Attachment _1_RFI_USSOCOM Technical Experimentation Event 23-1.pdf

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Solicitation Number: USSOCOM RFI TE 23-1 Technical Experimentation: Science and Technology Capability Focus Areas Notice Type: Special Notice TYPE: A–Research and Development NAICS: 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Publish Date: 23 Aug 2022 Response Date: 23 Sept 2022, 12:00 Noon Daylight Savings Time (DST) Synopsis:

A. INTRODUCTION: Technical Experimentation (TE) This Request for Information (RFI) is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this RFI is to solicit technology experimentation candidates from Research and Development (R&D) organizations, private industry, and academia for inclusion in future experimentation events coordinated by the U. S.

Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). USSOCOM invites industry, academia, individuals, and Government labs to submit technology experimentation nominations addressing innovative technologies identified in paragraph 4 below. The intent is to provide participants with the opportunity to gain Special Operations Forces (SOF) insight/perspective on participant technologies. The intent of the TE outreach is to communicate, inform, and collaborate with stakeholders, in the technology transfer community as called for in Department of Defense Instruction 5535.8. DoD Technology Transfer (T2) Program.

Technical experimentation will explore emerging technologies, technical applications, and their potential to provide solutions for future SOF capabilities.

This RFI is for TE 23-1. This event will occur over the period of one week as shown below.

Dates/Theme/Location:

12-16 December 2022: Science and Technology Capability Focus Areas at the Avon Park Air Force Range, FL.

B. OBJECTIVE:

1. Technology experimentation events provide an opportunity for technology developers to interact with operational personnel to determine how their technology development efforts and ideas may support or enhance SOF capability needs. The environment facilitates a collaborative relationship between Government, academia, and industry to promote the identification and assessment of emerging technologies.

2. The deadline for nomination package(s) is 23 Sept 2022 at 12:00 Noon DST.

After review of the TE nomination submissions, the Government may invite select candidates to demonstrate their technologies at the USSOCOM sponsored TE event, see paragraph D below. Experiments will be conducted from 12-16 December 2022, at the Avon Park Air Force Range, FL and will explore emerging technology solutions and

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revolutionary improvements in relevant technologies. Materiel solutions brought to the event should be between a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 and 6 or higher as stated in paragraph 4. Proposed experiments may be between a half day and two days in duration and may be conducted in unimproved expeditionary-like conditions. There is no intention on the part of USSOCOM to purchase or procure equipment based solely on participation in the TE.

3. Experimentation Focus: The primary intent of this event is to assess, observe, and explore technologies that support the Science and Technology Directorate’s Capability Focus Areas.

4. Technology areas to explore during the event include the following:

4.1 Multispectral Optical Communications. Threats in the electromagnetic spectrum such as jamming, EMP, EMI, and co-channel interference can be designed to exploit weaknesses in today’s SOF communication systems—making operators more vulnerable. Compared to RF, optical transmission links over free space can be more robust against malicious jamming, harder to intercept/detect, and lower the probability of geolocating link transmitters and receivers; hence, optical transmission links are poised to create a revolutionary capability for SOF. Characteristics of interest include:

4.1.1 Wide band and narrow band.

4.1.2 Data rates at 200Mbps throughput or greater.

4.1.3 Link Closure Range 5km or greater.

4.1.4 Surface craft to sub-surface craft.

4.1.5 Air-to-Air, Air-to-Ground, Ground-to-Ground Ship-to-Shore.

4.1.6 Operational wavelength 1000nm to 3000nm.

4.1.7 Wide aperture laser receive man-packable terminal.

4.1.8 Cognitive algorithms for autonomous switching of data traffic to an unaffected, or less degraded optical communication band/wavelength.

Supporting line-of-sight and non-light-of-sight demonstrations as well as technologies that are capable of multiple access laser comms.

4.2 Integrated Sensor/Data Systems.

4.2.1 Reduce Operator Workload. Areas of interest include:

4.2.1.1 Data automation processing (to include machine-

learning) for detecting, classifying, and exploiting signals in near real time.

4.2.1.1.1 Detect simple and complex signals.

4.2.1.1.2. Classify signal types/retain a learning baseline.

4.2.1.1.3 Identify baseline anomalies.

4.2.1.1.4 Characterize previously unknown signals.

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4.2.1.1.5 Exploit signal in near real time.

4.2.1.1.6 Human language technology (Speaker, gender, language, voice identification).

4.2.1.2 Automated processing of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) data.

4.2.1.3 Advanced data analytics (Near real time and post

processing).

4.2.1.4 Improved SIGINT two-way tipping, cueing, and advanced fusion with other intelligence disciplines.

4.3. Data integration of Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR)

Systems. USSOCOM is seeking long-range, ultra-high resolution, image stabilized, Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) systems and systems with long-range standoff in a single man-portable, low size, weight, and power package.

4.4 Data collection, storage, processing, fusion, dissemination, visualization, and communication.

4.4.1 Data system that ingests various sensor data in a wide variety of formats, size, media, for fusion processing.

4.4.2 Data system that can process data, develop optimized

solutions, and provide predictive analysis and optimized solutions, dynamically updating upon new data ingestion.

4.4.3 Collaborative smart, adaptive sensor network systems that dynamically share knowledge/status, provide optimized problem solutions, and ability to task/communicate to other sensor nodes.

4.4.4 Integration of multiple sensor systems to process multiple data/sources and display to a Common Operating Picture/Common Intel Picture. Capable of further integrating with other Defense Intelligence Community data systems and networks.

4.4.5 Secure, accredited Cross Domain solutions both high-to-low and low-to-high through various architectures, media, and networks.

4.4.6 Independent DevOps Sandbox capability for systems and

software integration design, test, assessment, and interoperability validation/verification across multiple systems, legacy to newly released.

4.5 Personnel signature management. USSOCOM is interested in

technology or material that prevents detection of the operator’s multi-spectrum signature by radar, electro-optical, infrared, acoustic, and cyber/digital detection technologies. Intent is to conceal, confuse, or disrupt detection and identification risk posed by adversary sensors, which include those integrated with Artificial

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Intelligence/Machine Language (AI/ML) driven pattern matching the identity of the operator, his equipment, or his location. Technology areas of interest include:

4.5.1 Advanced technology concepts and materials.

4.5.2 Novel materials, to include wearable and comfortable fabrics.

4.5.3 Quiet propulsion systems and techniques.

4.6 Offensive Cyber effects.

4.6.1 Cyber platforms with the capability to provide digital and physical situational awareness in connected environments through utilization of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, networks, and systems.

4.6.2 Cyber applications capable of tracking and exploiting targeted mobile electronics, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, and IoT devices.

4.6.3 Cyber payloads with deny, disrupt, degrade, or destroy

capabilities that can be employed to both networked and air-gapped computer devices and systems.

4.7 Directed energy and electromagnetic warfare. USSOCOM is

interested in directed energy technologies for delivering non-kinetic scalable effects on a multitude of hard and soft targets. Offensive electronic warfare payloads with overmatching target effectiveness at tactically and operationally relevant ranges.

4.8 Military Information Support Operations. USSOCOM is interested in influence operations, digital deception, communication disruption, and disinformation campaigns at the tactical edge and operational levels.

4.9 Non-kinetic attack. USSOCOM is interested in leveraging new technologies that will cause an effect to neutralize or destroy a multitude of hard and soft targets.

5. Security/Classification Requirements: Respondents shall not submit classified information in the technology experimentation nominations.

6. Safety Requirements: All respondents shall review the TE Safety Guide (RFI Notice Attachment 3). Those respondents who are invited to demonstrate their technologies must complete a Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet (Department of Defense Form 2977) (RFI Notice Attachment 4) in accordance with MIL-STD-882E and the Department of the Army Techniques Publication No. 5-19 (ATP 5-19). Risk assessments shall be emailed directly to the tech_exp@socom.mil by 11 November 2022. Respondents should include instructions that describe the safe operation of the device nominated for the experiment.

7. Frequency Requirements: If your experiment will be radiating on a given frequency or frequency band, you must have prior approval to transmit on that frequency. Prior approval includes compliance with Federal Communications mailto:exp@socom.mil

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Commission (FCC) Title 47, Part 15, or a Special Temporary Authority (STA) from the FCC. You must have National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) frequency approval if your experiment includes Government-owned equipment, and you will be operating within a Federal Band. Respondents are advised to not wait for confirmation of selection/invitation to the event before requesting a STA from the FCC. Your authority to radiate must be emailed directly to tech_exp@socom.mil by 11 November 2022. All frequency questions shall be directed to the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation team at the email above.

Respondents shall not contact the Avon Park Range directly.

8. Human Subjects. It is not anticipated that activities being conducted in this TE event will require the use of research or experimentation involving human subjects.

Technology experiment submissions will be reviewed for potential research or experimentation involving human subjects. Any submission that is determined to potentially include research or experimentation involving human subjects will be required to adhere to DoD Instruction 3216.02 “Protection of Human Subjects and Adherence to Ethical Standards in DoD Supported Research” and ensure appropriate Institutional Review Board and DoD Human Research Protections Office approvals prior to conducting those activities.

9. Other Special Requirements: DO NOT SUBMIT PROPOSALS OR MARKETING

DEMONSTRATIONS. SUBMIT TECHNOLOGY EXPERIMENTATION NOMINATIONS

ONLY. EXPERIMENTATION NOMINATION SUBMITTALS FOR THIS RFI WILL ONLY

BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE CLOSING DATE OF 23 Sept 2022, 12:00 Noon DST, for the requirements stated above. No contracts will be awarded based solely on this announcement or any subsequent supplemental RFI announcements.

C. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

Technology experimentation nominations shall be submitted electronically by creating a Scout Card in the Vulcan system at:vulcan-sof.com by the respective deadline. Scout Cards should be created within the TE 23-1 Technical Experimentation: Science and Technology Capability Focus Areas collection. The Vulcan system is best accessed by using Firefox or Google Chrome browsers. Associated technology experiments with distinctly different uses or applications should have a separate nomination submitted by each respondent. USSOCOM personnel will review submissions to determine whether an experiment submission will be accepted for invitation to attend the TE event.

A complete submission consists of:

• Creating a Scout Card in the Vulcan system as described above.

• Completely filling in the Supplemental Sheet (RFI Notice Attachment 2) and attaching it to the Scout Card.

• Devices with radio frequency emissions must state the intended frequency or frequencies used by the device(s).

• An FCC STA, Experimental License, or NTIA document (for developmental radio frequency emitting devices). If neither is available at the time of submission, provide status of your FCC/NTIA request.

https://vulcan-sof.com/login/ng2/home/government/9509eaf8-9c98-4c80-884b-132fc9ecc2a3

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• Instructions on how to safely use the technology (as needed).

• If applicable, a picture of the device with a short description of the size (shows the dimensions or places the device next to a ruler, currency, or man-sized object for comparison).

Selected respondents will be invited to participate in USSOCOM experiments.

USSOCOM shall provide venues, supporting infrastructure, and assessment (operational and technical, based on availability of resources and written request as discussed above) personnel at no cost to invited respondent(s). All respondents’ submission costs, travel costs, technology experiments, and experimentation associated costs will be at the respondents’ expense. The TE venue will only provide basic access to training areas or ranges (if approved and applicable) to conduct experiments, a facility to connect to the internet, basic venue infrastructure including frequency coordination/deconfliction, and shore power. Invited respondents must be prepared to be self-sufficient during the execution of their experiments and not dependent on venue resources.

Time and space will be made available for technology developers to conduct real-time modifications and updates to technologies. Technology developers are advised to bring all tools and equipment necessary to present/operate their technology at the event.

D. BASIS FOR SELECTION TO PARTICIPATE:

Selection of respondents to participate shall be based on the extent to which the technology represents a potential capability increase to SOF. Selection considerations include-the availability of time, space, government resources to review a particular technology experiment under the restraints outlined within this RFI and technical importance to the agency, among other factors.

Other considerations include:

• Technical maturity

• Relevance of or adaptability to military operations/missions

• Relevance to current operational needs

• Relevance to Event Focus Area

E. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: All efforts shall be made to protect proprietary information that is clearly marked in writing. Lessons learned by USSOCOM from these experiments may be broadly disseminated, but only within the Government. If selected for participation in Technical Experimentation, developers may be requested to provide additional information that will be used in preparation for the experiments.

Future TE events with TENTATIVE themes/focus areas, locations, ANTICIPATED dates and RFI open periods are as follows:

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Number Theme/Focus Area Location Event Dates

RFI Open Period

TE23-2 Special Reconnaissance Related Technologies

Avon Park, FL 20-24 March

October

TE23-3 Information Dominance ETI Facility, Red Springs, NC

5-9 June

February

Technology developers invited to this event are encouraged to contact each other using the social media through USSOCOM Technical Experimentation. While USSOCOM Technical Experimentation has access to several social media, the preferred collaboration social media link is LinkedIn www.tinyurl.com/LinkedIn-SOCOMTE.

F. USE OF INFORMATION: The purpose of this notice is to gain information leading to Government/Industry collaboration for development of USSOCOM technology capabilities and to assist in accelerating the delivery of these capabilities to the SOF warrior. All proprietary information contained in the submission and technology experimentation shall be appropriately marked. The Government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish future capability and requirements.

During the event USSOCOM may broadcast technology experiments via video-teleconference back to USSOCOM and/or their operational components. Respondents to this RFI shall review and submit the photography approval form at Attachment 5.

G. SPECIAL NOTICE:

1. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) or contractor consultant/advisors to the Government will review and provide support during evaluation of submittals. When appropriate, non-Government advisors may be used to objectively review a particular functional area and provide comments and recommendations to the Government. All advisors shall comply with procurement integrity laws and shall sign non-disclosure statements. The Government shall take into consideration requirements for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure advisors comply with safeguarding proprietary data. Submission in response to this RFI constitutes approval to release the submittal to approved Government support contractors.

2. There will be foreign attendees (military, government, or industry partners), who are interested in the capabilities being demonstrated at the TE event. Respondents are ultimately responsible for complying with all International Trafficking in Arms (ITAR) /Export Administration Regulations (EAR) requirements associated with their equipment. Before declaring their ITAR/EAR status, respondents to this RFI should verify the ITAR/EAR status of their technology by visiting the US Department of State http://www.tinyurl.com/LinkedIn-SOCOMTE

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Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (ITAR) website at:

(https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public) and the US Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security website (https://www.bis.doc.gov/) for more information on Export Administration Regulations (EAR). USSOCOM event organizers will restrict access as necessary to assist in protecting ITAR/EAR related technology demonstrations.

H. Per Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3, Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997):

1. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI notice or to otherwise pay for the information.

2. Although "proposal" and "respondent" are used in this RFI, your responses will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal.

3. In accordance with FAR 15.209(c), the purpose of this RFI is to solicit technology experimentation candidates from research and development organizations, private industry, and academia for inclusion in future experimentation events coordinated by

USSOCOM.

Contracting Office Address:

7701 Tampa Point Blvd MacDill AFB, Florida 33621-5323 Primary Point of Contact:

tech_exp@socom.mil

(813) 826-4646 https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public https://www.bis.doc.gov/