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In This Issue 

OSAC in Action

OSAC Program Office News

OSAC Registry Implementation Corner

OSAC: A Year in Review

OSAC in the News

Upcoming OSAC/Major Events

Professional Organization Spotlight

NIST Activities

OSAC in Action

OSAC and Industry Collaboration

Interlaboratory studies (ILS) are critically important to standardization efforts but running them 

effectively can be a challenge. For example, how many laboratories should participate to obtain 

statistically significant information? How will participating laboratories be identified and the samples 

distributed? 

OCTOBER 2019 
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The OSAC Seized Drugs Subcommittee is partnering 

with Collaborative Testing Services (CTS) (http://ctsforensics.com/) and ASTM International 

(https://www.astm.org/) to execute an ILS program 

regarding two drug standards currently being revised 

at ASTM. According to the Seized Drugs 

Subcommittee Chair, Agnes Winokur, “The goal of the 

study is to collect and evaluate sufficient data to 

accurately determine the precision and bias of the 

test. Precision and bias information in published 

standards help stakeholders understand what results 

to expect when operators in different laboratories 

test the same material with different equipment but 

following the same standard.”

ASTM International has an ILS program that offers many benefits, including review of the experimental 

design, assistance in data collection, and statistical processing. Together with CTS, which is assisting with 

the coordination of sample distribution and data collection, the Seized Drugs subcommittee hopes to 

conduct its first interlaboratory study in 2020. 

OSAC at the International Association for Identification

The 104th International Association for Identification (IAI) (https://www.theiai.org/) Educational 

Conference was held August 11-17 in Reno, NV. The IAI Conference provided an extraordinary 

opportunity for OSAC to educate the community about the forensic science standards that are currently 

available, or being developed, and to invite them to participate in the standards development process. 

Eight OSAC members were there to share information about OSAC and provide updates on the latest 

activities of their subcommittees. You can view their presentations and highlights on OSAC’s website 

(https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2019/08/osac-action-international-association-identificationconference) and LinkedIn page (https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/organization-of-scientific-areacommittees-osac-for-forensic-science).

Calling all proficiency test providers! 

Contact OSAC Program Manager, John Paul Jones (john.jones@nist.gov) if you are interested 

in exploring other collaboration opportunities with OSAC.

Figure 1. Scientist analyzing samples in the lab.
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Figure 2. Michael Kessler, Chair of OSAC’s 

Crime Scene Investigation Subcommittee, 

presenting at the 2019 IAI Conference.

Figure 3. Henry Swofford, Chair of OSAC’s Friction 

Ridge Subcommittee, presenting at the 2019 IAI 

Conference.

Figure 4. Lora Sims, Chair of OSAC’s Facial 

Identification Subcommittee, leading a facial 

identification workshop at the 2019 IAI Conference.

Figure 5. Julie Carnes, Chair of OSAC’s 

Video/Imaging Technology & Analysis 

Subcommittee, speaking at the 2019 IAI 

Conference.

Figure 6. Toby Wolson, Past Chair of OSAC’s 

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Subcommittee, 

speaking at the 2019 IAI Conference.
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OSAC’s Geological Materials Subcommittee “Digging In” to Standards

OSAC’s Geological Materials Subcommittee, in collaboration with the 

University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment 

(CAFE) Plant and Agricultural Communications Department, are 

developing a training video to help educate law enforcement and 

crime scene professionals on how to collect soils and other geological 

evidence. This video is intended to accompany OSAC’s Geological 

Methods Subcommittee draft collection guide which provides details 

for field personnel responsible for collecting soil and geological 

material evidence at a crime scene, alibi locations, and/or reference 

locations. 

The training video was shot in September and is currently being edited 

by the University of Kentucky CAFE Department of Agricultural 

Communications Staff. Once developed, the video will be made 

available to the Geological Subcommittee for future use. 

OSAC Adds Two New Standards to the Registry in FY2019 Q4

The OSAC Registry (https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-areacommittees-forensic-science/osac-registry) serves as a trusted repository of highquality, science-based standards and guidelines for the practice of forensic 

science. To be placed on the Registry, a standard or guideline must have been 

developed using a consensus-based process and have passed the OSAC technical 

merit review by forensic practitioners, academic researchers, statisticians, and 

measurement scientists. OSAC encourages all relevant agencies and practitioners to 

implement the standards listed on the OSAC Registry.

In FY 2019 Q4, the OSAC Forensic Science Standards Board (FSSB) approved the addition of the following 

two standards for listing on the OSAC Registry:

• ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 007, Postmortem Impression Submission Strategy 

for Comprehensive Searches of Essential Automated Fingerprint Identification System 

Databases, First Edition, 2018 (https://asb.aafs.org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/05/007_BPR_e1.pdf). Made effective on the Registry September 5, 

2019 and developed by OSAC’s Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) Subcommittee, this 

document provides guidance to medical examiners, coroners, and investigators regarding the 

submission of recorded postmortem impressions for comprehensive searches of essential 

automated fingerprint identification system databases. While several factors affect the 

successful search of a fingerprint through an automated fingerprint system, one of the most 

important factors is ensuring the fingerprint is searched through appropriate antemortem 

fingerprint databases.

Figure 7. An example of a soil 

pit showing color differences. 
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• ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 010, Forensic Anthropology in Disaster Victim 

Identification: Best Practice Recommendations for the Medicolegal Authority, First Edition, 

2018 (http://www.asbstandardsboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/010_BPR_e01.pdf).

This document, also made effective September 5, 2019 and developed by OSAC’s DVI 

Subcommittee, provides guidelines and best practices relevant to the role of forensic 

anthropology in a DVI operation. Anthropological methods, techniques and principles are 

typically employed in five primary capacities: 1) during the Preparedness phase of a DVI 

operation, 2) the Search and Recovery and preservation of remains from a mass fatality 

incident, 3) at the Triage Station during the initial sorting of material gathered from the field 

and determination of what human tissue enters the morgue, 4) at the Anthropology Station 

collecting quality postmortem data from each morgue sample, and 5) as a member of the ID 

Reconciliation Team, focused on ensuring valid and reliable positive identifications from 

human tissues. Focus in this document is primarily on the Triage and Anthropology Stations. 

For a complete list of the OSAC Registry Approved Standards and the standards under consideration, 

please visit the OSAC website (https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committeesforensic-science/osac-registry).

OSAC Celebrates National Forensic Science Week

Forensic science can be a powerful force in support of justice 

and public safety. Properly applied, it clears the innocent and 

helps convict the guilty. OSAC is working to strengthen 

forensic science by facilitating the development and 

implementation of technically sound standards and guidelines 

and encouraging their implementation. In recognition of 

National Forensic Science Week 2019, held September 15-21, 

OSAC took to LinkedIn and highlighted several standards and 

guidelines currently on the OSAC Registry or in the Registry 

approval process that will be beneficial for the forensic 

science community. 

OSAC Program Office News

2019 OSAC All-Hands Meetings a Success

The 2019 OSAC All-Hands Meetings, held at the Rosen Shingle Creek in sunny Orlando, FL achieved its 

goals of broadening the knowledge of standards across OSAC’s five Scientific Area Committees (SACs) 

and 25 discipline-specific Subcommittees (SCs) and providing OSAC members the opportunity to come 

together to work face-to-face to accelerate the development of standards for the forensic science 

community. 

Figure 8. A forensic scientist tests 

samples. National Forensic Science 

Week was held September 15-21, 

2019.
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The first week of meetings were held July 9-12 and 

participants included members of the 

Chemistry/Instrumental Analysis SAC and subcommittees, 

the Crime Scene/Death Investigation SAC and 

subcommittees, and OSAC’s three Resource Committees

(RCs). 

The second week of meetings were held July 23-26 and 

included participants from the Biology/DNA SAC and 

subcommittees, the Digital/Multimedia SAC and 

subcommittees, and Physics/Pattern Interpretation SAC 

and subcommittees. 

Each week opened with a plenary session, and participants 

had the opportunity to join in their respective committee 

meetings and participate in pitch meetings and open 

sessions. 

The 2020 All-Hands Meetings will be held on March 9-13 and 

April 20-24 (stay tuned for the location!) and we look 

forward to bringing OSAC members together again to further 

advance standards development for the forensic science 

field. 

OSAC Award Winners

A special congratulations to the following OSAC members who 

were recognized at the 2019 All-Hands Meetings for their 

contributions:

OSAC Distinguished Individual Service Awards:

• James Carroll for his service to the Firearms & Toolmarks Subcommittee, especially in his role in 

virtual subcommittees and as the Chair of the Firearms Examinations Task Group.

• Kelly Keyes for her continued service to the Medicolegal Death Investigation (MDI) 

Subcommittee, especially in her role as the Executive Secretary to assist in the management of 

the MDI committee’s operations.

• Christopher Krug for his continued service on the Quality Infrastructure Committee (QIC) since 

2015, for serving as the Executive Secretary to assist in the management of the committee’s 

operations, and for leading the Lexicon Task Group.

Figure 9. OSAC Program Manager, JP Jones, giving 

the opening remarks at OSAC’s July 2019 AllHands Meetings.

Figure 10. FSSB Chair, Steve Johnson, 

providing updates at OSAC’s July 2019 AllHands Meetings.
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• Jane Wankmiller for her continued service to the Facial Identification Subcommittee, especially 

in her role as the Executive Secretary, and for her strong command of the subject matter and 

the goals and objectives of OSAC. 

• Charlotte Word for her continued work to strengthen forensic DNA analysis, for her 

contributions as a founding and serving member of the Biological Data Interpretation and 

Results Subcommittee, and for her leadership in the development of numerous standards. 

• Diana Wright in recognition of outstanding and extraordinary contributions to the Chemistry 

SAC, her leadership of the largest subcommittee, Materials (Trace), and her participation on the 

FSSB Task Group on Technical Issues. Diana also recognized for her perfect meeting attendance, 

voting record and ability to wrangle all the extra guest meeting slots.

OSAC Distinguished Group Service Award:

Interpretation Task Group, Materials (Trace) Subcommittee for 

tireless efforts to produce an interpretation document to 

promote consistency within the trace evidence community in 

communicating the significance of reported results.

Figures 11,12, and 13. FSSB Chair Steve Johnson and OSAC Distinguished Individual Service Award Recipients

From left to right: Kelly Keyes, Christopher Krug, Diana Wright.

Figure 14. FSSB Chair Steve Johnson and Andria Mehltretter accepting the OSAC Distinguished Group Service 

Award for the Interpretation Task Group, Materials (Trace) Subcommittee.
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Sharon B. Nakich Award: In honor of our colleague, Sharon Nakich, who passed away in March 2019, 

this annual peer-to-peer award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to 

promote OSAC’s mission through his/her helpful attitude, kindness, teamwork or behind-the-scenes 

efforts. 

Christopher Taylor, for recognition of his helpful attitude, 

kindness, and teamwork to support the goals of the OSAC. 

2019 OLSS Meeting Highlights

OSAC hosted its annual OSAC Leadership Strategy Session (OLSS) in Tampa, FL on September 17, 2019. 

This event brought together the FSSB, OSAC’s governing board, and its 25 subcommittee chairs to 

discuss progress made and strategies for the coming year. Highlights from this year’s meeting include:

• OSAC 2.0 Announced: The OSAC 2.0 transition (https://www.nist.gov/newsevents/news/2019/09/osac-20-updating-structure-and-streamlining-processes) was presented 

by NIST, and attendees provided feedback on ways to enhance the transition. The purpose of 

OSAC 2.0 is to streamline the development of standards and reduce the overall costs associated 

with OSAC’s large meetings. Streamlining the processes allows interim standards to be 

developed more quickly without compromising technical rigor. Meeting cost reductions will 

allow OSAC to support other high priority activities such as process mapping, interlaboratory 

studies, interdisciplinary activities and additional support for high performing subcommittees.

• OSAC 2.0 Near Term: Some of the OSAC 2.0 activities will occur in the near term, such as 

transitioning Resource Committee (RC) (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/resourcecommittees) members to voting members of subcommittees and revamping the RCs as Task 

Groups. Embedding RC members in subcommittees ensures that diverse perspectives are 

included during the initial drafting of documents when legal, human factors, and quality issues 

Figure 15. FSSB Chair Steve Johnson and the Sharon B. Nakich Award Recipient, Christopher Taylor.

Figure 16. OLSS Members Greg Davis, Mark Keisler, and Christopher Plourd engaged at the 2019 OLSS Meeting. 
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can easily be inserted, as opposed to editing after the document is completed. Keeping RC task 

groups will allow these stakeholders to continue to have a venue to discuss pressing issues 

informally with their peers.

• OSAC 2.0 Longer Term: Other OSAC 2.0 activities, which will be scheduled to start on October 1, 

2020, include a potential change in the number of OSAC SACs and subcommittees and 

transitioning SACs to voting members of subcommittees, interdisciplinary task groups, or new 

Technical Review Panels (TRPs). These new TRPs will be set up to perform a review on test 

methods, practice documents, and conclusion scales as they are completed by the 

subcommittees. This step will eliminate several process steps that were previously required in 

OSAC 1.0.

• Google Suite: OSAC will transition from Higher Logic to the Google Suite of applications for its 

online document sharing and communication platform. The full transition will be completed by 

December 15, 2019.

• Digital Presence Growing: OSAC’s digital presence is growing with an increase in website views, 

downloads, and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/organization-of-scientific-areacommittees-osac-for-forensic-science/), enabling OSAC to reach more stakeholders. As our 

footprint grows, so does out ability to educate the forensic science community about new 

standards being developed and championed by OSAC.

In Memoriam: Robert E. Barsley, DDS, JD

OSAC extends its deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and colleagues 

of Dr. Robert E. Barsley who passed away on September 28, 2019. Bob 

was a past chair and member of OSAC’s Odontology Subcommittee since

its inception. Bob was a former president and highly honored fellow of the 

Odontology Section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. You 

can read Bob’s obituary, provided by Harry McKneeley & Son Funeral 

Home in Hammond, LA.

(https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tributes.com%2Fobituary%2Fshow%

2FRobert-Emmett-Barsley107572907&data=02%7C01%7Cmark.stolorow%40nist.gov%7C52ff36a5bf69425aff3308d74db21c1e%7C2ab5d82f

d8fa4797a93e054655c61dec%7C1%7C0%7C637063299738955579&sdata=NSFzLWnd1e1q8teex71WOspwNs2JuJQ

QhZUv0MeRDO8%3D&reserved=0)

OSAC Registry Implementation Corner

OSAC’s mission is to not only facilitate the development of science-based standards and guidelines, but 

to also encourage the use of those standards throughout the forensic science community. The goal is to 

have our stakeholders in the forensic science and criminal justice communities embrace the approved 

standards on the OSAC Registry (https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committeesforensic-science/osac-registry) and implement them into their everyday practice. 
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In August 2018, the FSSB prepared an

OSAC Registry Implementation Plan for our forensic 

science partners that describes various strategies that 

OSAC might use to encourage our stakeholders to 

promote and implement the approved standards listed 

on the OSAC Registry. There are many potential 

pathways for implementation and our initial focus is on 

crime laboratories and other forensic science service 

providers.

At the July All-Hands Meeting, brainstorming 

sessions were held with each of OSAC’s 25 

subcommittees to identify the benefits, 

challenges, perspectives, and needs around 

implementation. A summary of the key findings 

resulting from the brainstorming sessions and a 

roadmap for next steps are available on the OSAC 

Registry Implementation web page 

(https://www.nist.gov/topics/organizationscientific-area-committees-forensicscience/implementation-plan)

Self Adoption: Crime labs incorporate OSAC standards in SOPs

Professional Associations: Issue policy statements encouraging adoption

Statutory Requirements: Enact state laws mandating using OSAC standards

Criminal Justice (Courts): Attorneys begin demanding testing using OSAC standards

Accrediting Bodies: ISO/IEC 17025/20 supplemental standards or checklists

Funding Bodies (Carrot): Offer funding incentive to implement OSAC standards

Funding Bodies (Stick): Require OSAC standards implementation to access funding

Figure 17. Examples of OSAC Implementation Pathways. 

Figure 19. Key Insights to Implementation Identified During the July 2019 

Brainstorming Sessions. 

Figure 18. Mark Stolorow, OSAC Affiliate Member, facilitating a brainstorming session with the 

Crime Scene Investigation Subcommittee at the July All-Hands Meeting. 
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Six laboratories have now elected to implement the 

standards on the OSAC Registry. One of those 

organizations, the Houston Forensic Science Center 

(HFSC) has adopted guidelines recommended by OSAC 

in its continuous effort to improve forensic science 

results for Houston and impact the broader forensic 

science community. According to HFSC CEO and 

President, Dr. Peter Stout, “If we don’t implement what 

we have talked about for years, it not only doesn’t 

progress forensic sciences, I would argue it is a step back to ignore the work that has been done.” Read 

more from Dr. Stout and learn the benefits of being an early implementer of the OSAC Registry 

approved standards (https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2019/10/houston-forensic-sciencecenter-early-implementer-standards-osac-registry). 

OSAC: A Year in Review

In addition to delivering quarterly updates, the fall edition of the OSAC Newsletter also serves as OSAC’s 

annual report and provides a review of OSAC’s accomplishments and activities over the past fiscal year

(FY), October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019. 

If you are an early implementer of the OSAC Registry Approved Standards, we want to hear

from you! Email allison.getz@nist.gov to share your story. 
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Organizational Snapshot

Administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (https://www.nist.gov), 

OSAC’s purpose is to strengthen the nation’s use of forensic science by:

• Providing technical leadership that facilitates the development of technically sound, sciencebased standards through a formal standard developing organization (SDO) process.

• Evaluating existing standards published by SDOs for placement on the OSAC Registry.

• Promoting the use of the OSAC Registry approved standards throughout the forensic science 

community.

• Establishing and maintaining working relationships with similar organizations and other 

stakeholders.

As of September 30, 2019, OSAC includes:

• 550+ members

• 325 affiliates

• 48 states represented

• 245 task groups

• 2600+ applications received

Accomplishments

OSAC has made great strides as an organization 

over the last year. In addition to the successful 

All-Hands and OLSS Meetings mentioned above, 

here are a few other examples of our accomplishments 

from FY 2019:

• We have continued investment in developing and reviewing over 200 draft standards across 25 

forensic disciplines that will improve the current and future practice of forensic science.

• We have made further progress on interdisciplinary projects focused on terminology, training, 

statistics, and conclusions.

• We have supported the development of process maps within the speaker recognition, DNA, 

firearms and toolmarks, friction ridge, and bloodstain pattern analysis disciplines. Process maps 

provide better visibility into forensic processes and highlight which parts of these processes are

covered by existing standards and which are not. 

• We have further developed the OSAC Lexicon

(https://www.nist.gov/topics/organizationscientific-area-committees-forensicscience/osac-lexicon). Since it was launched in 

March 2018, OSAC members have been hard at 

work improving the database of over 4,000 

terms. Some features of the Lexicon database 

redesign include:

o The ability to sort/search by subcommittee.

o Allowing for more professional output with symbols, subscripts, superscripts used in 

scientific terms.

o Addition of hyperlinked terms and reducing duplicate terms displayed by combining 

them when in use by more than one subcommittee.

Figure 20. OSAC Member Job Classifications. 
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o Standardization of the citation format for the sources of the definitions.

In addition, subcommittees are working on updating the Lexicon to make sure all source 

citations are accurate and complete. The OSAC QIC has developed a new process to ensure 

terms from published standards are updated in the Lexicon. Consensus has been reached on 

several new “OSAC preferred” terms, and there is now a total of 13 OSAC preferred terms

(http://lexicon.forensicosac.org/Term/Home/index) that OSAC members are encouraged to use 

when drafting standards. 

• We have started executing OSAC’s Registry Implementation Plan

(https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensicscience/implementation-plan) by conducting brainstorming strategy sessions with each of 

OSAC’s 25 subcommittees during the July All-Hands Meetings to identify the benefits, 

challenges, perspectives, and needs around implementation. At the end of FY 2019, there were 

six laboratories on the “tip of the spear” that have elected to implement the standards on the 

OSAC Registry.

FSSB Appointments

The FSSB serves as the OSAC governing board and supports the organization by overseeing operations of 

all SACs, SC, and RCs; approving standards for listing on the OSAC Registry; and facilitating 

communication within and between OSAC and the forensic science community.

In October 2019, the FSSB elected a new Executive Committee and welcomed three new members to 

the FSSB:

OSAC Executive Committee Members:

• Steve Johnson, FSSB Chair, Ideal Innovations and IAI Representative.

• Laurel Farrell, FSSB Vice Chair, ANSI National Accreditation Board – Senior Director of 

Accreditation, and Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) Representative.

• Sarah Kerrigan, Ph.D., Executive Secretary, Forensic Science Department Chair, Sam Houston 

State University.

New FSSB Members:

• David Kaye, The Pennsylvania State University, Legal Resource Committee Chair.

• Andy Smith, San Francisco Police Department Crime Lab, Association of Firearm and Tool Mark 

Examiners (AFTE) Representative.

• Jason Wiersema, Ph.D., Harris County (Texas) Institute of Forensic Sciences, Crime Scene/Death 

Investigation SAC Chair.
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Membership Updates

In February 2019, OSAC entered into its fifth year of existence with greater productivity, improved 

communications, and deeper engagement with our internal and external stakeholders. 

The following individuals were recognized at the September OLSS Meeting for their leadership and 

efforts to further the OSAC mission and objectives:

• Greg Davis for his service as a member of the FSSB and Chair of the Crime Scene/Death 

Investigation SAC.

• Susan Hetzel for her service as the Fire Debris & Explosives Subcommittee Chair.

• Mark Keisler for his service as a member and Vice Chair of the FSSB.

• Marc LeBeau for his service as the Toxicology Subcommittee Chair.

• Kim Murga for her service as the Biological Methods Subcommittee Chair.

• Christopher Plourd for his service as a member of the FSSB and Chair of the Legal Resource 

Committee.

• Sandra E. Rodriguez-Cruz for her service as the Seized Drugs Subcommittee Chair.

• Rodney Schneck for his service as the Footwear & Tire Subcommittee Acting Chair.

• Toby Wolson for his service as the Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Subcommittee Chair.

Figure 21. FSSB Members at the September FSSB Meeting in Tampa, FL. 
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Figures 22,23, and 24. FSSB Chair Steve Johnson and OSAC Leadership Recognition at the 2019 OLSS Meeting.

From left to right: Greg Davis, Susan Hetzel, Mark Keisler.

Figures 25,26, and 27. FSSB Chair Steve Johnson and OSAC Leadership Recognition at the 2019 OLSS Meeting.

From left to right: Marc LeBeau, Christopher Plourd, Sandra Rodriguez-Cruz.

Figures 28 and 29. FSSB Chair Steve Johnson and OSAC Leadership Recognition at the 2019 OLSS 

Meeting. From left to right: Rodney Schneck, Toby Wolson.
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The FSSB and OSAC Program Office would like to thank all OSAC volunteers for their time and effort and 

all the federal, state, and local government agencies, academic institutions, and criminal justice and 

forensic science organizations that support the OSAC mission by allowing their staff to participate. 

OSAC Registry Activity

OSAC works to identify and promote 

technically sound, consensus-based, fit-forpurpose documentary standards that are 

based on sound scientific principles. The 

OSAC Registry contains a list of approved 

standards that meet these criteria, as 

determined by OSAC via a transparent 

process that allows for participation and comment from all stakeholders.

OSAC is proud to have the following 19 Registry Approved (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensicscience/organization-scientific-area-committees-osac/osac-registry/osac-approved) documents effective 

in FY 2019 (ending September 30, 2019):

Disaster Victim Identification

• ASB 010, Forensic Anthropology in Disaster Victim Identification: Best Practice 

Recommendations for the Medicolegal Authority (effective September 5, 2019)

• ASB 007, Postmortem Impression Submission Strategy for Comprehensive Searches of Essential 

Automated Fingerprint Identification System Database (effective September 5, 2019)

Facial Identification

• ASTM E3149-18 Standard Guide for Facial Image Comparison Feature List for Morphological 

Analysis (effective February 14, 2019)

Fire & Explosion Investigation

• NFPA 921:2017 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations (effective November 1, 2017)

• NFPA 1033:2014 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator (effective 

December 22, 2016)

Materials (Trace)

• ASTM E3085-17 Standard Guide for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Tape 

Examinations (effective September 11, 2018)

• ASTM E2937-18 Standard Guide for Using Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Paint 

Examinations (effective June 26, 2018)

• ASTM E1610-18 Standard Guide for Forensic Paint Analysis and Comparison (effective June 26, 

2018)

• ASTM E2927-16e1 Standard Test Method for Determination of Trace Elements in Soda-Lime 

Glass Samples Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Forensic 

Comparisons (effective June 5, 2018)

• ASTM E2926-17 Standard Test Method for Forensic Comparison of Glass Using Micro X-ray 

Fluorescence (μ-XRF) Spectrometry (effective July 31, 2017)
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Odontology

• ADA 1088-2017D Human Identification by Comparative Dental Analysis (effective March 7, 2019)

• ANSI/ADA 1058-2010D Forensic Dental Data Set (effective February 14, 2019)

Seized Drugs

• ASTM E2329-17: Standard Practice for Identification of Seized Drugs (effective August 7, 2018)

• ASTM E2548-11e1: Standard Guide for Sampling Seized Drugs for Qualitative and Quantitative 

Analysis (effective April 3, 2017)

Toxicology

• ASB 017, Standard Practices for Measurement Traceability in Forensic Toxicology, First Edition, 

2018 (effective June 18, 2019)

Interdisciplinary

• ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration 

Laboratories (effective June 18, 2019)

• ANSI/NIST ITL-1:2011 (Update 2013) Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint, Facial & 

Other Biometric Information (effective July 13, 2017)

• ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity Assessment – Requirements for the Operation of Various Types 

of Bodies Performing Inspection (effective April 18, 2017)

• ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration 

Laboratories (effective September 27, 2016)

Ongoing Standards Activities

OSAC fulfills its mission

through two distinct 

efforts, 1.) working with 

SDOs and 2.) OSAC’s

Registry Approval process. 

In the SDO process, OSAC 

committees or task groups 

submit an idea, a partially 

drafted document, or a 

fully drafted document to 

an SDO for further 

development, balloting, 

and publishing. Once published, selected standards and guidelines may be evaluated further and 

elevated to the OSAC Registry. The absence of a document from the OSAC Registry does not necessarily 

mean that OSAC considers it invalid, rather it may mean that the document has not yet been 

recommended or may only meet some of OSAC’s criteria for inclusion. 

The figures below depict the number of standards and guideline projects that reached particular stages 

in the development process in each of OSAC’s five SACs and 25 SCs. 

Figure 30. OSAC Document Tiers. 
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0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

Bio Data Interpretation & Reporting

Biological Methods

Wildlife

Standards Activities - Biology/DNA SAC

Under Development Drafted At SDO Published

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

Fire Debris & Explosives

Geological Materials

Gunshot Residue

Materials (Trace)

Seized Drugs

Toxicology

Standards Activities - Chemistry/Instrumental Analysis 

SAC

Under Development Drafted At SDO Published

Figure 31. OSAC’s Biology/DNA SAC Standards Activities. 

Figure 32. OSAC’s Chemistry/Instrumental Analysis SAC Standards Activities. 
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0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Anthropology

Crime Scene Investigation

Disaster Victim ID

Dogs & Sensors

Fire & Explosion Investigation

Medicolegal Death Investigation

Odontology

Standards Activities - Crime Scene/Death Investigation 

SAC

Under Development Drafted At SDO Published

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20

Digital Evidence

Facial Identification

Speaker Recognition

VITAL

Standards Activities - Digital/Multimedia SAC

Under Development Drafted At SDO Published

Figure 33. OSAC’s Crime Scene/Death Investigation SAC Standards Activities. 

Figure 34. OSAC’s Digital/Multimedia SAC Standards Activities. 
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Engagement Activities

OSAC is committed to sharing 

information about standards and 

activities that will impact the forensic 

science community. Each year, OSAC 

reports its activities in an open and 

online public forum and provides an 

opportunity for the public to ask 

questions and provide feedback. This 

year’s Public Update and Open 

Discussions Meeting

(https://www.nist.gov/newsevents/events/2019/06/osac-publicupdate-open-discussions-meeting) was 

held on June 5, 2019 at the NIST campus 

in Gaithersburg, MD. This event featured 

presentations from the FSSB, the Chairs 

of OSAC’s five SACs, three RCs, and the 

Statistics Task Group. 

If you were unable to attend this year’s 

meeting, you can view the recording and presentations on the OSAC website

(https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science/). Also, we 

encourage you to send any feedback to allison.getz@nist.gov.

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Firearms & Toolmarks

Footwear & Tire

Forensic Document Examination

Friction Ridge

Standards Activities - Physics/Pattern Interpretation SAC

Under Development Drafted At SDO Published

Figure 35. OSAC’s Physics/Pattern Interpretation SAC Standards Activities. 

Figure 36. OSAC Program Manager, JP Jones, kicking off 

the 2019 Public Update and Open Discussions Meeting 

at NIST. 
21

In addition to the annual public update meeting, OSAC participated in other conferences and events 

throughout the year, including:

• American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) Annual Meeting – February 2019

• Texas Forensic Science Commission Meeting – May 2019

• American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) Annual Meeting – May 2019

• Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE) Annual Meeting – May 2019

• American Bar Association (ABA) Annual Prescription for Criminal Justice Forensics Program –

May 2019 

• International Association for Identification (IAI) Annual Meeting – August 2019 

• Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers (AFQAM) Annual Meeting – October 2019 

Final Words

OSAC has made great strides to help achieve and develop technically valid and consensus-based 

standards and guidelines for the forensic sciences. With over 800 combined members and affiliates

representing forensic science practitioners, laboratory managers, academic researchers, measurement 

scientists, and experts in statistics, human factors, legal, and quality infrastructure, we will continue to 

work together to develop and promote standards that strengthen forensic science.

OSAC in the News

CSI Training Standard Proposed

(2019, July/August). ASTM Standardization News. Retrieved from 

https://www.astm.org/standardization-news/?q=update/csi-training-standardproposed

HFSC Ups Quality Standards

(October 2019). What's News @ HFSC. Retrieved 

from: https://houstonforensicscience.org/event/5db0c6fd7ETbjternal.pdf
22

Upcoming OSAC/Major Events

NOVEMBER 2019

12 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) hosts An Update on Strengthening 

Forensic Science in the United States: A Decade of Development, Washington, DC 

(https://www.cvent.com/c/express/6513a5db-d856-439b-afbe-f3821f6fbcfd?i=2faff0a0-aa7e41c6-b646-7b87f2e183f4)

DECEMBER 2019

3-4 FSSB In-person Meeting, Dulles, VA

FEBRUARY 2020

17-22 AAFS Annual Meeting, Anaheim, CA

MARCH 2020

10-13 OSAC All-Hand Meeting (Chemistry & Crime Scene/Death Investigation SACs and SCs), location 

TBD

APRIL 2020

21-24 OSAC All-Hands Meeting (Biology/DNA, Digital/Multimedia, Physics & Pattern Interpretation 

 SACs and SCs), location TBD

Professional Organization Spotlight

By Laurel Farrell, OSAC FSSB Vice Chair

Society of Forensic Toxicologists

The Society of Forensic Toxicologists (https://www.soft-tox.org/) was founded in 1970 

and currently has a membership of 1,483 practicing forensic toxicologists and those 

interested in the discipline for the purpose of promoting and developing forensic 

toxicology.

SOFT’s objectives are to:

• Provide a forum for the discussion and exchange of professional experiences between forensic 

toxicologists, and among individuals engaged in the administration of justice, in other 

governmental functions, and in allied fields.

• Promote the education and training of forensic toxicologists.

• Stimulate research and development in the field of forensic toxicology by providing educational 

opportunities and contributions to the literature.

• Review and make recommendations on pending or existing legislation that relates to the field of 

forensic toxicology.

• Promote and assist in providing adequate availability of forensic toxicology services.
23

SOFT provides a forum for the exchange of information and ideas among toxicology professionals in a 

mentoring, collaborative atmosphere at its annual meeting. SOFT has a long history of supporting 

laboratory accreditation and personal certification. 

SOFT members actively participated in SWGTOX and now over 45 SOFT members are actively supporting 

the OSAC initiative through service as members at all levels of the OSAC as well as affiliates on 

Toxicology Subcommittee Task Groups.

SOFT-sponsored programs, including national and regional workshops, newsletters, technical 

publications, and presentations at the annual meeting are the primary mechanisms to keep the SOFT 

membership up to date on OSAC activities. These programs and materials also explain how to become 

involved as an affiliate or member, how to participate by commenting on standards in development and 

how to implement standards that have been placed on the OSAC Registry.

NIST Activities

View the recording from NIST and NIJ’s recent Evidence 

Management Conference (https://www.nist.gov/newsevents/events/2019/10/evidence-managementconference) to hear from law enforcement executives, 

criminal justice practitioners, policy makers and the legal community on the important issues of 

evidence management.

A Safer Way for Police to Test Drug Evidence

(https://www.nist.gov/newsevents/news/2019/09/safer-way-police-test-drugevidence)

See the recent research our colleagues at NIST have been 

doing to demonstrate the effectiveness of a new safer 

approach to test drug evidence. 

Sniffing out Corpses and Other Signs of Trouble

(https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2019/09/sniffing-outcorpses-and-other-signs-trouble)

Screening with the stench of death – a NIST chemist shows how we 

can detect suspicious chemicals in shipping containers by using the 

compounds that give decomposing corpses their terrible odor.
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Forensic Science Research Innovation to Implementation 

(RI2I) Symposium (https://www.nist.gov/newsevents/events/2019/06/forensic-science-researchinnovation-implementation-symposium-ri2i)

For crime laboratories, transferring forensic science research into practice is a challenging problem. 

Check out the recording from NIST’s RI2I Symposium where forensic scientists, researchers, and 

technology transfer experts came together with laboratory professionals, business leaders and other 

stakeholders to explore ideas for speeding innovation in the nation’s crime labs.