Attachment C Unit designation and mission.pdf

Laboratory Forensic Commercial Support and Services (LFCSS)

Attachment C

Laboratory Unit Designations and Mission

1. Biometrics Analysis Unit The Biometrics Analysis Unit (SBAU) performs advanced DNA exploitation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and associated materials resulting in scientific information that yields timely and actionable biometric intelligence for investigative use. SBAU operates as an intelligence-based DNA group to support the United States Government (USG) and international partners’ global ability to defeat and counter the IED threat worldwide. Unknown DNA profiles developed from items of evidence are compared to the known profiles of individuals and uploaded to the appropriate databases to be searched on a regular basis. In this way, the SBAU DNA squad is able to both associate IED-related events to one another and connect those to individuals. SBAU provides support to FBI full investigations, prosecution support to partnering countries, Special Agent Bomb Technicians (SABTs), and the Intelligence Community (IC).

Examination of Evidence: The Contractor shall provide a wide range of forensic examination services in forensic disciplines that support the SBAU. The Contractor shall be responsible for employing technically qualified personnel to perform required work in a laboratory setting.

2. Scientific Analysis Unit The Scientific Analysis Unit (SAU) is comprised of Forensic Examiners, Chemists, Physical Scientists, and a Biologist-Technical Specialist who conduct a wide variety of laboratory examinations on IED submissions. Forensic examinations include, but are not limited to, the following items: detonators, wires, initiators, explosives, tapes, containers, electronic components, timing mechanisms and power sources. Forensic disciplines include trace evidence, explosives chemistry, toolmarks, and instrument support. Forensic personnel provide examination results reports to contributors and TEDAC intelligence personnel for analysis and dissemination. SAU operations are performed at the Redstone Arsenal Laboratory in Huntsville, Alabama.

Examination of Evidence: The Contractor shall provide a wide range of forensic examination services in forensic disciplines that support the SAU. These disciplines include, but are not limited to, trace evidence, toolmarks, explosives chemistry, and instrument support. The Contractor shall also assist in instrument calibration and validation in compliance with TEDAC and LD QA standards and policies.

3. Evidence Management Unit The EMU provides evidence inventory services to properly inventory items, photograph evidence, check-in evidence, create appropriate examination plans for the evidence, perform data entry into multiple database systems, follow proper classification guidelines, maintain the chain of custody, mailing / shipping evidence, proper serialization, storage of all case records, and maintaining administrative records of all evidence and forensic materials. These functions of EMU are carried out in two locations, both in Quantico (referred to as EMU North) and Huntsville (EMU South) laboratories. Movement of evidence, supplies, and equipment between various buildings on the Huntsville campus is required and is performed by the EMU South staff. Designated fork lift operators must be certified in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards. Final completion of all case records and documentation must be performed and serialized within the FBI System of Record (i.e., Sentinel).

4. DNA Casework Unit, BAS DNA Casework Unit (DCU) provides forensic DNA examinations to the FBI and other duly constituted LE agencies in support of criminal, missing persons, and intelligence cases through evidence testing using forensic serological, mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA methodologies.

5. Explosives Unit The Explosives Unit (EU) was established to provide forensic based technical / operational support regarding the examination of evidence associated with bombing matters. This is accomplished through application of investigative case experience, education, specialized training, and research.

To accomplish these mission goals, the EU has three broad areas of operational responsibility. The first is in the area of performing laboratory examinations of evidence associated with bombing matters. The EU conducts forensic examinations of IEDs incendiary devices, as well as their respective remains, and provides expert witness testimony in court regarding the results of these examinations. These examinations involve the identification and intended function of components used in the construction of such devices, which include: detonators, wires, electronic components, initiators, tapes, timing mechanisms, energetic materials, containers, and power sources. The second operational responsibility includes direct field support in bombing matters, bombing crime scene investigations, as well as searches of bomb factories and safe houses in which bombs or bomb components may be encountered. The third operational responsibility includes the EU conducting liaison with domestic and foreign manufacturers of explosives, and maintaining the Explosives Reference File (ERF) and EXPeRT database used to support investigations. The EU further conducts training in bombing crime scene investigations, manages the substitution program and ensures the continued leadership role the LD has come to play in terrorist bombing matters.

Examination of Evidence: The Contractor shall provide a wide range of forensic examination services in forensic disciplines that support the EU. These disciplines include, but are not limited to, Explosives Machinist and Logistics Assistant (EMLA), Explosives Operations and Logistics Specialist (EOLS), Explosives and Hazardous Device Examination (EHDS), Research Chemist (RC), and Senior Business Analyst. The Contractor shall also assist in instrument calibration and validation in compliance with TEDAC and LD QA standards and policies.

6. TEDAC Improvised Explosives Detection and Synthesis The TEDAC Improvised Explosives Detection and Synthesis (TIEDS) Center is a LD and DHS S&T Directorate collaborative project created to rapidly assess the hazard and performance characteristics of IEs, assess the potential lethality of IEDs and to define IE parameters in aviation security explosives detection technologies. The TIEDS team is composed of physical scientists, research chemists, a logistics management specialist, and an explosives detection management and program analyst.

7. DNA Support Unit, BAS The DNA Support Unit (DSU) provides oversight and management of the LD's forensic biology programs and initiatives in research, quality assurance, training, and information technology to both enhance and maintain the LD's capacity to conduct high-quality DNA and serological examinations in a skilled, progressive and responsive manner and to ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines and standards.

8. CODIS Unit, BAS The CODIS Unit develops, provides, and supports the CODIS Program for Federal, state, and local crime laboratories in the United States and selected international LE crime laboratories. It promotes the exchange and comparison of DNA profiles from forensic evidence at crimes scenes, from offenders of crimes, and from missing persons, thereby blending forensic science and computer technology into a valuable tool for solving crimes. The CODIS Unit manages CODIS and the NDIS and is responsible for developing, providing and supporting the CODIS Program to Federal, state and local crime laboratories in the United States and selected international LE crime laboratories, to foster the exchange and comparison of forensic DNA evidence from violent crime investigations. The CODIS Unit also provides administrative management and support to the FBI for various advisory boards, legislation regarding DNA, and ensures that QA Standards of DNA testing at participating forensic laboratories are met.

9. Federal DNA Database Unit, BAS The Federal DNA Database Unit (FDDU) functions to analyze the Core Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) loci DNA markers from buccal and blood samples of Federal convicted offenders, arrestees facing Federal charges, individuals convicted of certain District of Columbia offenses, as well as non-US citizens detained under the authority of the USG, for development of DNA profiles that are uploaded to the National DNA Index System (NDIS).

10. Firearms / Toolmarks Unit, SAS The Firearms / Toolmarks Unit (FTU) applies valid scientific procedures to the forensic examinations of firearms, ammunition components, toolmarks, serial number restoration, gunshot residue, bullet trajectories, and other closely-related physical evidence in support of the FBI and other LE agencies and provide leadership to the forensic firearm and toolmarks community through training and research.

11. Trace Evidence Unit, SAS Trace evidence typically encompasses the collection and examination of hairs and fibers, and objects that are made up fibers (e.g., fabric or cordage) found in or attached to evidence or related materials collected and submitted to the LD for examination.

12. Chemistry Unit, SAS The Chemistry Unit (CU) provides high-quality technical expertise; timely analysis of chemical, physical, and metallurgical evidence; expert testimony; critical laboratory infrastructure support;

and development of new forensic methodologies that support investigative needs of the law enforcement community.