Research & Development

The R&D Committee will evaluate and fund proposals based on their merits, which may result in no awards in some years or multiple small projects in others.

We seek a diverse range of projects focused on near-term development (one year or less) in science and technology. Consider the cost implications for technology products, as limited lab resources may impact acceptance and implementation.

Criteria to keep in mind:

• Importance and impact of the new technology
• Effectiveness and safety compared to current methods
• Expected scientific advancements
• Cost, ease of use, portability, and hidden costs (e.g., new computers)
• Net savings (e.g., labor costs)
• Required training and maintenance
• Benefits to the membership
• Court perception of the technology or advancement

Proposals may cover new developments, techniques, methods, materials, or safety equipment. They should demonstrate technological novelty leading to better performance, reliability, or cost savings. Each proposal must address how it meets the membership’s needs, including new applications and cost-effectiveness or health benefits. Include a detailed implementation plan covering ease of use, costs, and scientific advancement. Clearly outline benefits, cost trade-offs, and provide a thorough description of any devices, including their operation, effectiveness, and safety considerations.

AFTE offers an opportunity to allow trainees and college students (upper level undergraduate or graduate level) an R&D assistantship towards a project, thesis, or dissertation. A trainee is defined as a person currently employed by a local/state/federal/tribal forensic laboratory and is working toward completion of an internal (course of studies as described in the AFTE Training Manual) or external (e.g. ATF’s National Firearms Examiner Academy, California Criminalistics Institute’s Firearms and Toolmarks Examiners Academy) training program in the field of firearm and toolmark examination. Trainees and students are not required to be AFTE members to receive an R&D Assistantship; however, research proposal criteria for trainees and students are the same as the requirements of the general AFTE membership. 

Trainees/students, please note: 

• Financial assistance will be limited to one college student per academic institution, per calendar year. 
• Financial assistance will be limited for trainees based upon uniqueness of proposals and availability of funding through AFTE. 
• A maximum of $1000 will be available per calendar year for trainee and student assistantships. 
• The student/trainee must have an AFTE member, at any level, and in good standing, serve as a mentor, fulfilling all duties of mentorship.  

After review by the R&D Committee, a recommendation will be made to the AFTE Board of Directors. Upon Board approval, the R&D Committee will award the Assistantship. 

Quality and Technical Merit 

• Soundness of methodology, analytical or technical approach
• Innovation and creativity 
• Feasibility of proposed project 
• Awareness of pitfalls 

Impact of Project

• Understanding the importance of the problem
• Potential for significant advancement of the discipline
• Relevance of practice
• Affordability

Demonstrated Capabilities, Productivity, and Experience of Applicants

• Member of AFTE, at any level, must be in good standing
• Responsiveness to the goals of the committee
• Ability to manage the proposed project

Management Plan and Budget Constraints

• Task breakdown listing expenditures, or a line-item budget
• Adequacy of proposed resources to perform project
• Total cost relative to perceived benefits
• Use of existing resources to conserve costs
• Cost effectiveness of application to other laboratories

Project Proposal Abstract

The proposal abstract should provide a clear, concise summary of the proposed work. It must outline the research goals, objectives, design, and methods, without including summaries of past accomplishments. Required points include:

• Project goals and objectives
• Proposed research design and methodology
• Implementation plan
• Diagrams of devices
• Scientific method appropriately applied

Signed Rules and Assurance Form

AFTE Member Rules and Assurance Form
Student/Trainee Rules and Assurance Form + Mentor Rules/Assurance Form

Budget Worksheet

• The assistance is not for general laboratory operation costs, training, or other non-research costs. 
• All monies will be in US dollars. 
• An itemized list of items needed for the project must be submitted. 
• Funding will be made mainly for consumables and other limited items (i.e. It is not for costly equipment, travel, range fees, etc.).
  • Consumables: Supplies such as ammunition, chemicals, and items that cannot be provided by the individual’s host organization or laboratory. Itemize as to type. 
  • Other Limited Items: Analytical services not provided by individuals host organization and inexpensive accessories subject to approval by the Committee.

List of Reference Material

Applicants must submit a literature review on the proposed topic. This review should be concise and will help the R&D committee assess the project’s necessity. Reference basic materials but specify relevant pages or chapters. If the sources are uncommon or hard to obtain, include photocopies of the pertinent materials.

Current CV or Resume

Each participant in the proposal must include their CV or resume.  This includes AFTE members, trainees/college students, and their mentors.

The completed application package should be mailed or emailed to the R&D Committee Chair:

Michelle Fletcher, R&D Committee Chair
Indiana State Police Crime Laboratory
5811 Ellison Road
Fort Wayne, IN  46804
(260) 459-4836
Contact Michelle Fletcher