SSA Cellebrite request 11-3-2026.pdf

Request Form to Division of Purchasing (DOP)

Sole Source Authorization - SSA - New

If you have any questions please contact us at DOPHelpDesk@adm.idaho.gov

Form ID 26324

Generated after Receipt by DOP

Year

Requestor Information

Agency Name* Idaho State Police

Agency Acronym*

ISP

Requestor Name* Olivia French

Phone* 208-884-7033

E-mail* olivia.french@isp.idaho.gov

Property Being Purchased:* Cellebrite Inseyets digital forensic software licenses for mobile device extraction and analysis.

This field has a 300 character limit

Type of Exemption Check all that apply

Type of Exemption*

A solicitation has been completed and my Agency wishes to award contracts to multiple vendors for the same or smilar property (Multiple Award Authorization)

My Agency wishes to administer or award a solicitation at a dollar amount above its normal Delegated Purchasing Authority (Limited/One-Time DPA)

The property required is available on one or more open contracts, but my Agency wishes to purchase from a different vendor. (Note: if total value is over $10,000, Agency must also check the box for exemption from competition if requesting to pruchase from a specific vendor). (Utilization of Open Contract).

A solicitation is being developed (by my Agency under its DPA or in conjunction with DOP) and my Agency wishes to limit responses to a specific manufacturer/brand name (I.e. no substitutions). (Note: this option assumes that multiple vendors can offer the identified brand name; otherwise, select the option for exemption from competition to request a Sole Source Authorization (Brand Name Only)

A solicitation has been completed and there is a need to negotiate with one or more vendors. (Authorization to Negotiate)

My Agency is seeking to purchase directly from an identified vendor without completing a solicitation OR wishes to perform a level of competition that is less formal than would typically be required. (Various exemptions-additional questions to follow) mailto:olivia.french@isp.idaho.gov

Additional Questions*

There is an immediate threat to public health, safety, or welfare (Emergency Purchase Authorization)

The required property can only be procured from a single supplier (sole manufacturer and distributor) (Sole Source Authorization)

There is an existing Policy Directive on the DOP website which requires authorization to be utilized (Utilization of Policy Directive)

It would be impractical, unreasonable, or disadvantageous to complete the required competitive process under the circumstances (One Time Exemption).

Sole Source Authorization

IDAPA 38.05.01.042.02 provides that sole source purchase shall be used only if a requirement is reasonably available from a single supplier.

Fiscal Year*

FY27

Type of Request*

New

Renew (Agency wishes to extend an existing sole source authorization)

Amend (Check this box to request a change to the goods/services, term or other conditions of the

SSA)

Both Renew and Amend

New

Name of Requested Vendor* Cellebrite Inseyets

Desired Term in Years*

Anticipated Total Cost (for full desired term):

$555,000.00

Do you anticipate the need for renewals?

Yes No

Property* Describe the property you are seeking

Idaho State Police Forensic Services (ISPFS) is seeking Cellebrite Inseyets digital forensic software licenses for use by its Digital Forensic Unit (DFU). The software provides specialized capabilities to bypass security measures, unlock encrypted mobile devices, and perform full file-system and physical data extractions from iOS and Android devices.

Cellebrite Inseyets supports a wide range of mobile devices, operating systems, and applications, allowing forensic examiners to securely extract, decode, and process digital evidence, including text messages, call logs, emails, photographs, application data, and other information relevant to criminal investigations. The software also provides automated extraction and reporting capabilities to improve examination efficiency and reduce case processing times.

The requested software will support the continued use of Cellebrite technology already implemented, performance-verified, and approved for use within ISPFS's Digital Forensic Unit.

Justification* Check all that apply

Sole source provider of a licensed or patented good or service

Sole manufacturer AND distributor

Sole provider of factory-authorized/warranty service https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/38/380501.pdf

Sole provider of items that are compatible with existing equipment, systems, programs, etc.

Other

Business Need* Describe the Agency's business need for the requested property

ISPFS requires specialized forensic software to bypass mobile device encryption, extract and analyze digital evidence, and support criminal investigations. Cellebrite Inseyets provides these capabilities while maintaining compatibility with existing forensic tools and examiner certifications.

This field has a 300 character limit

Description* Describe what makes the identified property unique. Why is it the only property that could meet your business need?

Cellebrite Inseyets is a proprietary digital forensic software solution developed and manufactured exclusively by Cellebrite Inc. The software provides specialized capabilities to bypass security measures, unlock encrypted mobile devices, and perform full file-system and physical data extractions from a broad range of iOS and Android devices. Cellebrite maintains an extensive library of supported devices, operating systems, and applications, allowing forensic examiners to access digital evidence that may otherwise be inaccessible through conventional extraction methods.

Cellebrite Inseyets offers several unique capabilities, including advanced unlocking methods, extraction of data from secured application containers, selective application extraction, and automated processing of extracted data. Its integration with Cellebrite Physical Analyzer allows examiners to efficiently decode, analyze, and generate forensic reports from extracted evidence. These capabilities are particularly important as mobile device manufacturers continually introduce new encryption technologies and security measures that limit access to digital evidence.

Idaho State Police Forensic Services (ISPFS) currently utilizes Cellebrite technology within its Digital Forensic Unit (DFU). The software has undergone performance verification testing and has been approved for laboratory use. DFU examiners have also completed specialized training and certifications associated with Cellebrite products. These certifications require significant financial and time investments and are not transferable to competing forensic software.

Although other digital forensic products are available, their extraction capabilities, supported device libraries, and compatibility with existing forensic workflows vary. ISPFS utilizes multiple forensic tools because no single product can reliably extract data from every mobile device.

Cellebrite is an essential component of this approach, providing specialized capabilities that complement other tools currently in use.

Replacing Cellebrite with another product would require additional software purchases, examiner training and certification, and laboratory performance verification before implementation. These changes would result in additional costs, potential disruptions to forensic operations, and possible delays in processing criminal investigations.

The requested exemption is specific to Cellebrite's proprietary Inseyets software and its established role within ISPFS's existing forensic operations. Cellebrite Inc. is the sole developer and manufacturer of this software, and competing manufacturers cannot provide the identical product or its proprietary capabilities. Continued use of Cellebrite Inseyets allows ISPFS to maintain its existing forensic capabilities, protect prior investments in training and verification, and provide timely and reliable digital forensic services to law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho.

Alternatives* Describe the research you conducted to identify other potential property/sources. What potential alternatives did you find and why will they not meet the Agency's business needs?

Idaho State Police Forensic Services (ISPFS) evaluated alternative digital forensic software solutions to determine whether other products could meet the operational needs of its Digital Forensic Unit (DFU). The evaluation considered mobile device extraction capabilities, supported devices and operating systems, encryption bypass capabilities, compatibility with existing forensic tools, examiner training requirements, and the costs associated with implementing alternative software.

The following alternative products were identified and evaluated:

- **Magnet Graykey:** Currently utilized by ISPFS and considered an industry-leading solution for mobile device decryption and data extraction. Graykey provides capabilities comparable to Cellebrite and has been performance-verified and approved for laboratory use.

However, the two products support different device models, operating systems, and security configurations. Graykey serves as a complementary forensic tool rather than a complete replacement for Cellebrite. Maintaining both solutions allows ISPFS to maximize its ability to successfully extract evidence from a broader range of mobile devices.

- **Belkasoft X Phone:** Provides mobile device extraction and analysis capabilities but does not offer the same extensive device support or advanced encryption bypass capabilities as Cellebrite. Implementation would require additional software licensing, examiner training and certification, and laboratory performance verification.

- **EnCase Mobile Investigator:** Offers mobile forensic extraction and analysis capabilities but has more limited support for encrypted devices compared to Cellebrite. Transitioning to this software would require additional training, certification, and performance verification before laboratory use.

- **MSAB XRY:** Provides mobile device extraction and analysis capabilities but does not offer the same breadth of supported devices or encryption bypass capabilities as Cellebrite. Implementation would also require additional licensing, examiner training, and performance verification.

- **Detego Field Triage Mobile:** ISPFS previously conducted a trial of Detego to evaluate its extraction capabilities. During testing, Detego was unsuccessful in extracting data from the tested mobile devices, while Cellebrite and Graykey successfully completed the extractions.

Based on these results, Detego was determined to be unsuitable as a replacement for Cellebrite.

- **MOBILedit:** Offers mobile device extraction and analysis capabilities, including support for certain mobile devices and peripheral equipment. However, its extraction capabilities and supported device library do not provide the same level of coverage as Cellebrite.

Additional licensing, training, and performance verification would be required.

- **Oxygen Forensics:** Provides mobile device extraction and analysis capabilities but does not offer the same level of encryption bypass functionality or extensive device support as Cellebrite. Implementation would require additional licensing, examiner training, and performance verification.

While these alternative products provide various digital forensic capabilities, none has been identified as a complete replacement for Cellebrite Inseyets within ISPFS's existing forensic operations. Mobile devices vary significantly in their hardware, operating systems, and encryption technologies, making it necessary for forensic laboratories to maintain multiple specialized extraction tools.

ISPFS has already invested substantial resources in Cellebrite software, examiner certifications, and laboratory performance verification.

Replacing Cellebrite would introduce additional costs, require extensive retraining and verification, and potentially reduce the laboratory's ability to successfully extract evidence from certain mobile devices.

Prior to implementing Cellebrite and Graykey, ISPFS reported a mobile device extraction success rate of approximately 15%. Following implementation of these technologies, the success rate increased to approximately 85–90%, demonstrating the operational importance of maintaining both solutions.

Additionally, Cellebrite Inc. has provided documentation confirming that it is the sole developer and manufacturer of Cellebrite Inseyets.

Although competing manufacturers offer alternative forensic software, they cannot provide the identical proprietary technology and capabilities available through Inseyets.

Based on the alternatives evaluated, existing laboratory requirements, and prior investments in software validation and examiner certification, ISPFS has determined that continued use of Cellebrite Inseyets is necessary to maintain its current forensic capabilities and provide reliable, timely digital evidence examinations in support of criminal investigations throughout Idaho.

ISPFS currently utilizes multiple specialized digital forensic software solutions, including products manufactured by Cellebrite, Magnet Forensics, and X-Ways. Each product provides distinct capabilities necessary to examine different types of digital devices, operating systems, file structures, and encrypted data. These tools are complementary rather than interchangeable, and maintaining access to multiple forensic solutions allows ISPFS to conduct comprehensive examinations and independently verify forensic findings when necessary. ISPFS is pursuing separate sole source exemptions for these products based on their respective proprietary capabilities and established use within the laboratory.

File Upload and Certification

Notes

File Upload

Cellebrite Inc Sole Manufacturer Letter Inseyets 2025.pdf 163.92KB program specific sole source CB.docx 26.54KB

Maximum File Size 250 MB

Agency Certification*

By submitting this form, I certify that the information provided above is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, supports the requirement for a sole source procurement, and is in the best interest of the State.

Signature* Date Submitted*

2026-11-03

Approval - SSA

Administrator Intends to approve*

Yes No

(Pending legal notice and appeal period)

Optional Posting?* This exemption will be sent for posting before final approval.

Yes No

Notes Public View

This field has a 300 character limit

File Upload

Maximum File Size 250 MB

DOP Signature*

DOP Printed Name* Mike Gwinn

DOP Title* Deputy Administrator

Date Time 2026-11-03