Response to DHS Small Business Innovation Research Program

Rapid DNA analysis has the potential to be a paradigm shifting technology in the realm of forensic human identification and make DNA the ultimate biometric.Where confirmation of suspects relating to evidence, confirmation of familial relationships in a multitude of applications, or obtaining identification of human remains could have once taken months or years, rapid DNA enables this to be completed in hours.However, the technological solutions currently on the market are not without flaws and the full potential of Rapid DNA cannot be fully realized without proper infrastructure to enable 24/7 reachback support to analyze samples that do not provide lights-out results. Bode Technology will rely on its extensive forensic DNA experience to research the technical feasibility and proposed implementation of a DHS rapid DNA reachback capability. In this Phase I study, Bode will research all the technological, staffing, and accreditation requirements needed to establish the DHS's reachback capability and evaluate (through an Analysis of Alternatives) which available solutions will fit within the framework of a Rapid DNA reachback center. Final results will be plotted into various courses of action that will serve as a roadmap to develop a pilot program and subsequently transition the capability to DHS (Phases II and III).Once established, DHS's rapid DNA reachback capability could serve as a technological example for other US Government and commercial entities looking to set up similar capabilities.