. Qualifications

1\. Qualified firearms examiner must currently be certified by Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE) in the area of “Firearm Evidence Examination and Identification (FA-AFTE)” to perform reviews of previously analyzed evidence, to include a review of the evidence itself.

2\. The candidate must have successfully completed an external proficiency test involving firearms comparisons (expended bullets/cartridge cases) within the last twelve months.

3\. Provide an external examiner who has never been an employee of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.

B. Requirements

1\. The Examiner shall become familiar with the DFS Quality Manual (Sections 14 and 15) and Firearms Procedures Manual within 10 business days of contract award.

2\. The Examiner shall perform an onsite internal competency test, within 5 days of being onsite and prior to performing any work on evidence.

3\. The Examiner shall perform comparison testing onsite, in coordination with the Western Laboratory Director, Kevin Patrick (kevin.patrick@dfs.virginia.gov).

4\. The Examiner shall independently review the evidence in a minimum of 5 physical comparison cases.

5\. The Examiner shall document findings in accordance with DFS policies and procedures and provide the documentation to Mr. Patrick.