Chainalysis is challenging the US government’s decision to award a blockchain analytics contract to TRM Labs without a competitive bidding process.

According to a case filed in the US Court of Federal Claims, the company alleged that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) favored TRM Labs.

Clash Over $94.66M Contract

At the center of the lawsuit is a major contract of $94.66 million, which was awarded last month by ICE to TRM Labs. This one-year award runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, and states,

“The purpose of this contract is to support the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Homeland Security Task Force National Coordination Center Cyber Disruption Center through the provision of analytical support services.”

Chainalysis has challenged that award while alleging that the federal law enforcement agency’s decision was “arbitrary, capricious, and unreasonable.” The company stated that the agencies skipped the normal competitive process and awarded the work directly to its rival. It has now asked the court to stop the award. The full complaint is under seal because it contains Chainalysis’ confidential, proprietary information and trade secrets, so the public docket does not reveal all of its arguments.

TRM Labs has already joined the case as an intervenor to defend the government’s decision. The court has also approved a protective order. Briefing is now underway, and filings are scheduled through the end of August. Oral arguments are set for September 2 at the National Courts Building in Washington, DC.

Meanwhile, the government has asked the court to issue a decision by September 10.

Lucrative Market for Crypto Analytics

Chainalysis and TRM Labs are both popular blockchain analytics companies whose tools are used by government agencies to track cryptocurrency activity. These tools have become increasingly important for authorities tracking crypto-linked financial activity by identifying wallets and following the movement of funds tied to sanctioned entities and illicit networks. The technology has also been used in cases involving state-linked wallets and the freezing of crypto assets.

This has helped platforms such as Chainalysis to build a significant business with the US government.

In the case of Chainalysis as well, its federal work dates back to 2015, when the FBI awarded it a $9,000 contract for data software. Since then, its government business has grown substantially, working with several agencies, including the DEA and IRS.

Source: CryptoPotato