CFT2320026 DOJ FSNI SBRI Phase I for the Rapid Visualisation and Identification of Body Fluids on a

Descriptions

Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI) is an Executive Agency within the Department of Justice (DoJ) and currently employs approximately 175 staff, providing a wide range of scientific services and expertise to assist in the investigation of crime and the presentation of scientific evidence in court. The agency is an operationally independent organisation, providing service to its main customers: the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI); the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland; the NI State Pathologist, as well as a number of other customers in NI and further afield. FSNI provides a full range of forensic services through its operational casework sections, each of which consists of a number of teams that focus on a particular forensic science discipline. FSNI enjoys an international reputation due to its breadth of expertise and experience. Primary evidence recovery is one of the most critical steps in the forensic process as the visualisation, identification and maximising evidence potential is critical at this early stage. The objective is to optimise the recovery of a broad range of evidence types from an item e.g. body fluids, DNA, fingerprints, hairs, fibres, gunshot and explosive residue, paint and glass. This activity is labour intensive requiring highly trained and skilled members of staff to undertake several thousand examinations per year. Current processes, although effective, are extremely time consuming and FSNI is keen to explore more effective and confirmatory methodology to aid rapid visualisation and identification. FSNI is seeking to establish a definitive technique for the identification of body fluids focusing mainly on blood. The proposed solution should be capable of identifying bloodstains on a broad range of substrates, and facilitate mapping and distribution including image capture for use in a court environment. Although the visualization of the blood pattern is a critical component in the forensic process, it is imperative that any proposed solution does not compromise the lab’s ability to generate a DNA profile from recovered material. Please note that an information event will be held on 25.7.2019 from 10.30 to 13.00 at Ormeau Baths, Belfast. All interested suppliers are requested to confirm their attendance through the eTendersNI messaging system.