U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

2021 Forensic DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program

Award Information

Award #
15PBJA-21-GG-03103-DNAX
Funding Category
Formula
Location
Awardee County
CO
Congressional District
Status
Open
Funding First Awarded
2021
Total funding (to date)
$697,212

Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2021, $697,212)

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.

Date Created: December 6, 2021