Develop and implement a DNA cold-hit tracking system for use by forensic labs, law enforcement and district attorneys.

The National District Attorneys Association, (NDAA) has been working on the National Cold Hit Reporting Initiative (grant #2007-DN-BX-0011) to assist states in tracking DNA cold hits from the initial forensic lab notification to law enforcement and prosecution through the final case outcome. NDAA's goal through this project is to promote and enhance relevant stakeholders' (lab personnel, prosecutors and law enforcement) understanding of the need to track cold hits, guide them through the process of tracking these hits and reporting summary data periodically to NDAA regarding progress made. Through this Addendum NDAA will work with one state forensic laboratory/jurisdiction already employing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for the purpose of developing a jurisdictionally customized tracking module capable of following a cold hit through case conclusion. After the initial period of NDAA assistance (not to exceed 12 months) the individual jurisdiction will be responsible for maintaining the tracking system and continuing to report summary data. Specific objectives during for this Addendum are: ' Selecting one state forensic laboratory/jurisdiction currently employing a LIMS program. ' Meet with laboratory/law enforcement and district attorney personnel from the jurisdiction to identify the specific categories of criminal cases (and associated state statutes) through which the cold hits will be tracked; key personnel and agencies having input into these cases and specific points of case flow information relevant to the needs of that jurisdiction (for example: victim located; confirmatory sample obtained, charges filed, etc.) ' Contract with the jurisdiction's currently engaged LIMS software company to modify/customize a pre-existing LIMS program to track the progression of the cold hit and periodically compile summary data to be reported to NDAA. ' Contract with the LIMS software company to conduct an onsite seminar within the jurisdiction to train key laboratory/law enforcement and district attorney personal in the use of the tracking system. ca/ncf