Call for participation

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1 Call for participation ENFSI Proficiency Test on Identification of GSR by SEM/EDS GSR2019 Dear GSR expert, On behalf of the ENFSI Expert Working Group Firearms/GSR we would like to invite you to participate in the Proficiency Test on the Identification of gunshot residue (GSR) particles by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Our company QuoData GmbH, is in charge of organizing and performing the GSR proficiency test as part of the GSR Quality Scheme [1]. After receiving ASCLD-LAB approval [2] in 2006, the program has continued to enjoy a reputation known worldwide. The GSR Quality Scheme is conducted annually and we invite you and your laboratory to participate in the 2019 run. All members of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI) and any state-registered Forensic Science Laboratories are welcome to participate in the test program. Each participant will receive a specially prepared and identical sample in order to detect and identify all typical GSR particles (containing lead, barium and antimony) using their own laboratory-specific method of automated GSR particle search and detection by SEM/EDS. The primary purpose of this proficiency testing program is to improve and maintain the performance of laboratories and to help laboratories detect and redress any unacceptable inaccuracy in their reported findings related to the detection and identification of GSR by SEM/EDS. The scheme enables laboratories to demonstrate the quality of their measurements to accreditation bodies and other appropriate authorities.

2 Background information The test has been designed on past experience from prior tests being performed since Preparations for the 2019 proficiency test are currently in progress and the samples are expected to be ready for dispatch in May The organization and statistical evaluation of the GSR2019 test will be carried out by QuoData GmbH in Dresden, Germany, on behalf of the ENFSI Expert Working Group Firearms/GSR [3], as was the case since QuoData is specialized in performing and providing services for proficiency tests and in the development of statistical tools for quality assurance, and provides a dedicated website, where supplementary information regarding the current test is available [4]. Results of previous GSR proficiency tests have been published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences ([5], [6] and [7]). The findings compiled from the GSR2019 proficiency test will be published in a final report which will be submitted to the participants. In addition, each participant will receive a certificate of participation. Test sample description As the results of the previous tests have shown, the use of a synthetic sample set is deemed to be unavoidable in order to guarantee identical test sample material. Therefore, GSR2019 will be performed again with synthetic samples ([5], [6] and [7]). The preliminary preparations for the new proficiency test samples will soon be completed. Sample characteristics were chosen as in the former GSR proficiency tests, though the number of particles, their diameter and their location will be different.

3 Time table of GSR2019 Date Action Responsibility 14 th June 2019 Deadline for registration Laboratories register with QuoData GmbH 28 th June 2019 Deadline for payment 24 th July 2019 Sample dispatch QuoData GmbH sends invoices and checks incoming payments QuoData GmbH sends the samples to the participants 23 th August 2019 Uploading the test data Upload by the participants 30 th August 2019 Opening of the web tool 13 rd September 2019 Cross checking submitted data January 2020 Dispatch of final report and certificates QuoData GmbH sends login data and activates the webtool Using the webtool, participants check the data they submitted QuoData GmbH sends final reports and certificates The deadline for registration is 14 th June The deadline for payment of the participation fee is 28 th June The sample distribution is currently scheduled for 24 th July Each laboratory will receive one test sample affiliated with appropriate test instructions. Test data are uploaded and a questionnaire regarding instrumental and procedural conditions is filled out on the QuoData website. The deadline for uploading the test data and the questionnaire will be four and a half weeks after sample distribution on 23 th August Five working days after the deadline for uploading the test data, on 30 th August 2019, the participating laboratories will receive an with the login data for the webtool. Once they login, participants will be able to access their own test results as well as additional information, including the exact number of GSR particles, their sizes and exact positions. This gives the laboratories the opportunity to crosscheck the data they submitted. It also allows the samples to be subsequently used in the laboratory as a standard for validation purposes in a GSR analysis. Laboratories have 10 working days until 13 rd September 2019 to cross-check and comment their data. The laboratories that have taken part in the proficiency test will receive the final report and their certificate of participation by mail in January 2020.

4 Participation fee A participation fee will be charged to the laboratories covering the costs arising from the production of suitable sample material, the statistical evaluation, and the preparation of the final report as well as the certificates. The fee will be fixed to 895 per participant (plus 19 % VAT for German participants) plus shippment and packing (30 ). In order to ensure comparability and independence of all laboratory test results, only one result per laboratory will be taken into account in the evaluation of the proficiency test. The fee covers the evaluation of one sample result. It is however, possible to order more than one PT sample at a price of 895 per sample plus shippment and packing (30 ). For each sample one result will be evaluated and an individual report will be provided. Web tool For the evaluation of additional data sets, please refer to the web-based GSR QC Analysis Tool which can be used for the purpose of quality assurance: As the test sample becomes property of the participating laboratories, it will enable you to use the sample later for other purposes (e.g. as a validation standard for the SEM/EDS system or for quality assurance studies). Therefore, as an extension to the participation in the proficiency test, this web tool will be available free of charge for one year after completion of GSR2019. This enables your laboratory to continue to evaluate quality control measurements of the 2019 PT sample. Payment and shipment For participants from EU-countries other than Germany, the declaration of a VAT registration number is necessary; otherwise they will be charged German VAT. Payment and sample shipping will proceed as follows: 1. The laboratory accepts the regulations of the test, either by filling in the application form on the website or by sending back a signed application form to QuoData. Thereby it has to be specified if payment will be carried out by bank transfer or by credit card (MasterCard, Visa or JCB). Please note that we have to charge a 3 % fee for paying per credit card 2. Additionally a flat rate of 30 per test will be charged for shipping and packing. Sample shipping will be performed by a global courier delivery service. Any additional costs, e.g. due to customs duties, have to be covered by the participating laboratory.

5 Binding application for participation The statement for participation is binding and cannot be cancelled upon receipt by QuoData GmbH. If a purchase order was submitted together with your statement for participation, an invoice for the participation fee and individual shipping costs will be mailed to the invoice address indicated on the purchase order. The invoice amount must be credited to the account specified in the invoice no later than the deadline for payment on 28 th June No sample will be shipped until the fee has been received. Statement for subscription and conditions for participation If your laboratory is interested in participation please fill in the online application form provided on the website [4]. The application deadline is 14 th June On behalf of the ENFSI Expert Working Group Firearms/GSR Dr. Steffen Uhlig, QuoData GmbH References [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Niewoehner L., Wenz W., Andrasko J., Beijer R., Gunaratnam L.; "ENFSI Proficiency Test Program on Identification of GSR by SEM/EDX"; Journal of Forensic Sciences; vol. 48(4); (2003); pp [6] Niewoehner L., Andrasko J., Biegstraaten J., Gunaratnam L., Steffen S., Uhlig S.; "Maintenance of the ENFSI Proficiency Test Program on Identification of GSR by SEM/EDX (GSR2003)"; Journal of Forensic Sciences; vol. 50(4); (2005). [7] Niewoehner L., Andrasko J., Biegstraaten J., Gunaratnam L., Steffen S., Uhlig S., Antoni, S.; "GSR2005-Continuity of the ENFSI Proficiency Test on Identification of GSR by SEM/EDX"; Journal of Forensic Sciences; vol. 53(1); (2008).