SOW_Forensic_Device_Draft_1.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED)

1. Problem: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 2020 National Drug Threat Assessment states the market for the highly lethal fentanyl has increased across the United States. The National Guard (NG) Counterdrug Programs support domestic law enforcement efforts to detect and disrupt drug trafficking activities as part of a whole-of-government effort. The NG lacks the capacity and capability to support law enforcement efforts that extend beyond traditional challenges. The NG requires detection and enhances digital forensics and imaging capabilities to support law enforcement due to the increased lethality and quantity of fentanyl.

2. Justification: The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act allowed $30M for the National Guard Counterdrug Program equipment purchases, including equipment to enhance the National Guard’s digital forensics and imaging capabilities. The Forensic Extraction device / software is a platform that provides the ability to unlock and decrypt password protected iOS, Android and other device operation platforms. Collect, review and analyze and manage large amounts of digital evidence sources, including mobile phones, SIM cards, and other digital media storage devices. This platform also provides the ability to export files in a readable format in which authorized individuals can view without having a particular brand name platform. This tool supports the detection, interdiction, and disruption of drug trafficking activities. The following capabilities align with the 2024 Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics and Stabilization Policy (DASD CNSP) permitted counterdrug activities and the 2024 Joint Explanatory Statement expressing Congress’s intent to enhance the National Guard’s digital forensics and imaging capabilities.

3. Purchasing Characteristics:

4. Purchasing Characteristics Justification: A platform is defined as an operating system which allows each piece of equipment to operate and be maintained at a high level of proficiency. The platform for each listed piece of equipment is either a license, a handheld piece of equipment, or digital tool which allows specific actions to be taken that aid in the interdiction and prevention efforts of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) and their partners within the War on Drugs, specifically the current fentanyl crisis.

5. The State Counterdrug Programs will retain 100% accountability of the planned equipment purchases listed in paragraph 3. The software and equipment will be used by trained Counterdrug personnel to support Federal, State, and Local LEAs requests for Analysis support, Reconnaissance/ Observation, and other authorized DASD CNSP Counterdrug Activities, such Analysis support, covering the following core competencies: document and digital media exploitation, (DOMEX) and communications support. These actions are completed through the post collection analysis phase in which analysts are authorized to work on copies of data to further enhance investigations through regulatory means and requirements.

6. Organizational Concept: This purchase supports the NG’s State Counterdrug Programs that enable additional support capabilities to numerous local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies across the United States, such as DOMEX, which otherwise go un resourced. The additional devices will allow an expanded capability of support to law enforcement by qualified NG Counterdrug analysts.

7. Procurement Objective: Acquire the devices listed in paragraph 3, allowing National Guard Counterdrug analysts to enhance support to domestic law enforcement agencies.

8. Support Requirements: These are standalone devices requiring only occasional internet access to receive updates. Training is provided with the purchase.

9. Availability: Market research was conducted via online queries. National Guard counter narcotics analysts provided feedback and recommendations on what the product should be considered for purchase. Counternarcotic analysts help to advise on the considered purchases through thorough analysis of the needs that LEAs have demonstrated through current tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) analyzed in the field through the current Community Development (CD) and LEA partnership work. The current analysis demonstrates the need for highly efficient and accurate digital imaging forensic capabilities to ensure proper efforts are being allotted to the War on Drugs, specifically the fentanyl crisis. The software and equipment are commercial off the shelf and does not have a Department of Defense Line-Item Number LIN.