Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) FY17

The National Institute of Justice's (NIJ's) Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) improves the practice of forensic science and strengthens its impact through rigorous technology collaboration, valuation, and adoption; effective knowledge transfer and education; and comprehensive dissemination of best practices and guidelines to agencies dedicated to combating crime. RTI International has created a consortium that leverages its strengths, capabilities, and resources to successfully operate the FTCoE and expand its impact to meet the changing needs of the criminal justice system with respect to forensic science technology. Our experience and established relationships will contribute to improvements in the field by (1) serving as a trusted partner for the criminal justice community and for NIJ, (2) quickly identifying the changing needs and capabilities with respect to the forensic sciences, (3) bridging the disconnect between practitioners and scientific research, and (4) expanding the use of evidence-based practices and scientifically sound methodologies in forensic science.

This proposed FTCoE partnership brings numerous capabilities and resources, including (1) expertise across all forensic disciplines; (2) infrastructure that includes laboratory sciences, criminal justice operations, web-based training, data collection, project management, research and evaluation, and technology assessment; (3) national exposure and outreach capabilities; (4) 5 years of proven and effective FTCoE operational experience; (5) more than 50 years of technology-transfer support for government, university, and commercial entities; and (6) more than 55 years of successfully managing contracts with the technical and business infrastructure needed to operate a Center of Excellence. RTI International and its multi-stakeholder consortium of academic institutions, professional and research organizations, and state and local laboratories represent the diversity of forensic disciplines and criminal justice services. There are 16 partners- RTI, 12 academic institutions (eight Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation CommissionFEPAC [FEPAC] accredited}, and three research organizations. RTI research and business centers represent expertise in forensic sciences research, program evaluation, technology transitioning, statistical and data sciences, and analytical sciences. FTCoE activities represent involvement of professional organizations and state and local forensic laboratories; letters of support from 13 organizations demonstrate this collaboration.

This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law.

nca/ncf

The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) supports the forensic science research and development program of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) through efforts to transition technologies from research into practice. FTCoE advances technology through the assessment of NIJ-funded research for transition, evaluation, technology implementation, and collaborative programs with partner institutions, including forensic science organizations. FTCoE shares knowledge about evidence-based best practices using a wide variety of strategies, including reports, webinars, blended live and online meetings, podcasts, social media, and its website. FTCoE addressing challenges to the forensic science community by promoting the exchange of ideas and connecting researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders in open dialogues at sponsored conferences.

These activities cover the full scope of forensic science disciplines, including DNA, controlled substances, toxicology, impression and pattern evidence, crime scene, trace evidence, biology, forensic pathology, and special initiatives. In particular, the FTCoE promotes technologies and innovations that improve the efficient and reliable collection and processing of sexual assault evidence to promote the fair administration of justice in sexual assault casework.

During the proposed period of performance and subject to NIJ direction under the cooperative agreement, the FTCoE will extend its efforts to support the NIJ scientific program, facilitate the demonstration of new technologies, provide technology assistance, provide access to research and educational materials, and develop and communicate the social impact of forensic science to the field.

This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law, and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14).

NCA/NCF

The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCoE) supports the forensic science research and development program of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) through efforts to transition technologies from research into practice. FTCoE advances technology through the assessment of NIJ-funded research for transition, evaluation, technology implementation, and collaborative programs with partner institutions, including forensic science organizations. FTCoE shares knowledge about evidence-based best practices using a wide variety of strategies, including reports, webinars, blended live and online meetings, podcasts, social media, and its website. FTCoE addressing challenges to the forensic science community by promoting the exchange of ideas and connecting researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders in open dialogues at sponsored conferences. These activities cover the full scope of forensic science disciplines, including DNA, controlled substances, toxicology, impression and pattern evidence, crime scene, trace evidence, biology, forensic pathology, and special initiatives. In particular, the FTCoE promotes technologies and innovations that improve the efficient and reliable collection and processing of sexual assault evidence to promote the fair administration of justice in sexual assault casework. During the proposed period of performance and subject to NIJ direction under the cooperative agreement, the FTCoE will extend its efforts to support the NIJ scientific program, facilitate the demonstration of new technologies, provide technology assistance, provide access to research and educational materials, and develop and communicate the social impact of forensic science to the field.

"Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law," and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14). NCA/NCF

The FTCoE will provide testing, evaluation, technology assistance, and other services with regard to technologies intended for use by crime laboratories, forensic service providers (supporting criminal justice applications), law enforcement, and other criminal justice agencies to combat crime. Note: This project contains a research and/or development component, as defined in applicable law, and complies with Part 200 Uniform Requirements - 2 CFR 200.210(a)(14).
NCA/NCF