FDS Cost Simulation Tool

• NCJ Number: 251083
• Date Published: June 2017
• Author(s): Sara Debus-Sherrill
• Length: 1 page
• Grant Number(s): 2013-R2-CX-0013
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Test/Measurement; Technical Assistance

Annotation

This document describes the FDS (Familial DNA Searching) Cost Simulation Tool, which can be used in estimating the cost of conducting such a DNA search.

Abstract

The cost simulation tool has six tabs. The "Introduction" tab provides information about the tool. The "TransitionsData" tab enables users to enter information about DNA case processing. The "TransitionsDataSample tab enables users to view example data from the study. The "CostData" tab is where users can enter information about expected costs associated with various stages of the FDS process. The "CostDataSample" tab enables user to view example data from the study. The sixth tab, "FDSCostSimulationTool_Summary" summarizes estimated costs based on the information entered. As a default, the example study data are already included in the "TransitionsData" and "CostData" tabs; however, users can overwrite this information if they have data more specific to their own jurisdiction. The rest of the tool has protected cells to avoid overwriting formulas and to preserve the example data from the study.