DOJ's $1.38M Contract for Cellebrite Digital Forensics Tools Awarded to August Schell Enterprises
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $1,381,270 ($1.4M)
Contractor: August Schell Enterprises, Inc.
Awarding Agency: Department of Justice
Start Date: 2021-10-01
End Date: 2026-09-30
Contract Duration: 1,825 days
Daily Burn Rate: $757/day
Competition Type: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Number of Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: CELLEBRITE
Place of Performance
Location: ROCKVILLE, MONTGOMERY County, MARYLAND, 20852
State: Maryland Government Spending
Plain-Language Summary
Department of Justice obligated $1.4 million to AUGUST SCHELL ENTERPRISES, INC. for work described as: CELLEBRITE Key points: 1. The contract focuses on specialized computer services, specifically digital forensics software. 2. August Schell Enterprises secured this award, indicating a competitive landscape for such services. 3. The primary risk lies in the reliance on a single vendor for critical digital forensic capabilities. 4. The IT sector, particularly cybersecurity and digital investigation tools, is the relevant domain.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $1.38M over five years appears reasonable for specialized digital forensics software and support. Benchmarking against similar government contracts for advanced forensic tools would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was awarded under 'FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES,' suggesting a limited competition where specific sources were considered. This method may impact price discovery compared to broader full and open competition.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential digital investigation tools, supporting law enforcement and national security efforts.
Public Impact
Enhances the investigative capabilities of the Federal Prison System/Bureau of Prisons. Supports critical functions in digital evidence collection and analysis. Potential for broader application across other Department of Justice agencies.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 75 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
- Vendor lock-in risk for critical technology.
Positive Signals
- Supports essential law enforcement functions.
- Long-term contract provides stability for agency needs.
Sector Analysis
This contract falls within the IT sector, specifically focusing on digital forensics and data analysis software. Spending in this area has increased significantly due to the growing volume of digital evidence in investigations.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, August Schell Enterprises, Inc., is not explicitly identified as a small business in the provided data. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business participation.
Oversight & Accountability
The Department of Justice's oversight ensures the proper utilization of these tools for investigative purposes. Accountability is maintained through contract performance monitoring and reporting requirements.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Department of Justice Contracting
- Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential for vendor lock-in
- Reliance on specialized software
Tags
other-computer-related-services, department-of-justice, md, delivery-order, 1m-plus
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Department of Justice awarded $1.4 million to AUGUST SCHELL ENTERPRISES, INC.. CELLEBRITE
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is AUGUST SCHELL ENTERPRISES, INC..
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Department of Justice (Federal Prison System / Bureau of Prisons).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $1.4 million.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2021-10-01. End: 2026-09-30.
What is the specific functionality and criticality of Cellebrite tools for the Bureau of Prisons' operations?
Cellebrite tools are crucial for digital forensics, enabling the extraction, analysis, and reporting of data from mobile devices and other digital sources. For the Bureau of Prisons, this is vital for investigating contraband, security threats, and inmate activities within correctional facilities, ensuring institutional safety and security.
What are the primary risks associated with a limited competition award for digital forensics software?
Limited competition can lead to reduced price negotiation leverage and potentially higher costs for the government. It also increases the risk of vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch to alternative solutions if needed. Furthermore, it may limit the adoption of innovative technologies from a wider market.
How does this contract contribute to the overall effectiveness of federal law enforcement investigations?
This contract directly enhances the effectiveness of federal law enforcement by providing essential tools for digital evidence analysis. The ability to quickly and thoroughly investigate digital devices is critical in modern criminal investigations, aiding in evidence gathering, suspect identification, and case resolution across various federal agencies.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION AFTER EXCLUSION OF SOURCES
Solicitation Procedures: SUBJECT TO MULTIPLE AWARD FAIR OPPORTUNITY
Offers Received: 1
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 1700 ROCKVILLE PIKE STE 405, ROCKVILLE, MD, 20852
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $2,148,107
Exercised Options: $2,122,493
Current Obligation: $1,381,270
Actual Outlays: $1,026,517
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Parent Contract
Parent Award PIID: NNG15SD80B
IDV Type: GWAC
Timeline
Start Date: 2021-10-01
Current End Date: 2026-09-30
Potential End Date: 2027-09-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-08
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