Staff recommends the City Council award a contract for a Criminal Justice System Efficiency and Court Expansion study with CGL Management Group, in the amount of $193,504.

City staff was tasked with conducting a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to select a consultant to prepare a Criminal Justice System Efficiency and Court Expansion study. This study will provide a comprehensive review of the operations, efficiency, and management of: 1) Billings Municipal Court (BMC) and 2) the City Attorney criminal prosecution division; and to provide reports and make recommendations to the City regarding such matters.  The awarded contract shall be for one year, with one 1-year option to renew.  The consultant will be asked to:

• Analyze and make recommendations regarding workflow efficiency.
• Review and understand historical changes in the City's criminal justice system, as well as the currently established justice coordinating council.
• Gather information and review documentation.
• Conduct staff/stakeholder interviews and on-site observations of conditions and work environments.
• Analyze current caseload weights and offer suggestions for the transition to two judges.
• Review and provide recommendations related to the planned new City Hall.
• Prepare and present a final report with findings and recommendations.

The RFP was advertised on 4/14/23 and 4/21/23, with responses due by 5/5/23.  Two (2) responses were received. Selection was based on firm experience and key project staff, available resources and consultant location, and project methodology and approach. The selection committee, made up of a Councilmember, City Administration and City staff from various Departments, evaluated the proposal, revised the scope of work and unanimously agreed to recommend CGL Management Group for recommended award by City Council.  

City Council may:

Approve the agreement with CGL Management Group, in the amount of $193,504 for a Criminal Justice System Efficiency and Court Expansion Study; or,
Not approve the agreement and provide staff with further direction.

The contract amount is $193,504.  The funding for this project will come from the general fund.

Staff recommends the City Council award a contract for a Criminal Justice System Efficiency and Court Expansion study with CGL Management Group, in the amount of $193,504.