DEA seeks system for tracking drug analysis work

The Drug Enforcement Agency wants to purchase a laboratory information management system (LIMS) solution to track specific data and workflow as well as record forensic observations the agency conducts.

According to a new sources sought notice, The DEA sees the LIMS as a means to modernize, streamline and manage the cradle-to-grave activities of drug evidence seized by the agency.

The DEA has two key aspects for the LIMS. First, the LIMS needs to be a commercial-off-the-shelf software product to support the technical modernization of the business functions in the DEA’s laboratories. Specifically, the functions include capabilities to receive, analyze, and report drug-related evidence and afterward destroy the evidence. Meanwhile, the software must manage laboratory workload and maintain a complete chain of custody of evidence.

The second aspect is a hardware and software infrastructure and configuration that aligns with the DEA’s technological infrastructure. The DEA wants integration with enterprise data warehouse minimum capabilities.

The DEA released its request for information Nov. 8. Responses are due by Dec. 1.