The virginia department of forensic science (DFS) is applying for funding under the FY 2023 DNA capacity enhancement and backlog reduction program

Through this solicitation DFS is seeking to continue to fund six forensic scientist positions (five in casework and one in the data bank) and one support position in casework. This will maintain the increased capacity of both the casework and the data bank sections. These positions will be directly involved in the processing of crime scene and data bank samples for inclusion into the state and national DNA indexes. An additional position is being requested to work on the validation of new robotic systems that will be used in the processing of crime scene samples. The validation position will allow for this critical aspect of forensic testing to be completed in a timely fashion by a dedicated position, which will minimize the impact on case work processing in that the forensic scientists are not conducting the validation. Once the robotic systems are validated, additional instruments will be purchased under this solicitation that will replace current robotic systems in the departments four laboratories. To maintain current efficiencies in the virginia DNA data bank, buccal sample collectors will be purchased. These are used to collect specimens from virginia offenders for inclusion in the database. The collectors can be utilized with robotics in the DFS data bank section to allow for efficient testing of these types of samples. Scientists working in this field have required continuing education to complete on a yearly basis. Funds will be requested to fulfill this accreditation requirement. This will support the continued operations of the laboratory and allow staff members to attend critical training workshops and conferences.