[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 27, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66507-66508]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-21092]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Office of Justice Programs

[OJP (NIJ) Docket No. 1817]


Forensic Laboratory Needs-Technology Working Group

AGENCY: National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. 
Department of Justice.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is seeking qualified 
individuals to serve on the Forensic Laboratory Needs-Technology 
Working Group (FLN-TWG). The FLN-TWG was established in 2018 to build 
upon the work of the National Commission of Forensic Sciences.

DATES: Individuals wishing to submit an application to the National 
Institute of Justice must do so by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on December 29, 
2023, as instructed below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Danielle McLeod-Henning, Physical 
Scientist, Office of Investigative and

[[Page 66508]]

Forensic Sciences, National Institute of Justice, 810 7th Street NW, 
Washington, DC 20531; telephone number: (202) 598-0562; email address: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FLN-TWG is authorized under 6 U.S.C. 
162(b)(2) and as such it will assess, advise, and provide relevant 
information regarding the technology needs of Federal, state, local, 
and tribal forensic laboratories to accomplish the mission of NIJ.
    How To Respond and What To Include: To apply to serve on the FLN-
TWG, please email a resume to the point of contact listed below by the 
deadline listed above. Please put ``FLN-TWG'' in the subject line. 
Application materials must be submitted electronically. Hardcopy 
application materials will not be accepted. There is no page limit or 
limit to the amount of information that an interested applicant may 
submit to demonstrate his, her, or their qualifications. More 
information on the individuals sought for the FLN-TWG is provided 
below. All materials submitted will be treated confidentially and 
discreetly and may be shared with U.S. Government staff or U.S. 
Government contractors for evaluation purposes related to selection for 
the FLN-TWG.
    NIJ is seeking qualified individuals to serve on the FLN-TWG. The 
mission of the FLN-TWG is to advise, assess, and provide information to 
NIJ and its Federal partners on the technology needs of state, local, 
and tribal forensic laboratories to (1) improve coordination of 
technology transition or standardization, (2) identify localized or 
system-wide operational gaps or impediments to adoption, not including 
resource limitations, (3) increase the capacity and quality of forensic 
services within an ever-increasing demand for services nationwide.
    NIJ anticipates that the FLN-TWG will be comprised of approximately 
25 individuals who serve as forensic laboratory leaders or forensic 
science researchers and who are working in state and local forensic 
science laboratories, private forensic science laboratories, or 
academic settings. Laboratories can be independent or investigating 
agencies (such as associated with law enforcement). Federal employees 
can participate in an ex-officio capacity. Individuals will be selected 
to achieve the best possible balance of knowledge and expertise. 
Individuals who have recently retired from a leadership role in a 
forensic laboratory may be considered. Also, laboratory size, 
jurisdiction, and geographical dispersion will be considered when 
selecting members. FLN-TWG members will be asked to serve a three-year 
term with an opportunity to serve three terms (nine years total). New 
members will be added to FLN-TWG annually, as needed.
    Submitted materials must clearly demonstrate the applicant's 
qualifications to serve on the FLN-TWG. Candidates should have 
practical or research experience in the forensic sciences and may serve 
as laboratory directors, managers, quality assurance managers, or 
researchers.
    NIJ anticipates that the FLN-TWG will meet twice a year for no more 
than two working days. Meetings may be virtual or in-person. FLN-TWG 
chairs will meet for two additional meetings each year to set the 
agenda for the full working group meeting. If warranted, the FLN-TWG 
may meet in person, location to be determined. Additional meetings may 
be necessary to complete goals as determined by the working group. The 
majority of the work will be conducted by web conference, telephone, 
and email. Participation time will not be reimbursed; however, should 
travel be permitted, it is expected that travel and per diem expenses 
for travel will be reimbursed. Any potential reimbursements are subject 
to, inter alia, the availability of appropriated funds, and to any 
modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by law.

Nancy La Vigne,
Director, National Institute of Justice.
[FR Doc. 2023-21092 Filed 9-26-23; 8:45 am]
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