DHS Awards $9.6M for Forensic Equipment & Services to Cellebrite Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $9,598,699 ($9.6M)

Contractor: Cellebrite Inc

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2024-09-30

End Date: 2025-09-29

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $26.4K/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: FORENSIC EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: VIENNA, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22182

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $9.6 million to CELLEBRITE INC for work described as: FORENSIC EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES Key points: 1. Significant contract value for specialized forensic technology. 2. Sole-source award raises questions about competition and potential cost savings. 3. Focus on immigration and customs enforcement highlights critical national security needs. 4. Contract duration of one year with a firm fixed price structure.

Value Assessment

Rating: questionable

The contract value of $9.6M for forensic equipment and services is substantial. Without competitive bidding, it's difficult to benchmark against similar contracts, but the price appears high given the lack of market comparison.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: sole-source

This contract was awarded sole-source, meaning no other vendors were considered. This significantly limits price discovery and may lead to higher costs for taxpayers.

Taxpayer Impact: The sole-source nature of this award means taxpayers may not be receiving the best possible price for these critical forensic tools.

Public Impact

Enhances border security and immigration enforcement capabilities. Supports investigations by providing advanced digital forensic tools. Ensures critical data can be extracted and analyzed for law enforcement purposes.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Lack of competition
Potential for overpayment
Reliance on a single vendor

Positive Signals

Addresses critical national security needs
Utilizes specialized technology

Sector Analysis

This contract falls under the 'Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing' sector, specifically for forensic technology. Spending in this niche area is often driven by specific agency needs and technological advancements, making direct benchmarks challenging.

Small Business Impact

The contract does not indicate any specific provisions or set-asides for small businesses. The sole-source nature further limits opportunities for small business participation.

Oversight & Accountability

The sole-source award warrants close oversight to ensure the necessity of the procurement and the reasonableness of the price, despite the absence of competition.

Related Government Programs

Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs

Risk Flags

Sole-source procurement
Lack of competitive pricing
Potential for vendor lock-in
High contract value without clear justification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $9.6 million to CELLEBRITE INC. FORENSIC EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CELLEBRITE INC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Homeland Security (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $9.6 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-09-30. End: 2025-09-29.

What is the justification for the sole-source award of this significant contract?

The justification for a sole-source award typically involves unique capabilities, proprietary technology, or an urgent need where only one vendor can fulfill the requirement. For this contract, the specific rationale from DHS would need to be reviewed to understand why Cellebrite Inc. was the only viable option.

How does the $9.6M price compare to market rates for similar forensic equipment and services?

Without a competitive bidding process, a direct comparison to market rates is difficult. However, the absence of competition often leads to prices above what might be achieved through open bidding. Further analysis would require obtaining pricing data from other government agencies or industry benchmarks for comparable solutions.

What is the expected impact of this equipment and services on the effectiveness of immigration and customs enforcement investigations?

This equipment and services are expected to significantly enhance the capabilities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by providing advanced tools for digital forensics. This can lead to more efficient and effective data extraction and analysis, ultimately supporting investigations and national security objectives.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Communications Equipment Manufacturing › Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: COMM/DETECT/COHERENT RADIATION

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 7 CAMPUS DR STE 210, PARSIPPANY, NJ, 07054

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $9,598,699

Exercised Options: $9,598,699

Current Obligation: $9,598,699

Actual Outlays: $9,598,699

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Cost or Pricing Data: NO

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: 70CMSD19D00000002

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline