AFIS speeds and increases the accuracy of 10-print identification processing and provides a way to identify suspects using latent fingerprints. Planning for AFIS implementation begins by examining an agency's existing system of 10-print and latent print identification operations to determine current capabilities and to identify how AFIS might remedy existing deficiencies. This is followed by an agency's definition of its general AFIS requirements. A formal functional requirements statement is recommended for this purpose. An initial vendor briefing then allows an agency to compare how various vendors would address agency's needs as delineated in the functional requirements statements. Vendors' initial cost estimates enable the agency to propose a budget allocation for AFIS. The request for information (RFI) permits an agency to elicit from the vendor approximate costs and AFIS features. A funding justification document provides critical information on the cost and benefits of an AFIS. An AFIS impact assessment document examines the ways in which AFIS will affect the operations and methods of existing identification processing as well as the relationships of identification with the criminal history system and crime scene analysis. With the information gained from the responses to the RFI, an agency can proceed with the request for proposal. 4 endnotes.