4-MD27-101 Attachment B Scope of Work ada.docx

SCOPE OF WORK

Firearms and Toolmark Examination Training ProgramUtah Bureau of Forensic Services

1.0 Introduction & Background

The Utah Bureau of Forensic Services (UBFS) is an accredited laboratory providing high-quality forensic analysis to law enforcement agencies and criminal justice partners across the state.

To expand capacity and reduce casework turnaround times, the UBFS Firearms Section requires an outside expert instructor to deliver a comprehensive Firearm and Toolmark Examination Training program. Currently, the section relies on three fully trained examiners—two of whom carry heavy administrative duties as Technical Leader and NIBIN Program Administrator. Because existing staff cannot be assigned to full-time instruction, an external instructor is required.

This training will prepare trainees for supervised casework in accordance with accreditation requirements and court expert witness standards.

It is expected that once the new examiners are trained, the Firearms Section’s capacity will be greatly expanded, enabling the laboratory to provide more timely forensic analysis services to customers.

2.0 Scope of Work

The contractor will provide a comprehensive training curriculum modeled after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) National Firearms Examiner Academy (NFEA) to meet accreditation requirements and be sufficient for court expert witness scrutiny.

Target Audience & Trainee Breakdown: (this is the current training need) Up to five (5) total analysts will currently participate in the program, consisting of;

Two (2) new examiners receiving complete Firearms and Toolmarks training.

One (1) current firearms analyst receiving specialized Toolmark training.

Up to two (2) additional analysts included as capacity permits.

Location: On-site instruction will take place at the UBFS Main Laboratory (4451 S. Constitution Blvd., 2nd Floor, Taylorsville, UT 84129), supplemented by remote learning methods.

Delivery Methods: A blended curriculum consisting of pre-recorded webinars, live online classroom sessions, literature readings, written assignments, written tests, on-site mentoring, module reviews, and mock court testimonies.

Coordination & Progress Reporting: The instructor will regularly update and coordinate with the Firearms Section Technical Leader on trainee progress. Any performance concerns must be formally flagged immediately. Successful completion of each topic or unit will be documented in each trainee’s training record.

3.0 Minimum Curriculum Topics

The training program must cover, at a minimum, the following foundational areas:

History and development of firearms and ammunition History, overview, and principles of firearm and toolmark identification Tool machining fundamentals and classification of markings Subclass characteristics overview and literature review Examination of firearms, ammunition, and ammunition components Firearm-produced markings on fired bullets and cartridge cases AFTE Theory of Identification Machine-based studies (differentiating toolmarks across different tools) Literature validation studies Understanding and protecting against cognitive bias Non-firearm tool manufacture and class/subclass/individual characteristics of those tools

4.0 Requirements & Responsibilities

Instructor Qualifications: The vendor/instructor must be a qualified forensic firearm and toolmark examiner with proven experience conducting casework in an accredited forensic laboratory.

Curriculum Plan: The vendor must provide a detailed course outline specifying module topics and target completion timelines prior to instruction.

Agency Commitment: UBFS will provide dedicated laboratory and meeting room space for on-site visits. UBFS will ensure trainees are allocated at least 32 hours per week for training activities (excluding state holidays, annual leave, and sick leave).

5.0 Performance Metrics & Compliance

Trainees will be evaluated across three structured competency levels:

Foundational Level: Demonstrating theoretical comprehension of discipline foundations and essential technical elements.

Skill Level: Successfully executing complex practical exercises designed to mimic actual casework.

Practical Competency: Demonstrating readiness to perform supervised casework under the guidance of a trained toolmark and firearms examiner.

Compliance will be verified through written tests, weekly discussions, practical exercises, and mock court performances. Trainee progress must be documented in official training records after each completed module. A Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon final passing.

6.0 Timeline, Budget & Payment Terms

The project timeline, budget, and structured payment milestones are outlined in the table below: