Title
a. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent or their designee to execute Amendment 1 to non-standard Agreement A-15401 with West Publishing Corporation for continued printed legal reference materials and legal research software services for the Office of the District Attorney, increasing the not to exceed amount by $435,000 for a revised total of $785,000 and extending the Agreement term by five years from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031;
b. Accept non-standard contract provisions as recommended by the District Attorney;
c. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent or their designee and the District Attorney or their designee to sign and execute the appropriate documents and verifications related to this amendment when required; and
d. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent or their designee to issue purchase orders on an as-needed basis pursuant to the Agreement retroactive to August 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent or their designee to execute Amendment 1 to non-standard Agreement A-15401 with West Publishing Corporation for continued printed legal reference materials and legal research software services for the Office of the District Attorney, increasing the not to exceed amount by $435,000 for a revised total of $785,000, and extending the Agreement term by five years from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031;
b. Accept non-standard contract provisions as recommended by the District Attorney;
c. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent or their designee and the District Attorney or their designee to sign and execute the appropriate documents and verifications related to this amendment when required; and
d. Authorize the County Purchasing Agent or their designee to issue purchase orders on an as-needed basis pursuant to the Agreement retroactive to August 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031.
SUMMARY:
The Office of the District Attorney requests that the Board authorize the County Purchasing Agent or their designee to execute Amendment 1 to non-standard Agreement A-15401 with West Publishing Corporation for continued printed legal reference materials and legal software services. The amendment will increase the Agreement's not to exceed amount by $435,000, from $350,000 to $785,000, and extend the Agreement term by five years from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031.
The requested action also authorizes purchase orders from August 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031. The prior Agreement term ended July 31, 2026. Legal software services continued during August and September 2026 while the District Attorney’s Office reviewed service options and selected the software package for the new five-year term.
Approval of the amendment will allow the District Attorney's Office to maintain uninterrupted access to legal research resources necessary to support case preparation, legal analysis, and courtroom proceedings.
DISCUSSION:
West Publishing Corporation provides the District Attorney's Office with printed legal reference materials and legal software services used by attorneys and staff for legal research, case preparation, and courtroom proceedings. Continued access to current legal research resources is necessary to efficiently identify, research, and review applicable law and other legal materials. Amendment 1 provides the additional funding and contract term necessary to continue these services for five years, from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2031. The amendment increases the Agreement's not to exceed amount by $435,000, resulting in a revised total not to exceed amount of $785,000.
The prior Agreement term ended July 31, 2026. Legal software services continued during August and September 2026 while the District Attorney’s Office reviewed available service options and selected the software package for the new five-year term. Authorization to issue purchase orders beginning August 1, 2026 is requested to cover services provided during this period.
The Agreement contains non-standard contract provisions. The District Attorney recommends acceptance of these provisions to ensure continued access to the legal research materials and software services provided by West Publishing Corporation.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
County Counsel has approved the Agreement as to legal form. Risk Management has reviewed the Agreement. The Auditor-Controller’s Office reviewed the Agreement but does not agree to the non-standard payment provisions.
FINANCING:
The cost of this contract was included in the District Attorney’s FY2026-27 Adopted Budget. There will be no increase in General Fund Contributions as a result of this Board action.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
This recommendation supports the Safe and Resilient Communities Strategic Plan Goal by providing legal research resources that assist the District Attorney’s Office in carrying out its public safety responsibilities. It also supports the Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice Strategic Plan Goal by improving staff efficiency in identifying, researching, and reviewing applicable law.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
____ Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
X Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Prepared by: Andrea Lopez, Management Analyst II, Ext. 5085
Approved by: Jeannine M. Pacioni, District Attorney, Ext. 5470
Attachments:
A. 2240-West Publishing Corporation -Amendment #1 2026 to 2031