SSA - Magnet Forensics software licenses

The Idaho Department of Administration, Division of Purchasing, is issuing a notice of intent to approve a sole source authorization for the Idaho State Police to buy Magnet Forensics AXIOM, Graykey, and Witness digital forensic software licenses. The notice closes November 6, 2026, and challenges are due within five business days after that closing date. The sole source determination under Idaho Code section 67-9221 is the decisive constraint: the Administrator has determined that Magnet Forensics is the only vendor qualified to provide these products. The source identifies no set-asides.

The Idaho State Police Forensic Services Digital Forensic Unit needs the software to acquire, extract, analyze, and process digital evidence from computers, mobile devices, and digital video recording systems. AXIOM handles computer and mobile acquisition and analysis, Graykey unlocks and decrypts encrypted iOS and Android devices, and Witness provides forensic video acquisition and enhancement, including DVR extraction and separation of multiplexed video streams. The justification rests on Magnet Forensics being the sole developer and manufacturer, examiner certifications specific to these tools, and laboratory performance verification testing. Mobile extraction success rose from approximately 15% before Graykey and Cellebrite were adopted to 85–90% afterward. The agency evaluated X-Ways Forensics, Belkasoft, FTK, EnCase, Cellebrite UFED, and Amped FIVE and found that none provides complete replacement capability within existing workflows. Magnet Forensics issued a sole manufacturer letter dated May 22, 2026. Its training courses are delivered exclusively through authorized U.S. instructors at $3,900 to $4,800 per course.

The request covers a five-year term with an anticipated total cost of $625,750.00, and the agency anticipates renewals. The Idaho State Police already operates these products at current annual costs of $5,750 per AXIOM license (two licenses), $108,400 for Graykey, and $5,250 for Witness. Deputy Administrator Mike Gwinn intends to approve the authorization.