This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderCancellation

14 Jul 2026 at 10:14

Award

14 Jul 2026 at 10:02

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process titled "Digital Forensics Software Renewal" was undertaken by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, located in Leeds, United Kingdom, under the classification of public authority within the sub-central government. The contract pertains to the software package and information systems industry. This direct award process follows the Procurement Act 2023 for the renewal of digital forensic tools essential to the operational capability of digital forensic units. The process had progressed to the award stage on 14th July 2026, with a contract period starting on 27th July 2026 and ending on 27th June 2027. The procurement method was direct due to technical exclusivity and the need for continuity in critical operations.

This tender creates significant business growth opportunities by engaging suppliers of specialised digital forensic software, particularly those with proprietary tools integral to law enforcement analysis and operations. Large-scale businesses like Magnet Forensics LLC, which was awarded the contract, are well-suited to compete in such tenders due to their ability to provide unique, technically exclusive solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing systems. The direct award process aims to maintain service continuity while exploring long-term procurement options, offering businesses the chance to demonstrate their value in key operational technology environments.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Digital Forensics Software Renewal

Notice Description

Digital forensic tools that underpin core DFU operational capability, specifically: * Graykey: critical capability for extraction of data from locked mobile devices, including cases where passcodes are unknown. * Axiom: primary forensic analysis platform used across DFU for processing and interpreting digital evidence recovered from devices. * Griffeye: specialist tool for analysis, categorisation and grading of indecent images of children, including integration with CAID. * Outrider: frontline triage capability enabling rapid on-scene assessment and prioritisation of digital devices.

Procurement Information

The authority intends to directly award a contract for digital software licences under the Procurement Act 2023 on the grounds of technical exclusivity and protection of exclusive rights. The software is proprietary and only available from the incumbent supplier. It is integrated into critical operational systems and supports established workflows, datasets and evidential requirements. Switching to an alternative would incur disproportionate cost, technical risk, and operational disruption, including system revalidation and potential impact on service continuity. The authority has determined that no reasonable alternatives exist and that a direct award represents best value for money. A Transparency Notice is therefore being published in accordance with statutory requirements. This is a time-limited 12-month award necessary to ensure continuity of service while a compliant procurement route to market is finalised, following delays outside the authority's control.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06ca85
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066046-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems


CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£214,445 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Jul 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
14 Jul 2026Yesterday
Contract Period
26 Jul 2026 - 27 Jun 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Cancelled
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY
Additional Buyers

MISSING

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LEEDS
Postcode
LS1 2DE
Post Town
Leeds
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE4 West Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE42 Leeds
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Leeds
Electoral Ward
Little London & Woodhouse
Westminster Constituency
Leeds Central and Headingley

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

MAGNET FORENSICS

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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