Mobile Forensic Distributed Solution RFI

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding an RFI (Request for Information) related to a potential FBI procurement. It clarifies requirements and expectations for interested parties.

• Extraction Output Format: Preference is for open solutions with published standards readable by third-party tools. Industry-adopted standard formats like UFDR are also acceptable, especially when reviewable with free applications.
• Acquisition Vehicle: The FBI is evaluating all available contracting vehicles (e.g., GSA Schedule 70, NASA SEWP V) and has not identified a preferred one. A base and option contract structure is anticipated.
• User Base: The solution is intended for trained personnel across all FBI locations (CONUS and OCONUS), including field offices and laboratories. Approximately 1,000 users are anticipated, with up to 300 concurrent licenses/devices needed across roughly 450 potential sites. These numbers may increase.
• Security/Hosting: Preference will be given to solutions offering encrypted connections, 508 compliance, and LDAP or AzureAD compatibility. Deployment is expected in Azure government cloud and on-premises (classified and unclassified environments), requiring functionality without a direct internet connection.
• Pricing Structure: The FBI is open to various pricing models but is adverse to per-device licensing due to infrequent usage at some locations.
• Solicitation Release: There is no current solicitation release date.
• Operational Capability: The FBI anticipates the capability to be operational during Fiscal Year 2027.

While this document addresses RFI questions and does not directly modify a solicitation, the responses provide crucial insights into the government's preferences and requirements that will likely shape any future solicitation. Bidders should consider these clarifications when preparing responses or future proposals.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Operational Technology Division (OTD) for market research purposes. The FBI is seeking information on a "Mobile Digital Forensic Tool Distributed Solution" to allow for efficient deployment and management of mobile device extraction capabilities across all FBI physical sites and locations, including field operations and overseas. The goal is to identify potential solutions and qualified vendors, and to formulate acquisition strategies for future competitive solicitations.

Current solutions require purchasing a physical extraction device and license for each location, or transporting devices, which incurs costs and delays. The FBI needs a solution that can re-allocate finite capabilities as needed via software management, allowing users to "check out" virtual licenses from a central system. Specialized hardware may still be needed at physical locations.

Management Capabilities:

• Concurrent user license allocation, renewal, and management
• Statistical collection and reporting of extractions
• Managed software updates
• Permission management
• Deployment within an FBI-enclave
• Licenses that work offline via temporary download

Mobile Forensic Capabilities:

• Unlock locked mobile devices

• Full File System extraction for Android and iOS

• Data extraction in After First Unlock (AFU) and Before First Unlock (BFU) states

• Keystore and Keychain credential decryption

• Offline operation

• Parsing extractions with non-proprietary COTS tools

• Open to manufacturers of software and platforms, prioritizing Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) products.

• Submissions should include:

  • Company name and business size.
  • Evidence of capability (technical ability, personnel, experience) - unclassified, max 15 pages.
  • Licensing/subscription models with pricing structure and estimated costs.
  • Any assumptions, comments, concerns, or questions.

• Submissions must be in Word, Excel, or searchable PDF format, 8.5 x 11 pages, single-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman. Test license terms and conditions must be a separate file.

• Questions due: March 9th, 2026 (submitted via RFI Question Template).

• Questions will be answered by: March 16th, 2026.

• Responses due: March 30th, 2026, by 12pm Eastern Time.

• Submit responses via email to tbcutright@fbi.gov.

• All correspondence must be in writing.

• This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and is NOT a request for proposal or quote.

• It does not constitute a solicitation or a commitment by the government.

• No funds are available to pay for response preparation.

• The FBI reserves the right to reject any or all responses.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing a template for Request for Information (RFI) questions. It appears to be a standardized format provided by the government for potential vendors to submit questions regarding an opportunity.

• The template includes columns for 'Question #', 'Question', and 'Government Response'.
• The 'RFCs' sheet is currently empty, indicating it's a blank template awaiting vendor input.

This template is relevant for bidders who need to ask clarifying questions about the opportunity. It outlines the expected format for submitting these questions to the government.