ethical requirements governing the practice of forensic pathology.

• Exercise professional judgment consistent with the standards of the forensic pathology profession.

• Perform services in a manner that supports the County’s operational, legal, public health, and public service responsibilities.

• Cooperate with County personnel to facilitate timely death investigations and case resolution.

• Produce reports and opinions that are accurate, objective, complete, and suitable for use in criminal, civil, administrative, and other legal proceedings.

Minimum Qualifications

Proposers must demonstrate that they meet the following minimum qualifications:

A. Proposer Qualifications

• The consultant(s) must be legally authorized to conduct business in the State of California.

• The consultant(s) must have experience providing forensic pathology services to Coroner offices, Medical Examiner offices, governmental agencies, hospitals, academic institutions, or comparable organizations.

• The consultant(s) must demonstrate the qualifications, experience, availability, and capacity necessary to perform the services described in this solicitation and meet the operational needs of the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office.

B. Professional Qualifications

All Forensic Pathologists performing services under the agreement shall:

• Possess a current and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of California.

• Be Board Certified in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology or possess qualifications deemed equivalent and acceptable to the County.

• Maintain all required licenses, certifications, registrations, and continuing medical education requirements throughout the term of the agreement.

• Have experience performing medicolegal autopsies and forensic examinations.

• Have experience preparing forensic pathology reports suitable for criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings.

• Have experience providing expert witness testimony in court proceedings.

4. Evaluation and Selection

4.1 Proposal evaluation and recommendation for selection

The County reserves the following rights, to be exercised in the County’s sole and absolute discretion: 1) to determine whether any aspect of a proposal satisfactorily meets the criteria established in this RFP; 2) to seek clarification or additional information from any proposer; 3) to negotiate, sequentially or simultaneously, pricing and/or terms with any proposer or vendor; 4) to reject any or all proposals with or without cause; 5) to waive any irregularities or informalities in a proposal; 6) to cancel or amend by addenda this RFP, in part or entirely; 7) to award multiple contracts to proposers; and/or 8) award a contract to a vendor that did not submit a proposal.

Evaluation of proposals by a selection committee, evaluation panel, County staff, a technical advisory committee, or by another group, individual or entity is advisory only. The County of Sacramento Board of Supervisors or its designee may consider or reject such evaluation(s) for any or all proposals. Such evaluations are for the sole benefit of the County of Sacramento Board of Supervisors or its designee, and as such, they are not binding upon the County, nor may they be relied upon in any way by a

Proposer.

The County will issue a Notice of Intent to Award (NOIA) and/or a Notice of Award (NOA), as applicable, to be published on OpenGov Procurement naming County’s selected consultant following completion of the evaluation process.

4.2 Evaluation of responsiveness

The County will consider all the material submitted by a proposer to determine whether the proposer’s offer is in compliance with the terms and conditions set forth in this RFP. Proposals that do not comply with the provisions in this RFP may be considered nonresponsive and may be rejected.

4.3 Evaluation of responsibility

To determine whether a Proposer is responsible, the County will consider the Proposer’s general qualifications to perform the requested services in a satisfactory manner; financial responsibility;

integrity; skill; past performance; and ability. Proposals from proposers considered non-responsible will be rejected.

4.4 Evaluation panel and evaluation criteria

After review of each responsive proposal, the County may award a contract to a successful proposer based on the evaluation criteria, or it may establish a short list of proposers for further consideration.

The short list of proposers may be asked to provide additional information. The short list of proposers may also be asked to attend an in-person or telephone interview/presentation, as determined by the

County in its sole discretion.

Evaluation criteria shall include the criteria listed in Section 6. Evaluation Phases.

4.5 Interviews

After review of each responsive proposal, the County may award a contract to a successful proposer based on the evaluation criteria, or it may establish a short list of proposers for further consideration.

The short list of proposers may be asked to provide additional information, or an interview/demonstration as determined by the County in its sole discretion.

4.6 Execution of contract

The selected proposer shall execute an agreement with the County of Sacramento, using the standard consulting agreement (Attachment A). Any requested revisions, deletions, or additions, to the language in the attached sample agreement shall be clearly set forth in the proposal for the County’s consideration.

Before a contract becomes effective between the County and any proposer, the contract must be reviewed by County Counsel and the contract award must be approved by the County Board of

Supervisors or its designee. If for any reason the County Board of Supervisors or its designee does not ratify and sign the contract then there are no binding obligations whatsoever between the County and the proposer relative to the proposed contract.

5. Proposal Format and Content

Proposals shall not exceed ten (10) pages and must adhere to the following format:

Please note:

The ten (10) page limit applies to the Proposal Narrative only, and excludes the following: cover letter, resumes/CVs, licenses and certifications, references, rate schedule, and "other required attachments."

Please refer to Section 7. Vendor Submissions and follow the upload instructions for these sections.

Proposals must be clear, concise, and organized in the order listed below. Proposals must provide sufficient information for the County to evaluate the proposer’s qualifications, experience, staffing, availability, capacity, service approach, cost, and ability to perform the services described in the Scope of Work.

5.1 Cover letter

Proposers must submit a cover letter that includes the following:

a. A statement that the proposal is effective for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days or the date the contract takes effect, whichever is later;

b. A statement confirming that the proposer has reviewed and agrees to be bound by County of

Sacramento Terms and Conditions (Attachment A), including insurance provisions; or, alternatively, a statement confirming that the proposer has reviewed and agrees to be bound by County of Sacramento

Terms and Conditions (Attachment A), excluding only those provisions that have been redlined for negotiation purposes and are included in their Proposal;

c. A statement that the proposer does not have an actual or perceived conflict of interest regarding this

RFP or in submission of their proposal; or alternatively, a statement explaining any conflict of interest and how to avoid, mitigate or neutralize the conflict;

d. A statement confirming that the proposer meets the minimum qualifications stated in this RFP, including the ability to provide qualified forensic pathology services, maintain required licenses, certifications, registrations, permits, insurance, training, clearances, and comply with County requirements.

Please note: the Cover Letter will be uploaded separately from the Proposal Narrative. Refer to Section

7. Vendor Submissions and follow the upload instructions for the Cover Letter

5.2 Proposal Narrative

Proposals must contain the following information (and in the same order):

a. Provide a brief profile of the proposer, including the proposer’s legal name, size, organizational structure, history, years in business, and legal authorization to conduct business in the State of

California.

b. Provide a statement of qualifications describing the proposer’s qualifications and experience relevant to the forensic pathology services requested in this RFP.

The statement of qualifications must include, at minimum:

• Experience providing forensic pathology services to Coroner offices, Medical Examiner offices, governmental agencies, hospitals, academic institutions, or comparable organizations;

• Experience performing or providing services related to medicolegal autopsies, external examinations, forensic examinations, death investigations, report preparation, consultation, cause and manner of death determinations, and expert witness testimony;

• Ability to provide accurate, objective, complete, and legally defensible reports and opinions suitable for use in criminal, civil, administrative, and other legal proceedings;

• Ability to comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, professional standards, ethical requirements, County policies, confidentiality requirements, and contract requirements.

c. Provide a plan for delivering services consistent with the Scope of Work.

The service plan must include, at minimum:

• Description of the proposed forensic pathology services to be provided;

• Procedures for coordinating with the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office regarding scheduling, case assignments, workload distribution, and service availability;

• Approach for performing medicolegal autopsies, external examinations, case reviews, consultations, report preparation, cause and manner of death determinations, and expert testimony;

• Approach for communicating preliminary findings to designated County personnel when requested;

• Approach for completing and submitting reports within timelines established by the County, unless delayed by pending laboratory testing, investigative information, or other factors beyond the proposer’s control;

• Approach for maintaining complete, accurate, confidential, and legally defensible case records;

• Ability to provide services at the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office or other County-designated location, unless otherwise approved by the County;

• Schedule, frequency, or availability of services, including regular business hours, after-hours, weekend, holiday, urgent, or expedited services, if applicable;

• Capacity to perform the services, including availability of staff, contractors, subcontractors, resources, and coverage;

• Quality control or quality assurance procedures used to ensure services are performed in accordance with accepted forensic pathology standards and practices.

d. Name of project or account manager to be assigned to the County.

• Identify the project manager, account manager, or primary point of contact who will be assigned to the County.

• Provide the individual’s name, title, telephone number, email address, role, responsibilities, and authority to coordinate services, scheduling, staffing, communication, billing, and contract administration with the County.

e. Proposed Staffing and Key Staff

Identify all forensic pathologists known at the time of proposal submission who are proposed to perform services under the agreement, including employees, independent contractors, subcontractors, or other contracted professionals.

For each identified forensic pathologist, provide a brief summary of the individual’s:

• Role and anticipated availability;

• Professional credentials;

• Education, licenses, certifications, registrations, and permits;

• Board Certification in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology, or equivalent qualifications deemed acceptable to the County;

• Expertise and capability;

• Applicable professional affiliations and accreditations;

• Applicable professional experience, including medicolegal autopsies, forensic examinations, forensic pathology reports, and expert witness testimony.

*For each forensic pathologist identified at the time of proposal submission, the proposer must provide a current resume/CV, current and unrestricted California medical license documentation, and Board

Certification in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology, or equivalent qualification documentation acceptable to the County, as required attachments or uploads.

If all forensic pathologists have not yet been identified, the proposer must provide a staffing plan explaining how qualified forensic pathologists will be recruited, retained, assigned, vetted, and made available to meet the County’s service and operational needs. Any forensic pathologist assigned to perform services under the agreement must meet the minimum qualifications stated in this RFP before performing services. If a forensic pathologist is not identified at the time of proposal submission, the selected proposer must provide the required documentation to the County for review and approval before the individual performs any services under the agreement. The selected proposer shall not assign, add, or substitute forensic pathologists to perform services under the agreement without prior

County review and approval.

*Please note that resumes/CVs and applicable licenses, certifications, registrations, and additional staffing documentation should be uploaded separately from the Proposal Narrative. Please refer to

Section 7. Vendor Submissions and follow the upload instructions for resumes/CVs and applicable licenses, certifications, and registrations. *

f. Provide a narrative describing the proposer’s experience providing similar forensic pathology services for other clients.

The narrative should include experience providing services to governmental clients, Coroner offices, Medical Examiner offices, hospitals, academic institutions, or comparable organizations.

The proposer should describe experience with:

• Medicolegal autopsies and external examinations;

• Death investigations;

• Cause and manner of death determinations;

• Autopsy reports, external examination reports, supplemental reports, consultation memoranda, and other case documentation;

• Complex, unusual, suspicious, violent, accidental, natural, undetermined, pediatric, decomposed, skeletal, in-custody, and other specialized death investigations;

• Expert witness testimony, depositions, court appearances, declarations, and related legal support services;

• Case reviews, multidisciplinary meetings, and quality assurance activities.

g. Provide at least three (3) references for whom the proposer has provided services similar to those described in this RFP.

If the proposer will use subcontractors or contracted professionals to perform a material portion of the services, references may also be requested for those subcontractors or contracted professionals.

The County reserves the right to check other references not provided by the proposer. The following information is required for each reference:

• Customer name and address;

• Point of contact name, telephone number, and email address for contractual or administrative matters;

• Point of contact name, telephone number, and email address for technical performance, if different;

• Period of contract performance;

• Description of work performed.

Emphasis should be given to references where the services provided are similar to the services requested in this RFP and where the resources used are the same or substantially similar to those proposed for the County. Governmental references, including Coroner or Medical Examiner offices, are preferred when available. The County may request additional references from the proposer.

*Please note that references should be uploaded separately from the Proposal Narrative. Please refer to Section 7. Vendor Submissions and follow the upload instructions for references.*

h. Provide a complete rate schedule identifying all proposed rates, charges, fees, annual adjustments, and any costs not included in the proposed rates.

At minimum, the pricing proposal must include proposed rates for applicable service categories, including but not limited to:

• Medicolegal autopsy;

• External examination;

• Case review or consultation;

• Report preparation;

• Supplemental report preparation;

• Cause and manner of death determination;

• Expert witness testimony;

• Court appearance;

• Deposition;

• Declaration or other legal support service;

• Meetings, case conferences, or multidisciplinary reviews;

• Travel time, mileage, or other travel-related costs, if applicable;

• After-hours, weekend, holiday, urgent, or expedited service rates, if applicable;

• Any minimum charges, cancellation charges, administrative fees, or other fees.

The proposer must clearly identify whether rates are proposed as fixed fees, hourly rates, per-case rates, daily rates, or another pricing structure. The proposer must identify any proposed annual rate increases, escalation, Cost-of-Living Adjustment, or other pricing adjustments during the term of the agreement. If no rate increases or adjustments are proposed, the proposer must state that rates will remain fixed for the proposed term. The proposer must identify any costs that are not included in the proposed rates. Any costs not clearly identified in the proposal may not be accepted by the County. The

County reserves the right to negotiate final rates and compensation terms with the selected proposer prior to contract execution.

*Please note that the rate schedule and any associated cost information as described above should be uploaded separately from the Proposal Narrative. Please refer to Section 7. Vendor Submissions and follow the upload instructions for rate schedules. *

6. Evaluation Phases

No. Evaluation Criteria Scoring Method Weight (Points)

1. Experience and Qualifications

The County will evaluate the consultant’s demonstrated ability to perform forensic pathology services in a death investigation and legal-medical context.

• Board certification in forensic pathology (e.g., American Board of

Pathology or equivalent)

• Experience performing autopsies and death investigations within a coroner or medical examiner system

• Experience working with public agencies responsible for death investigation and legal proceedings

• Experience providing expert witness testimony in criminal and civil cases

• Depth and relevance of casework involving complex, suspicious, or unexplained deaths

N/A N/A

2. Technical Approach and Understanding of

Services

The County will evaluate the consultant’s understanding of the scope of work and ability to perform services effectively on an on-call basis.

• Understanding of death investigation processes within a public agency setting

• Clarity and feasibility of the approach to case review, autopsy services, external examinations, reporting, and consultation

• Approach to quality assurance, documentation, confidentiality, and chain-of-custody integrity

• Responsiveness to urgent and time-sensitive requests

• Ability to integrate with County workflows and multidisciplinary death investigation teams

3. Quality of Proposal Compliance

The County will evaluate the overall quality, completeness, and responsiveness of the submitted proposal, including the proposer’s adherence to all instructions and requirements of the solicitation.

• Completeness of the proposal, including submission of all required forms, certifications, and attachments

• Responsiveness to all sections of the solicitation, including scope, qualifications, and pricing requirements

• Clarity, organization, and professionalism of the written submission

• Demonstrated understanding of the

County's requirements and service expectations

• Accuracy and consistency of information provided throughout the proposal

• Compliance with formatting instructions, page limits, and submission guidelines

• Absence of material omissions, exceptions, or deviations from solicitation requirements

4. References and Past Performance

The County will evaluate past performance based on submitted references and prior experience.

• Quality of prior work for public agencies, Coroner offices, Medical

Examiner offices, or death investigation systems

• Reliability, timeliness, and responsiveness

• Professional conduct and effectiveness in legal proceedings, including testimony, depositions, declarations, or related legal support services

• Feedback from references provided by the proposer

N/A N/A

5. Availability and Responsiveness

The County will evaluate the consultant’s ability to provide timely on-call services.

• Availability for routine and urgent case assignments

• Proposed response times for varying levels of service urgency

• Capacity to manage variable caseloads

• Backup coverage or contingency plans, if applicable

• Ability to respond to after-hours, weekend, and holiday requests

6. Cost

The County will evaluate proposed compensation for services.

• Pricing structures for professional services

• Fees for autopsy, consultation, and case review services

• Travel or incidental costs, if applicable

• Proposed annual increases, escalation, or other pricing adjustments

• Overall clarity, structure, completeness, and reasonableness of pricing

7. Vendor Submissions

7.1. Certification of Independent Contractor Status*

"I hereby certify that the Contractor/Consultant firm employs five or more full-time employees. “Full-time”, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service, means persons employed for 20 or more hours per week, and excludes temporary employees whose term of employment will be less than one (1) month.

This certification satisfies the Internal Revenue Service criteria for treatment of the above-named consultant as an independent contractor, not an employee for tax withholding purposes."

☐ Yes, I certify that the firm has five (5) or more full-time employees.

☐ No, I certify that the firm does not have five (5) or more full-time employees, and the firm provides services to the general public. (The County will conduct a tax determination review if this option is selected.)

*Response required

7.2. Contractor Certification of Compliance, Part 1*

WHEREAS it is in the best interest of Sacramento County that those entities with whom the County does business demonstrate financial responsibility, integrity and lawfulness, it is inequitable for those entities with whom the County does business to receive County funds while failing to pay court-ordered child, family and spousal support which shifts the support of their dependents onto the public treasury.

Therefore, in order to assist the Sacramento County Department of Child Support Services in its efforts to collect unpaid court-ordered child, family and spousal support orders, the following certification must be provided by all entities with whom the County does business:

Contractor/Consultant hereby certifies that either:

☐ the Contractor/Consultant is a government or non-profit entity (exempt), or

☐ the Contractor/Consultant has no Principals Owners (25% or more) (exempt), or

☐ each Principal Owner (25% or more) does not have any existing child support orders, or

☐ Contractor/Consultants Principal Owners are currently in substantial compliance with any court-ordered child, family and spousal support order, including orders to provide current residence address, employment information, and whether dependent health insurance coverage is available. If not in compliance, Principal Owner has become current or has arranged a payment schedule with the

Department of Child Support Services or the court.

*Response required

7.3. Contractor Certification of Compliance, Part 2*

New Contractor/Consultant shall certify that each of the following statements is true:

a. Contractor/Consultant has fully complied with all applicable state and federal reporting requirements relating to employment reporting for its employees; and

b. Contractor/Consultant has fully complied with all lawfully served wage and earnings assignment orders and notices of assignment and will continue to maintain compliance.

NOTE: Failure to comply with state and federal reporting requirements regarding a Contractor's employees or failure to implement lawfully served wage and earnings assignment orders or notices of assignment constitutes a default under the contract; and failure to cure the default within 90 days of notice by the County shall be grounds for termination of the contract. Principal Owners can contact the

Sacramento Department of Child Support Services at 1-866-901-3212, by writing to P.O. Box 269112, Sacramento, 95826-9112, or via the Customer Connect website at www.childsup.ca.gov .

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

7.4. Request for Proposal Requirements*

Please confirm that you have read through and met all of the Proposal requirements.

☐ Yes

☐ No

*Response required

7.5. Confidential Sections of Proposal (If Applicable)

The County will treat all information submitted in a proposal as available for public inspection once the

County has awarded a contract. If you believe that you have a legally justifiable basis under the

California Public Records Act (Government Code section 6250 et. seq.) for protecting the confidentiality of any information contained within your proposal, you must identify any such information, together with the legal basis of your claim in your proposal, and present such information in this section as part of your proposal response package. The final determination of whether the County will assert a proposer's claim of confidentiality shall be at the sole discretion of the County. Click "file upload" below to upload any proposal documents you consider to be confidential documents.

7.6. Proposed Contract Exceptions (If Applicable)

If proposing any exceptions to the County's Sample Agreement (Attachment A), upload a redlined revision of the Sample Agreement attached to this solicitation here. Any submissions are for negotiation purposes only.

*If no exceptions are proposed, please skip this question.

7.7. Cover Letter (separate)*

Please upload your Cover Letter here.

*Response required

7.8. Proposal Narrative*

Please upload your proposal narrative here. The proposal narrative shall not exceed ten (10) pages.

*The ten (10) page limit applies to the proposal narrative only and excludes the following: cover letter, http://www.childsup.ca.gov/ resumes/CVs, licenses, certifications, references, rate sheet, and other required attachments or uploads.

Refer to Section 5. Proposal Format and Content for further details.

*Response required

7.9. Rate Sheet (separate)*

Upload your Rate Sheet here, including all proposed rates, charges, fees, annual adjustments, travel or incidental costs, and any costs not included in the proposed rates.

*Response required

7.10. Resumes/CVs, Staffing Documents & Applicable Licenses, Certifications, Registrations, and/or Permits of Proposed Staff (separate) *

Upload all required qualifications and staffing documents for any forensic pathologist identified at proposal submission, including the following:

• Current resume/CV

• Current and unrestricted California medical license documentation

• Board Certification in Forensic Pathology or equivalent qualification documentation

• Any other applicable licenses, certifications, registrations, or permits.

If all forensic pathologists have not yet been identified, upload a staffing plan explaining how qualified forensic pathologists will be assigned and made available to meet the County’s service and operational needs.

*Response required

7.11. References (separate)*

Upload reference information for at least three (3) references for whom the proposer has provided services similar to those described in this RFP.

*Response required

7.12. Any Additional Documents (If Applicable)

Upload any additional documents required by this solicitation that are not otherwise captured in the submission categories above, or any other documents relevant to support the proposal.

If none, please skip this question.

7.13. Compliance and Insurance Acknowledgment*

By confirming below, consultant acknowledges that, except for any exceptions or redlines expressly identified in the proposal and accepted by the County, consultant will comply with all applicable County requirements, including confidentiality requirements, County policies and procedures, County insurance requirements, DOJ CJIS training, NexTest, County-required IT training, DOJ/FBI Live Scan clearance, and any other applicable security, clearance, training, or compliance requirements.

Consultant further acknowledges that required Certificate(s) of Insurance, endorsements, and other insurance documentation must be provided before any services are performed under the agreement, or earlier if required by the County.

☐ Please confirm

*Response required

7.14. Provide the full contact name, title, and e-mail of the signatory for your firm. Provide contact information for the contract manager for your firm in order to distribute contract documents, including other recipients requiring a copy, if awarded.*

Signatory: name, title, email

Contract manager/admin: name, phone, email

*Response required

7.15. PaymentWorks Contact*

Please provide the name and e-mail for a finance point-of-contact for your firm that will receive an invitation to complete the vendor registration process on the County's PaymentWorks portal.

To clarify, if you are set-up with other agencies using PaymentWorks, that information is not available to the County, so you must complete this process for the County.

*Response required