DHS ICE Awards $329,835 Software License for Forensic Training to Passware, Inc

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $329,835 ($329.8K)

Contractor: Passware, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-15

End Date: 2027-04-14

Contract Duration: 364 days

Daily Burn Rate: $906/day

Competition Type: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THIS ORDER PROVIDES A SOFTWARE LICENSE FOR AGENTS TO USE DURING COMPUTER FORENSIC EXAMINATIONS TRAINING.

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $329,835 to PASSWARE, INC. for work described as: THIS ORDER PROVIDES A SOFTWARE LICENSE FOR AGENTS TO USE DURING COMPUTER FORENSIC EXAMINATIONS TRAINING. Key points: 1. The contract is for a software license essential for computer forensic examinations training. 2. Passware, Inc. is the sole provider of this specialized software. 3. The contract value is $329,835 over 364 days. 4. The agency is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The pricing of $329,835 for a one-year software license appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized forensic software, though direct comparisons are difficult without knowing the specific features and user count.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating potential limitations in competition. This suggests the agency may have identified a specific need that only Passware could meet, potentially impacting price discovery.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for essential training software, with the cost justified by the specialized nature of the tool.

Public Impact

Enhances the training capabilities of federal agents in critical computer forensic investigations. Supports national security and law enforcement efforts by improving investigative skills. Ensures agents are equipped with up-to-date tools for digital evidence analysis.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition may lead to higher costs.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical training software.

Positive Signals

Supports essential law enforcement training.
Procurement of specialized software for critical functions.

Sector Analysis

This purchase falls under the Software Publishers sector. Spending in this sector is driven by the need for specialized tools across various government functions, including law enforcement and cybersecurity.

Small Business Impact

There is no indication that small businesses were involved in this procurement, as it was awarded to Passware, Inc., a known software vendor.

Oversight & Accountability

The contract is a Purchase Order, a standard procurement instrument. Oversight would involve ensuring the software meets the specified requirements and that the vendor fulfills the license terms.

Related Government Programs

Software Publishers
Department of Homeland Security Contracting
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Potential for vendor lock-in
Lack of transparency in pricing benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $329,835 to PASSWARE, INC.. THIS ORDER PROVIDES A SOFTWARE LICENSE FOR AGENTS TO USE DURING COMPUTER FORENSIC EXAMINATIONS TRAINING.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is PASSWARE, 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 $329,835.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-15. End: 2027-04-14.

What is the specific functionality of the Passware software that makes it unique and difficult to substitute?

The Passware software is known for its advanced capabilities in password recovery and decryption across a wide range of file formats and encryption types. Its unique algorithms and extensive support for various encryption standards make it a specialized tool for digital forensics, often difficult to replicate or find direct substitutes for in law enforcement and intelligence contexts.

What are the risks associated with a sole-source or limited competition award for this type of software?

The primary risk is the potential for inflated pricing due to a lack of competitive pressure. Additionally, the agency becomes dependent on a single vendor for updates, support, and future development, which could lead to vendor lock-in and limited negotiation power in subsequent procurements.

How does this software license contribute to the overall effectiveness of DHS's computer forensic training programs?

This software license directly enhances the effectiveness of DHS's computer forensic training by providing agents with hands-on experience using industry-leading tools. It allows for realistic simulations of forensic investigations, improving agents' proficiency in data recovery, decryption, and analysis, which are critical skills for successful investigations.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Information › Software Publishers › Software Publishers

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS › IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 192126VHQ4CCC0017

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 800 W EL CAMINO REAL, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, 94040

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $329,835

Exercised Options: $329,835

Current Obligation: $329,835

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline