The questions we keep answering.
Sourced from procurement officers, CIOs, facility security officers, and counsel. If you have a question that isn't here, ask — and we'll add it.
Why not just disable cameras with MDM?
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MDM policies are software controls. They can be reverted by a profile change, a wipe, a jailbreak, or an OS update. Hardware redaction physically removes the component — the camera sensor, the microphone diaphragm, the Wi-Fi radio die. There is nothing left to re-enable.
Can a redacted component ever be re-enabled?
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No. The work is mechanical: silicon is removed from the board, traces are cut, antennas are severed. Reversal would require installing new hardware, not flipping a switch.
Do you work on both iPad and Android tablets?
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Yes. We service Apple iPad and leading Android tablets including Samsung Galaxy Tab and Google Pixel Tablet. Other platforms by request.
Does the device still function as a tablet?
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Yes — with the obvious exceptions of any component you remove. Touch, display, charging, and approved I/O continue to work. Remove speakers and there is no audio out. Remove Wi-Fi and the device will not associate with networks. Every removed component is itemized in the unit's Certificate of Redaction.
Can I pick which components to remove?
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Yes. The default is the full six — cameras, microphones, speakers, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, antennas — but every order specifies the subset. Many courtroom programs keep Wi-Fi for MDM-managed document delivery and remove only capture devices.
What documentation comes with each device?
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A serial-numbered Certificate of Redaction, a before/after photo packet, technician sign-off, and a chain-of-custody log entry for every hand-off from receipt through ship.
Is the certificate independently verifiable?
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Yes. Each certificate carries a QR code that resolves to an internal verification record — the device, the redactions, the technician, and the date.
Can we get the full chain-of-custody log for an audit?
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Yes. We can export the full event log for any device or program as CSV or PDF, with timestamps and the identity of every actor.
What is the typical turnaround?
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Most orders ship in 5 – 10 business days from receipt. Expedited 5-business-day turn is available for a 15% surcharge. Every quote includes a guaranteed lead time.
What does it cost?
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Per-device pricing scales with volume. Final quotes are always written and include guaranteed lead time — contact us with your platform, models, and quantities for a quote.
Will this void the manufacturer warranty?
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Yes. Hardware modifications void any remaining manufacturer warranty including AppleCare. We disclose this on every quote. CBR Labs offers a 30-day workmanship guarantee on the redaction itself.
Where is the work performed?
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At our US-based facility in Alexandria, Virginia. Devices never leave the United States. There is no subcontracting and no offshore work.
Who handles the devices?
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Background-checked technicians employed by CBR Labs. Every chain-of-custody event records the identity of the technician who touched the device.
Do you image, back up, or retain our data?
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No. We are not a forensic vendor. We wipe arriving devices before work, perform the redaction, and re-wipe before pack-out. We retain no user data.
Are the devices networked during redaction?
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No. Redaction is mechanical and physical. Devices are not connected to a network at any point during the work.
Are you registered in SAM.gov?
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Yes. Active registration. CAGE 14Y35. UEI K4MZG4KC1MY9. See the Government Contracting page for the full quick card for your contracting officer.
Do you work under BPA or IDIQ vehicles?
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Yes. We honor agency BPAs with established ceiling and rates, and accept call orders against IDIQ contracts.
Are you GSA-listed?
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Available via authorized resellers under existing GSA schedule contracts. Talk to your contracting officer about vehicle eligibility, or contact us and we will coordinate.