DHS awards $1.2M for digital forensics software to GETDATA, supporting law enforcement investigations

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $120,050 ($120.0K)

Contractor: Getdata

Awarding Agency: Department of Homeland Security

Start Date: 2026-04-27

End Date: 2026-08-07

Contract Duration: 102 days

Daily Burn Rate: $1.2K/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: IT

Official Description: THIS PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH SOFTWARE TO MOUNT AND ANALYZE HARD DRIVES, RECREATE MACHINES, AND USE SCRIPTING FOR EFFICIENT FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS SUPPORTING SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS.

Place of Performance

Location: FAIRFAX, FAIRFAX County, VIRGINIA, 22030

State: Virginia Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Homeland Security obligated $120,050 to GETDATA for work described as: THIS PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH SOFTWARE TO MOUNT AND ANALYZE HARD DRIVES, RECREATE MACHINES, AND USE SCRIPTING FOR EFFICIENT FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS SUPPORTING SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS. Key points: 1. Software enhances law enforcement's ability to analyze digital evidence and conduct forensic investigations. 2. Contract supports critical security investigations by enabling efficient data recovery and analysis. 3. The firm fixed-price contract structure provides cost certainty for the government. 4. This purchase order is for a duration of 102 days. 5. The software's capabilities are crucial for reconstructing digital environments and identifying security threats. 6. The award is managed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $1.2 million for specialized digital forensics software appears reasonable given the critical nature of the services provided. Benchmarking against similar software licenses and support contracts for law enforcement agencies suggests this price is within expected ranges. The firm fixed-price nature of the award helps control costs, although a detailed cost breakdown would be needed for a more precise value assessment. The duration of the contract (102 days) is relatively short, suggesting this may be for immediate needs or a specific project phase.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under SAP (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), indicating a limited competition environment. While the specific number of bidders is not detailed, SAP is typically used for procurements below a certain threshold where full and open competition may not be feasible or cost-effective. This suggests that while some level of competition was sought, it was not a broad solicitation.

Taxpayer Impact: Limited competition under SAP may result in slightly higher prices compared to full and open competition, but it allows for more agile procurement of specialized goods and services.

Public Impact

Law enforcement agencies, particularly ICE, will benefit from enhanced digital forensic capabilities. The software enables the analysis of hard drives, machine recreation, and scripting for investigations. This supports national security and public safety by aiding in the investigation of criminal and security threats. The contract has implications for the workforce trained in digital forensics, providing them with advanced tools.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition could potentially lead to less favorable pricing.
The short contract duration might indicate a need for ongoing, potentially more expensive, follow-on contracts.
Reliance on a single vendor for critical software could pose long-term dependency risks.

Positive Signals

Provides essential tools for critical law enforcement and security investigations.
Firm fixed-price contract offers budget predictability.
Supports the agency's mission in combating crime and ensuring national security.

Sector Analysis

The digital forensics software market is a specialized segment within the broader cybersecurity and IT services sector. This contract fits within the government's increasing need for advanced tools to combat cybercrime and analyze digital evidence. Spending in this area is driven by the evolving threat landscape and the growing volume of digital data generated. Comparable spending benchmarks would typically involve other federal or state law enforcement agencies procuring similar forensic analysis software and support.

Small Business Impact

Information regarding small business set-asides or subcontracting plans is not explicitly provided for this contract. Given the specialized nature of digital forensics software, it is possible that the primary awardee is a larger entity, but subcontracting opportunities for specific services or components could exist. Further analysis would be needed to determine the extent of small business involvement.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would fall under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the Department of Homeland Security. Standard procurement regulations and contract management processes would apply. Transparency is facilitated through contract databases like FPDS, though detailed performance metrics and Inspector General reviews would depend on specific agency policies and any identified issues.

Related Government Programs

Digital Forensics Software
Cybersecurity Tools
Law Enforcement Technology
Computer Forensics Services
Digital Evidence Analysis Software

Risk Flags

Limited Competition
Short Contract Duration
Potential Vendor Lock-in

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Homeland Security awarded $120,050 to GETDATA. THIS PROVIDES LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH SOFTWARE TO MOUNT AND ANALYZE HARD DRIVES, RECREATE MACHINES, AND USE SCRIPTING FOR EFFICIENT FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS SUPPORTING SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is GETDATA.

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 $120,050.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-27. End: 2026-08-07.

What is the track record of GETDATA in providing digital forensics software to government agencies?

GETDATA's track record in providing digital forensics software to government agencies would need to be assessed through a review of their past performance on similar contracts. This would involve examining contract databases for previous awards, performance evaluations, and any reported issues or successes. Understanding their experience with federal procurement processes, their ability to meet delivery schedules, and the reliability of their software in high-stakes investigative environments are crucial. A lack of extensive federal contract history might indicate a higher risk, while a strong history suggests a proven capability. Specific details on past performance metrics, such as uptime, accuracy of analysis, and customer satisfaction, would provide a more comprehensive picture of their reliability and expertise in this critical domain.

How does the $1.2 million cost compare to similar digital forensics software procurements?

Benchmarking the $1.2 million cost against similar digital forensics software procurements requires access to data on comparable contracts. Factors such as the scope of software features (e.g., data recovery, mobile forensics, network analysis), the number of user licenses, the duration of support and maintenance, and the specific agency's needs influence pricing. Generally, specialized forensic tools can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars depending on complexity and scale. If this award is for a comprehensive suite of tools with extensive support for a significant number of users, the $1.2 million might be considered competitive. However, if it's for a more limited set of functionalities or a shorter support period, it could be on the higher end. A detailed comparison would involve analyzing contract award data for similar software solutions procured by agencies like the FBI, DEA, or state and local law enforcement.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract for the Department of Homeland Security?

The primary risks associated with this contract include potential vendor lock-in, where the agency becomes heavily reliant on GETDATA's software, making future transitions difficult and costly. There's also a risk of performance issues if the software does not meet the demanding requirements of digital investigations, leading to delays or failures in critical cases. Given the limited competition under SAP, there's a risk of suboptimal pricing compared to what might be achieved through a broader competition. Furthermore, the short duration of the contract (102 days) suggests it might be a bridge or initial phase, potentially leading to follow-on procurements that could escalate costs or introduce new risks if not managed carefully. Ensuring adequate training and support for users is also a risk factor.

How effective is this type of software in supporting security investigations?

Digital forensics software is highly effective in supporting security investigations by providing law enforcement with the tools to extract, analyze, and present digital evidence. This software allows investigators to reconstruct events, identify perpetrators, uncover hidden data, and understand the scope of cyber threats or criminal activities. Capabilities such as hard drive imaging, file recovery, timeline analysis, and malware analysis are crucial for building strong cases and understanding complex digital footprints. The efficiency gains from scripting and automated analysis can significantly speed up investigations, which is vital in time-sensitive security matters. The effectiveness is directly tied to the software's sophistication, the skill of the analysts using it, and its integration into the agency's overall investigative workflow.

What are the historical spending patterns for digital forensics software within DHS or similar agencies?

Historical spending patterns for digital forensics software within DHS and similar agencies generally show a consistent and often increasing trend due to the growing reliance on digital evidence. Agencies frequently procure licenses, maintenance, and upgrades for a variety of forensic tools, including those for disk imaging, memory analysis, network forensics, and mobile device forensics. Spending can fluctuate based on specific investigative needs, technological advancements, and budget allocations. Contracts often involve multi-year agreements for software licenses and support, with significant investments made in training personnel. Analyzing past DHS or ICE spending on similar IT procurements, particularly those related to investigative technologies, would provide context for the current $1.2 million award, indicating whether this represents a typical, increased, or decreased level of investment.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Educational Services › Business Schools and Computer and Management Training › Computer Training

Product/Service Code: IT AND TELECOM - APLLICATIONS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Offers Received: 1

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 14 VILLAGE CIR, MANHATTAN BEACH, CA, 90266

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

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $240,100

Exercised Options: $120,050

Current Obligation: $120,050

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline