FY21 DNA capacity enhancement and backlog reduction (cebr) program project abstract the colorado bureau of investigation forensic services (cbifs) submits the following as the abstract for its plan…

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services (CBIFS) received a $697,212 Formula Grant award from the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance under the DNA Backlog Reduction Program (CFDA 16.741). The award will support CBIFS in enhancing DNA laboratory capacity and reducing forensic casework sample backlogs from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2023.

Specifically, funds will be used to retain two biological sciences technicians for an additional year to directly process, record, screen, and analyze forensic DNA and DNA database samples. This will allow DNA scientists to focus on data analysis and interpretation. CBIFS will also purchase upgraded QuantStudio 5 real-time PCR systems for human identification for all four of its laboratories. Additional funds will support overtime to allow current analysts to work 201 additional cases outside normal work hours. Training for analysts will be funded to maintain compliance with FBI Quality Assurance Standards for participation in the CODIS DNA database at the local, state and national levels.

FY21 DNA capacity enhancement and backlog reduction (cebr) program project abstract the colorado bureau of investigation forensic services (cbifs) submits the following as the abstract for its plan for funds allocated through the FY21 DNA capacity enhancement for backlog reduction (cebr) program. The first goal of this project is to enhance the capacity of our forensic DNA laboratories. This goal will first be accomplished by retaining two grant-funded biological sciences technicians for an additional year. These laboratory employees will be retained to directly process, record, screen, and/or analyze forensic DNA and/or DNA database samples. This will allow our DNA scientists to focus more on DNA data analysis and interpretation. Second, this goal will be accomplished by purchasing upgraded DNA quantification instruments. Quantstudio 5 (QS5) real-time PCR system for human identification instruments will be purchased for all four of our laboratories using these grant funds. The QS5 system requires less frequent maintenance, faster analysis times, and an increased throughput due to the ability to analyze sample data with a virtual standard curve. The second goal of this project will be to reduce backlog within the cbifs forensic DNA laboratories by funding overtime for the analysis of biological science cases outside of normal work hours. This will increase the total number of cases that our current analysts can complete during the time of this award. IT is expected based on current average analysis times that at least 201 additional cases will be worked using the overtime funds from this award. Finally, the cbifs must be able to participate in the codis DNA database at the local (ldis), state (sdis), and national (ndis) levels. To be able to participate at the national level, laboratories must adhere to FBI quality assurance standards (QAS). These standards require every DNA analyst to receive continuing education annually. Funds from this award will allow some of the analysts to receive this training at national conferences.