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APPROVE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE CONTINUING AN EXISTING LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH MAGNET FORENSICS
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve a motion:
1. Authorizing the City Manager to execute a three-year license agreement with Magnet Forensics, in the amount of $99,315, to continue subscription services provided to the Stockton Police Department.
2. Approving findings in support of an exception to the competitive bidding requirement pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code Section 3.68.070.
It is also recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to take all necessary and appropriate action to carry out the purpose and intent of this motion.
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Summary
The Stockon Police Department (SPD) has utilized services provided by Magnet Forensics, LLC, since 2021, primarily using the GrayKey service, to assist in the documentation and collection of evidence in criminal investigations.
The City’s current agreement is set to expire at the end of September. The SPD finds the services offered by Magnet Forensics to be an invaluable benefit in our investigations process and wishes to continue services.
DISCUSSION
Background
The SPD has been successfully utilizing Magnet Forensics products since 2021, with the most extensively used service being their GrayKey unit.
GrayKey has proven to be an essential element of SPD’s digital forensics operations process due to its unique capabilities in extracting critical data from locked and encrypted mobile devices. The GrayKey unit allows for the download of files and documents on locked Android and IOS devices. The subscription-based license allows the City to receive monthly updates as new user versions and software updates are released by device manufacturers.
Since 2011, the SPD has participated in a joint Firearms Reductions Consortium (FRC) program with the County and other agencies. A key responsibility of the City includes funding and maintaining appropriate equipment and staff for investigations and related services. As such, the City has been the recipient of the Federal Edward Byrne Memorial, Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for several years, which is the SPD’s funding source for services provided by Magnet Forensics.
The SPD previously contracted with another entity, Cellebrite, to provide similar services. During a market review in 2021, the SPD discovered that Magnet Forensics was able to provide services not available through other providers, with more consistent service delivery, at a much lower cost. The SPD would like to continue services with Magnet Forensics, which are set to expire at the end of September 2024.
Present Situation
To provide continuity in existing critical services, the City has negotiated a new three-year agreement with Magnet Forensics to continue existing services. (Attachment A)
Findings
Pursuant to Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) Section 3.68.070, Council may approve findings which support an exception to the competitive bidding process. These findings include:
1. The City does not have the technical ability or staffing to perform the services needed.
2. There is a limited market of service providers who perform this type of work with government agencies. Of the vendors available to the SPD, Magnet Forensics provides the most comprehensive service at the best price.
3. The current agreement, as a subscription-based service, allows for extension/renewal if mutually agreed to.
It is recommended that Council approve a motion authorizing the City Manager to execute a three-year license agreement with Magnet Forensics in the amount of $99,315.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Funding in the amount of $99,315 is provided through the JAG grant (Resolution #2023-10-17-1602) and has been budgeted in the SPD Special Grant Account. The terms of the proposed agreement with Magnet Forensics are in line with the terms of the current JAG grant funding cycle.
Attachment A - Magnet Forensics GrayKey 3-year service quote