SSA - X-Ways Forensics software licenses for computer forens

The Idaho Department of Administration, Division of Purchasing, is publishing notice of intent to approve a sole source authorization for the Idaho State Police to purchase X-Ways Forensics software licenses for computer forensic data extraction and analysis, with the notice closing November 6, 2026. The Administrator has determined that only one vendor is qualified to provide the software, so the procurement is restricted to X-Ways Software Technology AG. Interested vendors may file a challenge within five business days after the closing date by emailing purchasing@adm.idaho.gov, under Idaho Code section 67-9232(4).

The Idaho State Police Forensic Services Digital Forensic Unit currently holds two X-Ways licenses and seeks to continue licensing for a five-year term. The software acquires, preserves, examines, and analyzes data from computers, hard drives, and electronic storage media without compromising data integrity. Examiners are already trained and certified on the platform, and the software has passed laboratory performance verification testing. The justification letter states that X-Ways is sole-manufactured and that its training courses are delivered exclusively by X-Ways and its authorized U.S. instructors, at $2,200 per course. The request evaluated Magnet AXIOM, Belkasoft X Computer, Detego Field Triage Computer, FTK, OpenText EnCase, and GetData Forensic Explorer, and found none equivalent to X-Ways in analysis capability, processing efficiency, portability, and cost. Replacement would require new licensing, examiner retraining and recertification, and performance verification testing of up to one week per product.

The request estimates an annual licensing cost of $3,100 for two licenses and an anticipated total cost of $26,500 for the full desired term. The justification letter lists the per-license annual cost at $1,550. The request carries an approval recommendation from DOP Deputy Administrator Mike Gwinn and is supported by an X-Ways manufacturer sole source letter dated October 30, 2026. The notice was posted November 3, 2026.