Attachment_1_RFI_USSOCOM Technical Experimentation Event 23-2.pdf

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Solicitation Number: USSOCOM RFI TE 23-2 Technical Experimentation: Special Reconnaissance Related Technologies 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: 07 Nov 2022 Response Date: 09 Dec 2022, 12:00 Noon Eastern Standard Time (EST) 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.

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

This RFI is for TE 23-2. This event will occur over the period of one week as shown below.

Dates/Theme/Location:

20 - 24 March 2023: Special Reconnaissance Related Technologies – 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 09 Dec 2022 at 12:00 Noon EST.

After review of the TE nomination submissions, the Government may invite select candidates to demonstrate their technologies at the USSOCOM sponsored TE event.

Experiments will be conducted from 20 – 24 March 2023, at the Avon Park Air Force Range, FL, and will explore emerging technology solutions and 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

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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 highlight technologies that support special reconnaissance, surveillance, and exploitation related technologies.

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

4.1 Radio Signal Surveillance technologies

4.1.1 Software defined radios

4.1.1.1 Readily reprogrammable and reconfigurable (to include remotely) radio frequency (RF) sensing receivers

4.1.1.2 Security features for unattended operation

4.1.1.3 Full RF spectrum capabilities and processing against all known signals of interest

4.1.1.4 Frequency Agile signals used in communication and

surveillance

4.1.1.5 Improved sensitivity and efficiency

4.1.1.6 Modularity and open standards that permit combinations of capabilities from a variety of providers

4.1.2 Advanced antennas for receive (RX) and transmission (TX)

4.1.2.1 Both passive and active

4.1.2.2 Both omni-directional and directional beam steering through mechanical steering, phased arrays, interferometry and other techniques

4.1.2.3 Multiple bands supported through single connection or via one connect

4.1.2.4 Meta-material solutions

4.1.2.5 Camouflaged

4.1.3 Reduce Operator Workload

4.1.3.1 Machine Learning of signals so that that they can be

automatically recognized later

4.1.3.2 Tools to manage quality control of tagged signals and models that have been learned in the past.

4.1.3.3 Create baselines of an RF environment and report deviations as they occur in real time

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4.1.3.4 Human Language Technology (Speaker, Gender, Language, Voice Identification)

4.1.3.5 Advanced data analytics (near real time and post-processing)

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

4.1.4 Locating Radio Frequency Sources

4.1.4.1 Single-station geolocation

4.1.4.2 Cooperative geolocation using Time Difference of Arrival

(TDOA) or Frequency Difference of Arrival (FDOA) methods

4.1.4.3 Improved fusion of different techniques

4.2 Non-Overt Forensic Collection. USSOCOM seeks non-overt capabilities applicable to the submission of Collected Exploitable Material. Capabilities must be a TRL three (3) or higher as stated in paragraph 4. Capabilities should include intuitive data visualization and current or future compatibility with the Tactical Android Kit product lines (https://tak.gov/products.com) where applicable. Capabilities of interest include, but are not limited to:

4.2.1 Human signature collection, analysis and identification against authoritative databases;

4.2.2 Identification of unknown secondary substances and geographical markers;

4.2.3 Non-intrusive collection and exploitation of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and;

4.2.4 Other novel forensic material collection, analysis and / or identification capabilities.

4.3 Hostile Forces – Tagging, Tracking, Locating (TTL) technologies

4.3.1 Tags that integrate microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) to supplement GPS when spoofed or jammed with the ability to operate autonomously on vehicles and dismounted personnel.

4.3.2 Systems that employ low signature signals for ranging/locating tags able to operate from an Unmanned Air System (UAS).

4.3.3 Frequency agile tags that make use of Software Defined Radios while maintaining low size, weight, and power (SWaP).

4.3.4 Capabilities for tracking and locating vehicles leveraging infotainment systems organic to a vehicle or hosted by phone.

4.3.5 Capabilities to extract Position Location Information (PLI) from phones through remote means.

https://tak.gov/products.com

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4.3.6 Tags/systems that take advantage of existing satellite

constellations for Precision Navigation and Timing (PNT) independent of GPS.

4.3.7 Tags/systems that take advantage of multiple Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for PNT simultaneously.

4.3.8 Systems that leverage signals of opportunity for tracking/locating (i.e. Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast, Wi-Fi, Cell)

4.3.9 Small tags/systems that allow for tracking in subterranean environments independent of GPS, radio frequency, body mechanics, visual sensors, or user input while conducting tracking mission.

4.3.10 Capabilities to track and located people, places, objects, or activities independent of Radio Frequency (RF). These could include, but not exclusive to, Optical Taggants, big data analytics, or other noble approaches.

4.4 Tactical Video Systems/Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target Acquisition

4.4.1 Small, low-profile, cost-effective pan-tilt-zoom camera systems.

4.4.1.1 Easily programmable and reconfigurable (to include

remotely) via both embedded Line of Sight (LOS) radio frequency and Internet Protocol (IP) hard-wire ports for wireless control.

4.4.1.2 Systems should have bi-directional Command and

Control (C²) as well as a video feed through both direct hard-wired and wireless input/output to the system.

4.4.1.3 Systems should include a hand-held video viewing, recording, still capture, C² controller and be able to remotely accomplish the same tasks through the use of wireless connectivity between the systems and the hand-held controller, as would be if the hand-held controller was directly connected to the system through hard wire with no RF emissions.

4.4.1.4 Video imaging apparatus should be a minimum of High

Definition (HD) color for daytime operations and up to HD low-light/night in mid-wave infrared (MWIR), long-wave infrared (LWIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR) with applicable illuminator, or other technology that equates to an operator’s discernment of personnel activity within 1,000 meters between emplaced system and that activity.

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4.5 Sensor Data Exfiltration (Exfil)

4.5.1 Intermittent exfil includes: sensor hit info, still images, radio-frequency detections and video clips.

4.5.2 Requires signature reduction capability for use in high threat areas.

4.5.3 Both LOS and Over the Horizon (OTH) options are desired.

4.5.4 Preference is for systems not dependent on 3rd party infrastructure.

4.5.5 All interfaces are public or have government rights with a preference for the use of open standards. Hardware should be addressable over a hardware IP port for ease of integration.

4.5.6 Capability is small (including antenna), low power (long duration battery powered), cost effective and a modular add on to other systems.

4.5.7 Low bit rate systems may be acceptable provided small still images are transferred in near real time.

4.5.8 Optical or RF long range and low profile/signature exfil capabilities with data throughput of at least 2 Mbps.

4.6 Ground Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems.

USSOCOM is seeking long-range, ultra-high-resolution, image stabilized, electro-optical/infrared and thermal imaging ground ISR systems with long-range standoff in a single man-portable, low SWaP package.

4.6.1 Evaluation criteria:

4.6.1.1 Conduct positive identification of man-sized targets from

4 km to over 10 km both day and night.

4.6.1.2 Conduct positive identification of vehicle targets from 6 km to over 12 km both day and night.

4.6.1.3 Operate and view the sensor feed from 500m to over 1

km away via hard data transfer in a RF denied environment.

4.6.1.4 Operate and view the sensor feed from 5 km to over 10 km away via RF data transfer with no degradation in signal quality at remote viewing location.

4.6.1.5 Conduct remote targeting using on-board range finding and geolocation.

4.6.1.6 Open standards for data feed use by the intelligence

community.

4.6.1.7 Capable of unattended/remote operation for 24

continuous hours or 24 intermittent hours in a duty cycle or trigger mode on an external battery.

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4.7 Automated persistent ISR coverage with small to micro unmanned drones and multi-int sensors coverage.

4.7.1 Smart platforms that are resilient, self-aware, self-healing or can replace themselves without human intervention.

4.7.2 Smart platform that can adjust focal area based on identified activity, while simultaneously coordinating secondary coverage of the original area.

4.8 USSOCOM is seeking unmanned solutions for Remote Capability operations. These unmanned solutions should provide ISR with persistence and survivability in contested environments. Unmanned solutions should enable placement of intelligence gathering or detection devices and associated data retrieval options.

4.8.1 Expeditionary Organic Tactical Airborne ISR Capability Set

(EOTACS)

4.8.1.1 Small Unmanned Air Systems (SUAS) Charging Hives

4.8.1.2 Operate within SUAS to/from target range

4.8.1.3 Solar/wind/hydro/combustion powered recharging

capability

4.8.1.4 Security features for concealment/defense

4.8.1.5 SUAS battery life extensions

4.8.1.6 SUAS durable and efficient solar power options

4.8.1.7 Lighter-than-air SUAS augmentation

4.8.1.8 More efficient battery types

4.8.1.9 SUAS operations without conventional RF

communications.

4.8.1.10 Visible/invisible light communications for

swarming/teaming

4.8.1.11 Acoustic communications for swarming/teaming

4.8.1.12 SUAS operations without conventional RF navigation.

4.8.1.13 Magnetic steering

4.8.1.14 Astronomic steering

4.8.1.15 SUAS employment (Infil/placement/exfil) of payload and payload data.

4.8.1.16 Carrying, deployment, retrieval mechanisms

4.8.1.17 Automated intercept/retrieval of payload data

4.8.1.18 Tethered SUAS -- reliable and mission effective

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4.8.2 SUAS Autonomous Navigation

4.8.2.1 Navigate to a fixed or transient point(s) of interest without relying upon Global Positioning Systems (GPS) or continuous operator control

4.8.2.2 Identify a landing zone and autonomously land to

maintain observation of the point of interest (POI)

4.8.2.3 Navigate around obstacles

4.8.2.4 Navigate to an alternative location or return to initial launch point for recovery

4.8.2.5 Use of Navigation Algorithm(s) in a GPS-Denied

Environment

4.8.2.5.1 Non-cooperatively use RF signals of opportunity

from space based or terrestrial emitters for alternative position fixing

4.8.2.5.2 Visual-Based Navigation (VBN)

4.8.2.5.3 Vision-Aided Navigation (VAN)

4.8.2.5.4 Terrain Referenced Navigation (TRN)

4.8.2.5.5 Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO)

4.8.2.5.6 Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM)

4.8.2.5.7 Magnetometry

4.8.2.5.8 Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)

4.8.2.5.9 Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR)

Navigation

4.8.2.5.10 Inertial Navigation System / Inertial Measurement

Unit

4.8.3 Multi-mission Tactical Unmanned Air Systems

4.8.3.1 Air vehicle survivability

4.8.3.1.1 Safely land/recover Group 3 air vehicle with

inadvertent or unintended propulsion failure without damage to air vehicle or payload or additional size, weight, and power.

4.8.3.1.2 Condition-actuated parachute/parafoil deployment

4.8.3.1.3 Condition-actuated landing cushion deployment

4.8.3.1.4 Coordinated, autonomous alternative flight control

4.8.3.1.5 Magnetic steering

4.8.3.1.6 Astronomic steering

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4.8.4 Machine Learning and Cooperation/Collaboration

4.8.4.1 Optimized air/vehicle/vessel engagement

4.8.4.2 Cooperative retasking and decision support

4.8.4.3 Launch, recover, cooperate with UAS

4.8.4.4 Unmanned system networking

4.8.5 Antenna technology

4.8.5.1 Slew to cue directional antennas

4.8.5.2 Auto-switching omni and directional antennas as needed.

4.8.5.3 Aircraft battery technology

4.8.6 Auxiliary/backup and rechargeable power solutions

4.8.6.1 Renewable energy power cell technology

4.8.7 Aircraft propulsion technology

4.8.7.1 Alternative fuel propulsion

4.8.7.2 Low acoustic signature/energy conserving propulsion

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

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

4.8.8.2 Data systems that process data, develop optimized

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

4.8.8.3 Collaborative smart, adaptive sensor network systems

that dynamically share knowledge/status, provide optimized problem solutions, and ability to task/communicate to other sensor nodes.

4.8.8.4 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.

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

4.9 USSOCOM is seeking technology solutions that are developing content for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for use in training and field environments in near real time (seconds/minutes/hours). Often when AR and VR are combined it is referred to as Mixed Reality (MR) and/or Extended Reality (XR).

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4.9.1 Create digital content from physical form to AR/VR environment quickly by users. Content can be geographical areas (buildings, neighborhoods, towns) or singular objects (small/medium/large).

Expected tradeoffs in quality, speed, size to be included in experimentation plans.

4.9.1.1 Stand alone and/or enterprise photogrammetry tools and solutions

4.9.1.2 LiDAR/Other tools and solutions

4.9.1.3 Laser scanning

4.9.1.4 Enterprise digital engineering tools and solutions; Computer

Aided Design (CAD), blueprints, drawings to AR/VR/MR/XR environments for collaboration and/or manipulation.

4.9.2 Content management tools and solutions for AR/VR/MR/XR

capture, development, and operations using industry standards in an enterprise environment.

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 1 Feb 2023.

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 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 24 January 2023. All frequency questions shall be directed to the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation team at the email above. Respondents shall not contact the Avon Park Frequency Manager 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 mailto:exp@socom.mil

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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 09 Dec 2022, 12:00 Noon EST, 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: https: vulcan-sof.com by the respective deadline.

Scout Cards should be created within the TE 23-2 Technical Experimentation Event: Special Reconnaissance Related Technologies. 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.

• 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).

• A signed Photo Release (RFI Attachment 5).

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 https://atlas-sof.com/

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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.

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:

Number Theme/Focus Area Location Event Dates

RFI Open Period

TE23-3 Information Advantage/Dominance

North Carolina 5-9 June

Feb 2023

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.

http://www.tinyurl.com/LinkedIn-SOCOMTE

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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 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 on the basis of 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:

Ph: (813) 826-4646, email: tech_exp@socom.mil https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public https://www.bis.doc.gov/