Chris:

Good question.

Many FIUs are understaffed, undertrained and under budgeted. If there is a standard for their operation, FIU leaders will be in a better position to ask for funds to meet it.

Also, accreditation of FIUs has started. ATF NRT and Forensic Investigations Group are already accredited by A2LA, and A2LA is advertising in the Fire & Arson Investigator for more FIUs to become accredited. They can either refer to a national standard for FIUs, or let each FIU define its own requirements. A national standard would be preferable IMHO. At the very least, having a national standard would make it easier to produce a QA Manual, which is the first step toward becoming accredited.

The paradigm for quality assurance in forensic science is, and has been the quality triangle.(see attached jpg) The ABA (2004), the NAS (2009) and AAAS and OSAC(2017) have all called for CERTIFIED Individuals following STANDARD methods in ACCREDITED agencies.

NFPA 1033 provides the standard for certification. NFPA 921 provides the standard for methodology. The proposed FIU standard, should it come to pass, will provide the missing third side of the triangle.