SAKI Lab Testing

The State of Montana, Department of Justice, is soliciting bids for the laboratory analysis for Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) profiles for forensic casework, including pre-screened sexual assault kit evidence and unexamined sexual assault kit evidence. The contract was awarded to Bode Cellmark, DNA Labs International, and Signature Science. The contract includes requirements for laboratory analysis, testing, and reporting. Some of the key requirements include: • Analyzing samples at STR loci using Qiagen’s Investigator 24plex QS STR kit, Applied Biosystems 3500 genetic analyzer, and GeneMapper ID-X software validated for forensic casework • Participating in an external proficiency testing program from a test provider approved by the ANSI National Accreditation Board • Providing a written or preferred secure electronic chain of custody record for any exchange of samples between personnel • Performing probabilistic genotyping interpretation using STRmix software on applicable profiles • Utilizing an AB 7500 Real Time PCR instrument and Promega PowerQuant (preferred) or Life Technologies Quant Trio quantitation chemistry.