With current Federal funding designated for the purpose of eliminating DNA database sample backlogs, successful improvements have reduced the amount of hands-on processing time required for many laboratory analysts. However, the result is that the burden has shifted to the data analysis portion (review of DNA profiles) of the workflow. Prior to their entry into the database, each of the profiles was manually interpreted and subjected to secondary review which is an extremely time consuming process, but necessary to ensure integrity of the data and verification of profile quality. The review process has created a data analysis bottleneck. To reduce the time required to review data, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) incorporated Appendix B Guidelines for Submitting Requests for Approval of an Expert System for Review of Offender Samples into the National DNA Index System (NDIS) DNA Data Acceptance Standards. Expert Systems are computer programs that contain subject-specific knowledge which can analyze a given set of data with the same skill as a human expert. In essence, it is a program that can evaluate the quality of a sample based on a laboratory’s established DNA interpretation guidelines. This article examines the optimization of an expert system, as well as its ability to flag low-quality data and its impact on criminal investigations. Figure and references