Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2024, $600,000)
The only full-service, accredited laboratory in the state of Maine responsible for analyzing evidence associated with criminal investigations for all state and local law enforcement agencies. Maine law requires the lab to conduct DNA analysis on samples collected from all convicted felons and some misdemeanor offenders. The lab uploads those results in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and stores and maintains the resultant profiles in the Maine DNA Data Bank.
To maintain operations and continue to meet high standards, grant funding of one DNA analyst as well as a Forensic Chemist who performs the duties of a Biology Screener is needed. Previous grant programs enabled the purchase of a DNA Maxwell extraction robot and MaxPrep (liquid handler). The use of this new technology allows processing of more samples while giving the DNA analyst more time to focus on DNA profiling and interpreting the extracts, so more cases can be analyzed and entered CODIS. Overall increased efficiency and throughput with trained staff onboard will provide backlog reduction despite staffing challenges.
Federal funding from the FY24 award would accomplish the following objectives: continue to employ one full-time grant funded DNA Analyst for casework; continue to employ one full-time grant-funded Forensic Chemist (biology screener); purchase sufficient DNA kits for casework and database samples as we anticipate increased capacity and efficiency of our genetic analyzers, Maxwell extraction robotics and QuantStudios; and purchase necessary equipment or supplies to aid in overall quality of services, efficiency with limited staff, and reduce backlog: new replacement laboratory refrigerator to store reagents used in our genetic analyzers.
The lab will also negotiate contracts for maintenance, upgrades, and technical support of our PG software, quantification instruments, two Maxwell extraction robots and a new MaxPrep purchased with previous program funds, and CODIS 11 software annual service and maintenance via our Maine IT.