RFI-Vehicle Forensics & Data Extraction

Tender description

Contracting Authority's file Reference number: RFI - Vehicle Forensic and Data Extraction Weblink to where further documentation can be obtained: https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/763fe88d-3a19-4fc0-93af-d4476eccfd73 Short description of requirement: Dstl's Security Systems Programme (hereinafter referred to as the Authority) is actively engaged in the area of vehicle forensics and data extraction in order to provide guidance and advice to law enforcement and wider Defence and security stakeholders. There are currently only a small number of commercial offerings in this area. Existing solutions generally focus on extracting data from a vehicle's infotainment unit. As these vary according to manufacturer and model, a range of bespoke configurations are normally required to interact with specific infotainment units. Considerable effort is required to research and develop these configurations. The result is significant variation in capability when considered against vehicles in general. Data extraction can also be undertaken using standard digital forensic techniques but interpreting and processing the data is still a significant challenge. It is also possible for storage media within infotainment units to be encrypted or access restricted (e.g. ATA locks on drives). The Authority wish to understand what technologies and innovations are currently at a low to medium Technology Readiness Level which may be able to address some of these issues or supplement current capability within 2-5 years if the projects were to receive MOD support. This support could be financial or in-kind in the form of access to research trials (subject to a suitable NDA or MTA being agreed). Time-limit (Date & Time) (by 17:00 on): 06/06/2022 Information requested: To assist the Authority, respondents to this RFI should provide: 1) Details of the vehicle forensics technology / innovation, including current Technology Readiness Level (TRL); 2) Details on which of the issues identified above, the technology/innovation aids in addressing; 3) Anticipated benefit to the end user and proposed metrics to evidence this; 4) Indication of the volume/value of development which would be required per annum, and length of time to be commercially viable; 5) Breakdown of proposed phases of development remaining to be commercially viable. Your written responses should be submitted by email to dblackmore@dstl.gov.uk to arrive by not later than that date and time detailed above