Justification-Rev2-signed.pdf

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

FINANCE DIVISION | PROCUREMENT SECTION

JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL (J&A) FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND

OPEN COMPETITION

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION IN ACCORDANCE WITH 41 U.S.C. 3304 (A) (X)

Requisition Number:

Date: 3/16/2026

Estimated Contract Dollar Value: $25,963.25

1. Identification of the agency and contracting activity.

The U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Digital Forensic Technologies Program (DFTP), has prepared this justification for other than full and open competition for the purchase of 25 Forensic Write‑Blocker kits on behalf of the Digital Evidence Field Operations Unit (DEFO), Operational Technology Division (OTD). The hardware will be used for the acquisition of digital forensic images of original and derivative evidence onto various digital storage devices.

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved, i.e., sole source, limited competition, establishment of a new source, etc.

This action is a brand-name-only acquisition for Tableau Forensic Write-Blocker kits manufactured and distributed solely by Digital Intelligence, Inc. The Digital Evidence Field Operations Unit intends to acquire 25 kits to equip newly certified CART forensic examiners in Fiscal Year 2026. The estimated total cost is $25,963.25.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs.

The requested equipment is essential for CART Forensic Examiners to perform critical digital forensic procedures, including:

• Write-block protection of original evidence

• Write-block protection during creation of forensic images

Without these devices, examiners would be significantly hindered in their ability to efficiently acquire today’s large and complex evidentiary media.

The following brand-name Tableau equipment is required:

• UltraBlock USB 3.0 to IDE/SATA Forensic Write-Blocker Kit with cables and power supply

• UltraBlock PCIe Write-Blocker Kit (includes T7u, power supply, USB 3.0 cable, and 4-inch

PCIe cable)

• TDA7-1 PCIe Card SSD Adapter

• TDA7-2 PCIe M.2 SSD Adapter

• UltraBlock USB 3.0 Forensic Card Reader with Read-Only and Read-Write modes

These items will be distributed to 25 newly certified CART examiners in FY 2026.

4. The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

This brand-name-only acquisition is conducted under:

• FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source, and

• FAR 11.105(a)(1) The particular brand name, product, or feature is essential to the

Government’s requirements, and market research indicates other companies’ similar products, or products lacking the particular feature, do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the agency’s needs;

Digital Intelligence, Inc. is the only source capable of providing the required Tableau

Write-Blocker kits.

5. Demonstrate the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or the nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

CART is responsible for collecting, preserving, examining, and presenting stored digital evidence obtained from computers and other electronic devices for the FBI. CART works on a variety of case types, to include but not limited to terrorism, counter intelligence and criminal investigations. CART requires the purchase of the above listed hardware because this write-blocking device is currently being used by CART forensic examiners in the field and is a known system that works proficiently and effectively within our environment.

Digital Intelligence, Inc. is the sole source manufacturer and distributor of the Tableau

Write-Blocker kits, which have been designed to protect and capture original and derivative evidence onto various digital storage devices currently used by CART

Examiners during the course of their forensic examinations.

A new system would need to be tested and vetted through numerous standards, test data sets, and environments prior to approval. This process could take a large amount of resources and funding.

The requested Tableau model has the exact specifications necessary to perform optimal data processing of digital evidence for the field. The required hardware specifications are listed above in section 3. In addition, several self-paced training packets and video demonstrations of this device have already been developed. Any substantial change will require this training to be updated and video instructions to be redone at great cost and effort to the government.

Any deviation from the requested model could cause substantial delays in evidence processing and the possibility of additional cost to the Government to replace, test and customize as the testing phase.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart 5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies.

In accordance with FAR 16.505(b)(2)(ii)(B), a brand-name justification is required when restricting consideration to an item peculiar to one manufacturer. Because Digital Intelligence, Inc. is the only source capable of providing the required Tableau Write-Blocker kits, no additional sources are available for competition under the NASA SEWP contract.

7. The anticipated dollar value of the proposed acquisition, including options if applicable, and a determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

Prior to award, the Contracting Officer will conduct a price analysis to determine whether the proposed price is fair and reasonable. This analysis will include review of:

• Historical pricing

• Comparable open-market procurements

• Pricing available through Government-wide acquisition contracts

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results.

Market research was conducted through the NASA SEWP contract holder database to determine whether multiple contract holders could provide the required brand-name Tableau Write-Blocker kits. Only Digital Intelligence, Inc. manufactures and distributes the required items, and no SEWP contract holder can provide an equivalent product that meets FBI interoperability, training, and technical requirements.

https://www.acquisition.gov/far/html/Subpart%205_2.html#wp1107980 https://www.acquisition.gov/far/html/Subpart%205_2.html#wp1107990

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition.

Digital Intelligence, Inc. is the sole source manufacturer and distributor of the Tableau Write-Blocker kits currently used by CART examiners. This brand-name-only requirement is necessary to maintain compatibility with existing CART/DEFO infrastructure, training, and operational workflows.

10. A listing of any sources that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

Jane Stone, Digital Intelligence 17165 West Glendale Drive, New Berlin, WI 53151, Phone:

262-782-3332, E-Mail: jstone@digitalintelligence.com

11. A statement of any actions the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition, if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

CART/DEFO will continue to research other available products on the market that might be able to fulfill their requirements. Such research conducted will be through the attendance of trade/technical conferences and Internet/trade research.

COs are not permitted to proceed with solicitation until this document is fully executed by each signatory in accordance with the thresholds identified below:

Reviews and Approvals (up to $750K)

Requestor:

I certify that the facts and representations under my cognizance, which are included in this justification and which form a basis for this justification, are complete and accurate.

Signature Date

Contracting Officer:

I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

____________________ __5/4/2026 Signature Date

5/1/2026