U.S. flag
        An official website of the United States government
          Here’s how you know
        Here’s how you know**Official websites use .gov**
              
              A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
        **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
              
              A **lock** (  A locked padlock
) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. https://www.nist.gov/magazine/osac-standards-bulletin/april-2020
  Search NIST
    Search
              Menu

      


Close
    Topics
        All Topics
                                                        Advanced communications
                                                        Artificial intelligence
                                                        Bioscience
                                                        Buildings and construction
                                                        Chemistry
                                                        Climate
                                                        Cybersecurity
                                                        Electronics
                                                        EnergyEnvironment
                                                        Fire
                                                        Forensic science
                                                        Health
                                                        Information technology
                                                        Infrastructure
                                                        Manufacturing
                                                        Materials
                                                        Mathematics and statisticsMetrology
                                                        Nanotechnology
                                                        Neutron research
                                                        Performance excellence
                                                        Physics
                                                        Public safety
                                                        Resilience
                                                        Standards
                                                        Transportation
            Publications
            Labs & Major Programs
        Laboratories
                                Communications Technology Laboratory
                                  Engineering Laboratory
                                  Information Technology Laboratory
                                  Material Measurement Laboratory
                                  Physical Measurement LaboratoryUser Facilities
                                NIST Center for Neutron Research
                                  CNST NanoFab
                                                        Research Test Beds
                                                        Research Projects
                                                        Tools & InstrumentsMajor Programs
                                Baldrige Performance Excellence Program
                                  CHIPS for America Initiative
                                  Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
                                  Office of Advanced Manufacturing
                                  Special Programs Office
                                  Technology Partnerships Office
            Services & Resources
        Standards and Measurements
                                Calibration Services
                                  Laboratory Accreditation (NVLAP)
                                  Quality System
                                  Standard Reference Materials (SRMs)
                                  Standards.gov
                                  Time Services
                                  Office of Weights and MeasuresSoftware
                                                        Data
                                Chemistry WebBook
                                  National Vulnerability Database
                                  Physical Reference Data
                                  Standard Reference Data (SRD)
                                                        Storefront
                                                        License & PatentsComputer Security Resource Center (CSRC)
                                                        NIST Research Library
            News & Events
        News
                                                        Events
                                                        Blogs
                                                        Feature Stories
                                                        AwardsVideo Gallery
                                                        Image Gallery
                                                        Media Contacts
            About NIST
        About Us
                                Leadership
                                  Organization Structure
                                  Budget & Planning
                                                        Contact Us
                                                        Visit
                                                        Careers
                                Student programsWork with NIST
                                                        History
                                NIST Digital Archives
                                  NIST Museum
                                  NIST and the Nobel
                                                        Educational Resources
 
 The Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science

  OSAC Standards Bulletin
  
  

  Cover of OSAC's April 2020 Standards BulletinApril 2020

The Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science Standards Bulletin provides an update on forensic science standards that are moving through the Registry Approval Process at OSAC and those moving through the development process at standards developing organizations (SDOs).

Download PDF (292.82 KB)

In this issue
      
      Bulletin Summary
          OSAC Registry Updates
          SDO Updates
          Other News

      Bulletin Summary
    The OSAC Standards Bulletin is organized to capture the following standard development phases in the OSAC Registry Approval and SDO processes:

After being published by an SDO, selected standards and guidelines may proceed to the OSAC Registry Approval Process, where they are evaluated further for technical merit and impact on the forensic science community.
	In the SDO process, OSAC committees or task groups submit an idea (i.e., work item), a partially drafted document, or a fully drafted document to an SDO for further development, commenting, and publishing.Number of new standards placed on the OSAC Registry: none

Number of OSAC Registry documents open for comment: twelve (12)

Number of SDO documents open for comment: sixteen (16)

  
  OSAC Registry Updates
    OSAC Registry Ribbon
  The OSAC Registry serves as a trusted repository of high-quality, science-based standards and guidelines for forensic science practice. A document included on the Registry has progressed through the formal SDO process and has been published as a standard. OSAC elevates standards to the OSAC Registry as an endorsement of the document’s high quality and to encourage its adoption by relevant stakeholders in the forensic science community.

Intent to Add to the OSAC Registry - Items Open for Comment

Please submit your comments by **11:59 p.m. ET on May 7, 2020** on whether the following standards should be included on the OSAC Registry.

Anthropology

*ANSI/ASB 045, Standard for Stature Estimation in Forensic Anthropology, First Edition, 2019*. Submit your comments here.
	*ANSI/ASB 090, Standard for Sex Estimation in Forensic Anthropology, First Edition, 2019*. Submit your comments here.Biological Methods

*ANSI/ASB 022, Standard for Forensic DNA Analysis Training Programs, First Edition, 2019*. Submit your comments here.Materials (Trace)

*ASTM E1967-19 Standard Test Method for the Automated Determination of Refractive Index of Glass Samples Using the Oil Immersion Method and a Phase Contrast Microscope*. Submit your comments here.
	*ASTM E2330-19 Standard Test Method for Determination of Concentrations of Elements in Glass Samples Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for Forensic Comparisons*. Submit your comments here.Toxicology

*ANSI/ASB 036, Standard Practices for Method Validation in Forensic Toxicology, First Edition, 2019*. Submit your comments here.Wildlife Forensics

*ANSI/ASB 019, Wildlife Forensics General Standards, First Edition, 2019*. Submit your comments here.
	*ANSI/ASB 028, Wildlife Forensics Morphology Standards, First Edition, 2019*. Submit your comments here.
	*ANSI/ASB 029, Report Writing in Wildlife Forensics: Morphology and Genetics, First Edition, 2019*. Submit your comments here.
	*ANSI/ASB 046, Wildlife Forensics Validation Standards – STR Analysis, First Edition, 2019*. Submit your comments here.
	*ANSI/ASB 047, Wildlife Forensics Validation Standard – Validating New Primers for Sequencing, First Edition, 2019*. Submit your comments here.
	*ANSI/ASB 048, Wildlife Forensics DNA Standard Procedures, First Edition, 2*019. Submit your comments here.In the Comment Adjudication Phase

None currently.In the Appeals Phase

*ANSI/ASB Standard 020, Standard for Validation Studies of DNA Mixtures, and Development and Verification of a Laboratory’s Mixture Interpretation Protocol, First Edition, 2018*.
	*ANSI/ASB Standard 040, Standard for Forensic DNA Interpretation and Comparison Protocols, First Edition, 2019.*For a list of all standards currently under consideration, please visit the OSAC website.

Has your organization already started implementing OSAC Registry Approved Standards? Complete OSAC's Laboratory Implementation Declaration Form and send it to mark.stolorow [at] nist.gov(mark[dot]stolorow[at]nist[dot]gov) to let us know. Share your implementation experience and be featured in a future OSAC news post.

  
  SDO Updates
    New or Revised Standards

      Now available iconCredit:
          
  Pixabay
  On February 28, 2020 the American Academy of Forensic Science Standards Board (ASB) announced the publication of *ANSI/ASB Standard 088, General Guidelines for Training, Certification, and Documentation of Canine Detection Disciplines, First Edition, 2020*. This document, initially developed by OSAC’s Dogs & Sensors Subcommittee and finalized by the ASB Dogs and Sensors Consensus Body, contains requirements for the development of training of canine handlers and canines and will also detail the canine team assessments and the basis for certification procedures including record keeping and document management. This standard does not cover discipline specific guidelines.

Comment Period Open on Draft Documents

ASB:

*ASB Standard 130, Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Amplification Methods using Capillary Electrophoresis Sequencing, First Edition*. This standard provides the general requirements for a forensic DNA laboratory’s training program in forensic DNA amplification methods for capillary electrophoresis (CE) sequencing. This standard applies to forensic human and wildlife mitochondrial DNA amplification, and wildlife nuclear DNA amplification. **Comment deadline April 20, 2020.**
	*ASB Standard 131, Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Sequencing using Capillary Electrophoresis Sequencing, First Edition*. This standard provides the general requirements for a forensic DNA laboratory’s training program in forensic DNA sequencing using capillary electrophoresis. This standard applies to forensic human and wildlife mitochondrial DNA amplification, and wildlife nuclear DNA amplification. **Comment deadline April 20, 2020.**
	*ASB Standard 137, Standard for Examination and Documentation of Footwear and Tire Impression Evidence*. This new standard provides the examination process and minimum documentation requirements for relevant observations and conclusions/interpretations encountered during footwear/tire tread examinations. The required documentation as outlined in this standard will allow for an appropriate review. **Comment deadline April 27, 2020.**
	Recirculation* –  *ASB Standard 093, Standard Test Method for the Examination and Testing of Firearms*. This new standard establishes standard procedures for the examination and testing of a firearm by firearm and toolmark examiners or technicians. Following these procedures, an examiner or technician will be able to conduct, document, and report the examination and testing of a firearm. **Comment deadline May 4, 2020.**
	2nd Recirculation* – *ASB 038, Standards for Internal Validation of Forensic DNA Testing Methods*. This new standard details the general requirements for performing an internal validation of all forensic DNA analysis methods within a forensic DNA laboratory. **Comment deadline May 11, 2020.**
	Recirculation* – *ASB 062, Standard for Topography Comparison Software for Firearm and Toolmark Analysis*. This new standard specifies the minimum requirements for computer software intended to compare 2D and/or 3D digital representations of toolmarks. It covers necessary conditions for consistent and interpretable comparisons. **Comment deadline May 11, 2020.**
	Recirculation* – *ASB 063, Implementation of 3D Technologies in Forensic Firearm and Toolmark Comparison Laboratories*. This new document provides requirements for the proper implementation of 3D technologies (software and/or hardware)/technical procedure(s) required in a forensic toolmark laboratory. This standard includes requirements for setting up the physical environment for the instrumentation as well as requirements for instrument calibration and validation. **Comment deadline May 11, 2020.***Please note that comments on a re-circulation will only be accepted on revised sections of a document, comments made to text not revised from the original comment period will not be accepted.

For the ASB documents listed above, download the comment template and return it to asb [at] aafs.org(asb[at]aafs[dot]org) by the comment deadline.

ASTM International - Comment Deadline May 6, 2020:

*New Practice for Training in the Forensic Examination of Human Hair by Microscopy*(WK56743). This practice is intended for use by laboratory personnel responsible for training forensic hair examiners to prepare them to perform forensic hair examinations including microscopical human hair comparisons. It contains relevant suggested reading assignments and structured exercises for hands-on practical experience for the trainee.
	*New Terminology for the Examination of Fire Debris* (WK63459). This is a compilation of terms and corresponding definitions that are used in fire debris analysis. Legal or scientific terms that are generally understood or defined adequately in other readily available sources may not be included.
	*New Guide for a Systematic Approach to Analysis and Identification of Ignitable Liquids* (WK64631). This guide describes a systematic approach for the analyses of solid (e.g. fire debris) and liquid samples for the presence of ignitable liquids and their residues. It also addresses evidence handling, extraction methodologies, instrumental analysis techniques, and analytical data interpretation.
	*New Practice for Forensic Examination and Identification of Intact Explosives* (WK67862). This practice is intended to assist forensic explosive examiners in their evaluation, selection, and application of techniques to identify intact explosives. A foundation for the consistent approach to the analysis of intact explosives is provided by describing methods used to develop discriminatory information.
	*New Guide for Determination and Comparison of Color by Visual Observation in Forensic Soil Examination* (WK70035). The purpose of this document is to recommend best practices for describing the color of forensic soil/geologic material determined by visual assessment and comparison to a reference color chart.
	*New Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal Forensic Applications* (WK70187). This is a guide for the documentation, collection, and preservation of soil and other geological evidence for use in criminal investigations. It is designed as a resource for professionals whose job responsibilities include the collection and preservation of soil evidence and for forensic scientists to enable them to advise crime scene investigators.
	*New Practice for Quality Assurance of Forensic Science Service Providers Performing Chemistry Analyses* (WK71108). This practice discusses procedures for quality assurance of forensic science service providers performing forensic chemistry analyses. It provides a framework of quality in the processing of evidence including maintaining a quality management system; personnel duties, qualifications, training, education, and professional development; facility considerations; evidence handling; analytical procedures; instrument and equipment performance; chemicals and reagents; casework documentation and reporting; proficiency and competency testing; method validation and verification; audits; deficiency of analysis; and documentation requirements.
	*New Guide for Latent Print Evidence Imaging Resolution* (WK66357). This guide provides procedures for verifying that digital cameras and scanners can capture the necessary details in images of latent print evidence.
	*New Guide for Training Guidelines for Video Analysis, Image Analysis and Photography* (WK66417). This document recommends topics and guidelines for training within the disciplines of video analysis, image analysis, and photography as a supplement to Practice E2917.For access to the ASTM documents listed above, contact Brian Milewski (bmilewski [at] astm.org(bmilewski[at]astm[dot]org)) to become a member of Committee E30 on Forensic Science.

New Work Proposals for New or Revised Standards

None currently.

  
  Other News
    New Fire Debris & Explosive Resources Now Available

OSAC’s Fire Debris & Explosives (FD&E) Subcommittee is pleased to announce a new resource for the forensic science community. This new resource, entitled Analysis of Explosives Reference List is an extensive list of published books, reviews, guides, studies, on-line resources, and articles that is subdivided by topic and year of publication for ease of use. The FD&E Subcommittee has also updated the Analysis of Fire Debris Reference List which is an analogous resource. Both resources are available on the FD&E Subcommittee’s web page.

Participants Needed for Organic Gunshot Residue Interlaboratory Study

OSAC’s Organic Gunshot Residue Task Group (TG) is looking for participants to join an interlaboratory study on the collection and analysis of organic gunshot residues. This study is intended to support a draft standard practice the TG has developed which contains methodologies for gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analyses of organic gunshot residues. Visit the Gunshot Residue Subcommittee webpage to learn more about the study and how you can participate.

Participants Needed for Bullet Black Box Study

NIST and Noblis are seeking participants for a bullet black box study to evaluate the accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility of bullet comparisons by firearms examiners. For more information please click here.

Request for Comments on SWGDRUG Documents

The Scientific Working Group for the Analysis of Seized Drugs (SWGDRUG) has posted two DRAFT revised documents for review by the forensic science community. To ensure the document addresses the needs of the community, SWGDRUG invites comments and suggestions.

The two documents are available on the SWGDRUG website. Please provide your comments on this proposed document using the provided survey links below:

PART IV A- QUALITY ASSURANCE/GENERAL PRACTICES
	SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENT SD-5, REPORTING EXAMPLESResponses from the community will be collected until May 10, 2020.

National Institute of Justice Funding Opportunities

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has released solicitations for several forensic science research and development opportunities. If you are considering submitting a research proposal to NIJ, a helpful list of OSAC identified R&D needs can be found here.
 HEADQUARTERS
            100 Bureau Drive
              Gaithersburg, MD 20899301-975-2000
            Webmaster | Contact Us | Our Other Offices
        Twitter
            
Facebook
            
LinkedIn
            
Instagram
            
YouTube
            
Giphy
            
RSS Feed
            
Mailing List
                              How are we doing? Feedback

  
  Site Privacy
                      Accessibility
                      Privacy Program
                      Copyrights
                      Vulnerability Disclosure
                      No Fear Act Policy
                      FOIA
                      Environmental Policy
                      Scientific Integrity
                      Information Quality Standards
                      Commerce.gov
                      Science.gov
                      USA.gov
                      Vote.gov