City of Mesa Forensic Services BJA FY 22 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program Grant Application

One objective needs to be added and elements of existing objectives will be changed.  
The lab has developed a pressing need to validate a new DNA amplification kit but lacks the resources to do so.  The lab is requesting to move funds as descripted into the procurement contracts category so they can enter into a contract with an kit manufacturer to complete this validation in our laboratory. 

Goal 1:  Increase the capacity of the Mesa Forensic Services Biology Unit.

Objective A:  Hire and train an additional Forensic Scientist to complete serology casework. 

Objective B:  Ensure this additional analyst has necessary laboratory equipment and supplies to perform their duties. Needed items include a new microcentrifuge, a set of pipettes with stand, a microscope, and incubator.

Objective C:  Ensure that we can upgrade and receive maintenance support for existing mixture interpretation software by funding the annual upgrade and maintenance fees for this software.

Objective D:  Ensure that Forensic Services staff engaged in the processing of forensic biology casework keep abreast of the latest changes and research in the field by providing electronic and/or paper access to relevant journals.  The Lab has found sufficient no or low cost resources for obtaining relevant journals and articles for reading and study and this objective is no longer needed.  Objective D to be removed. 

Objective E:  Ensure the laboratory continues meeting NDIS requirements by undergoing an external QAS assessment in 2023. 

Objective F:  Ensure continued ability to perform DNA quantitation by replacing existing quantitation instruments with out of date computer operating systems to new quantitation instruments that allow running of current generation quantitation kits.  Objective F to be added. 

Objective G:  Enhance laboratories ability to visualize biological stains on large evidence items by obtaining a new forensic light source.  Objective G to be added. 

Objective H:  Enable the laboratory can continue to provide timely DNA analysis to our law enforcement partners by entering into a contract for validations services for a new DNA amplification kit.  Objective H to be added with GAM 2.