Forensic Pathology Services

San Bernardino County Sheriff/Coroner/Public Administrator is requesting proposals for forensic pathology services to conduct autopsies and determine cause and manner of death for in-custody deaths under Assembly Bill 1108, with proposals due October 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM PDT and questions due by September 22, 2026. A 5% local preference applies to qualified local vendors.

The scope requires a qualified independent medical examiner to perform autopsies seven days per week at the Sheriff's Coroner Division facility at 175 S. Lena Road, San Bernardino, California 92415. The successful proposer must hold current Forensic Pathologist certification from the American Board of Pathology and exercise independent professional judgment in death investigations in compliance with state law and County policies. Personnel are subject to background investigations, including Live Scan fingerprinting and criminal history checks, at the proposer's expense. The proposer must maintain professional liability insurance with limits of not less than $1 million per claim and $2 million aggregate. All personnel changes require written approval from the Sheriff.

The contract term is one year beginning tentatively in December 2026 and ending in November 2027, with possible renewal for four additional one-year periods contingent on continuing need and funding availability. The RFP does not specify a total budget; proposers must submit detailed cost proposals including transportation, lodging, and per-diem costs on Attachment E. Proposals are evaluated on best value using weighted criteria: Qualifications and Experience (35%), Technical Review (30%), Cost/Revenue (25%), Financial Review (5%), and References (5%). Tentative award is November 2026. Prevailing wage requirements under California Labor Code sections 1770 et seq. apply, with determinations available at www.dir.ca.gov.