FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 1

OSAC RESEARCH NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM

Title of research need: Dissemination of ATF Fire Research Laboratory Data

Describe

the need:

The ATF Fire Research Laboratory (FRL) is the federal facility charged with conducting 

research specifically related to the investigation of fires. This research is not disseminated. 

A mechanism needs to be developed so that this research can be disseminated in a timely 

fashion to the broader fire investigation community. Over years of testing, the ATF FRL has 

acted as a steward of the data, archiving all of the data in a way that does not contain 

sensitive information; the problem lies with obtaining approval for distribution of the data,

and logistics for dissemination. This data need is for development of a mechanism for 

gaining approval for and disseminating research conducted by the ATF Fire Research 

Laboratory. 

Keyword(s): Fire investigation research, data repository, research database, ATF Fire Research

Submitting subcommittee(s): Fire & Explosion Investigation Date Approved: March 10, 2021

(If SAC review identifies additional subcommittees, add them to the box above.)

Background Information:

1. Does this research need address a gap(s) in a current or planned standard? (ex.: Field identification system 

for on scene opioid detection and confirmation)

Yes. NFPA 921 contains references to the current state of research and the data derived therefrom. The ATF Fire 

Research Laboratory research is an untapped source of data for fire investigators.

2. Are you aware of any ongoing research that may address this research need that has not yet been published 

(e.g., research presented in conference proceedings, studies that you or a colleague have participated in but 

have yet to be published)?

No.

3. Key bibliographic references relating to this research need: (ex.: Toll, L., Standifer, K. M., Massotte, D., eds. 

(2019). Current Topics in Opioid Research. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88963-180-3)

N/A

4. Review the annual operational/research needs published by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/forensic-science-research-and-development-technology-working-groupoperational#latest? Is your research need identified by NIJ?

No.

5. In what ways would the research results improve current laboratory capabilities?
FINAL by: OSAC Program Office; Version 2, January 13, 2020 2

This research need is targeted to improve current fire investigation field work rather than laboratory analyses.

The data that ATF Fire Research has accumulated from their years of testing and analysis is an untapped source that 

would help inform fire investigation practice. 

6. In what ways would the research results improve understanding of the scientific basis for the 

subcommittee(s)?

See Number 5.

7. In what ways would the research results improve services to the criminal justice system?

Filling this need will help the fire investigation community to apply a more systematic approach relating to the 

analysis of fire origin and cause by making available additional data that has not been made available to date.

8. Status assessment (I, II, III, or IV): I

Major gap in 

current 

knowledge

Minor gap in 

current 

knowledge

No or limited

current research is 

being conducted I III

Existing current 

research is being 

conducted II IV

This research need has been identified by one or more subcommittees of OSAC and is being provided as an 

informational resource to the community.