EPA awards $819,851 for Cellebrite software, impacting digital forensics capabilities
Contract Overview
Contract Amount: $81,985 ($82.0K)
Contractor: Carahsoft Technology Corp
Awarding Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Start Date: 2026-03-05
End Date: 2027-03-30
Contract Duration: 390 days
Daily Burn Rate: $210/day
Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Number of Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE
Sector: IT
Official Description: CELLEBRITE INSEYETS ONLINE PRO AND DIGITAL COLLECTOR
Place of Performance
Location: SEATTLE, KING County, WASHINGTON, 98101
Plain-Language Summary
Environmental Protection Agency obligated $81,985.09 to CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP for work described as: CELLEBRITE INSEYETS ONLINE PRO AND DIGITAL COLLECTOR Key points: 1. The contract focuses on Cellebrite's digital forensics software, a critical tool for investigations. 2. Carahsoft Technology Corp is the vendor, a known reseller in the government IT space. 3. The award was competed under SAP, suggesting a streamlined procurement process. 4. The firm fixed price contract provides cost certainty for the Environmental Protection Agency.
Value Assessment
Rating: good
The contract value of $819,851 for Cellebrite software appears reasonable given the specialized nature of digital forensics tools. Benchmarking against similar software licenses and support contracts would provide a more precise assessment.
Cost Per Unit: N/A
Competition Analysis
Competition Level: limited
The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), which typically involves a limited number of vendors or a less extensive competition than full and open. This method can expedite procurement but may limit price discovery compared to broader solicitations.
Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential digital investigation tools, aiming to enhance the EPA's enforcement and compliance activities.
Public Impact
Enhances EPA's ability to conduct digital investigations and analyze electronic evidence. Supports environmental law enforcement and regulatory compliance efforts. Provides critical tools for data extraction and analysis from digital devices.
Waste & Efficiency Indicators
Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10
Warning Flags
- Limited competition under SAP may not yield the best possible price.
- Reliance on a single software vendor for critical forensic capabilities.
- Potential for vendor lock-in with specialized software.
Positive Signals
- Acquisition of advanced digital forensics tools.
- Supports EPA's mission-critical investigative functions.
- Firm fixed price contract provides budget predictability.
Sector Analysis
The IT services sector, particularly software procurement for specialized functions like digital forensics, is a significant area of government spending. Benchmarks for similar software licenses and support contracts vary widely based on functionality and user base.
Small Business Impact
The awardee, Carahsoft Technology Corp, is a large business. There is no explicit indication that small businesses were involved in the direct provision of this specific software or service, though Carahsoft may utilize small business subcontractors in other areas.
Oversight & Accountability
The use of SAP suggests a streamlined oversight process. Standard government procurement regulations and agency-specific policies would govern this purchase, with oversight focused on compliance and justification for the procurement method.
Related Government Programs
- Other Computer Related Services
- Environmental Protection Agency Contracting
- Environmental Protection Agency Programs
Risk Flags
- Limited competition
- Potential vendor lock-in
- Reliance on specialized software
- Cost-effectiveness not fully benchmarked
Tags
other-computer-related-services, environmental-protection-agency, wa, purchase-order, under-100k
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this federal contract paying for?
Environmental Protection Agency awarded $81,985.09 to CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP. CELLEBRITE INSEYETS ONLINE PRO AND DIGITAL COLLECTOR
Who is the contractor on this award?
The obligated recipient is CARAHSOFT TECHNOLOGY CORP.
Which agency awarded this contract?
Awarding agency: Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).
What is the total obligated amount?
The obligated amount is $81,985.09.
What is the period of performance?
Start: 2026-03-05. End: 2027-03-30.
What is the specific functionality of Cellebrite Inseyets Online Pro and Digital Collector that necessitates this expenditure?
Cellebrite Inseyets Online Pro and Digital Collector are advanced digital forensics solutions. They enable law enforcement and investigative agencies to extract, analyze, and report on data from a wide range of digital devices, including mobile phones, computers, and cloud sources. This is crucial for uncovering evidence in complex investigations, supporting regulatory compliance, and ensuring accountability.
What are the risks associated with relying on a single vendor for critical digital forensics software?
Relying on a single vendor like Cellebrite can lead to vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch to alternative solutions in the future. It also poses a risk if the vendor experiences financial instability, discontinues the product, or significantly increases pricing. Furthermore, it limits the agency's ability to leverage potentially more innovative or cost-effective solutions from competitors.
How does this software acquisition contribute to the EPA's overall effectiveness in environmental protection and enforcement?
This software significantly enhances the EPA's effectiveness by providing advanced capabilities to investigate environmental crimes, non-compliance, and fraud. It allows investigators to quickly and thoroughly analyze digital evidence, which is increasingly prevalent in modern cases. This leads to more robust enforcement actions, better data for regulatory oversight, and ultimately, improved protection of the environment.
Industry Classification
NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Computer Systems Design and Related Services › Other Computer Related Services
Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Competition & Pricing
Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP
Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
Offers Received: 3
Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)
Evaluated Preference: NONE
Contractor Details
Address: 11493 SUNSET HILLS RD, RESTON, VA, 20190
Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business
Financial Breakdown
Contract Ceiling: $81,985
Exercised Options: $81,985
Current Obligation: $81,985
Contract Characteristics
Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Timeline
Start Date: 2026-03-05
Current End Date: 2027-03-30
Potential End Date: 2027-03-30 00:00:00
Last Modified: 2026-04-03
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