What is the SWFS assessment program?
What is the benefit to the Lab of having a SWFS assessment?
- Third party verification that the laboratory adheres and complies with the best practices for wildlife forensic science.
- If applicable, an assessment identifies infrastructure needs, and the resulting report can be used to solicit grants and funding to bring the facility up to international standards.
- Demonstration that the laboratory participates in a demanding quality control system that will stand-up against a rigorous cross examination in court.
What is the cost of an assessment?
The assessment is free to SWFS members. Nevertheless, the cost of travel, lodging and meals need to be underwritten by the requesting laboratory. Many laboratories have had either US Governmental entities or NGO’s underwrite the costs associated with logistical expenses.
What happens after the assessment?
At the completion of a site visit, the Assessment team conducts a debriefing of findings and recommendations, but a written final report will be issued approximately two weeks after the visit.
How is an assessment reported?
The final report does not indicate a pass or not pass outcome. Instead, results are presented as a percentage of compliance with the criteria applicable to the laboratory. The "SWFS Standards and Guidelines v.3" document contains approximately 150 criteria, with 70 pertaining to infrastructure and personnel, 48 to genetic analysis, 23 to morphology, and 10 to the chemical analysis of flora. Therefore, the auditors calculate the percentage of compliance based solely on the criteria relevant to the specific laboratory being assessed.
Who can apply for an assessment?
The assessment service is offered to SWFS members who comply with the “SWFS Standards and Guidelines v.3” and adhere to the SWFS Code of Ethics and Conduct.
What is the process to request a SWFS assessment?
The first step to request an assessment is to fill out the the request form and email it to Tasha Bauman ([email protected]). Once a request is received, the Director or an associate assessment auditor will commence a conversation with the Lab that will entail scope of the assessment, a review of the Labs quality control protocols and procedures, how to prepare for an assessment, and a description of logistical details. Once it is established that the Lab is ready for an assessment, there will be a site visit by two (2) assessors.
