Attachment _1_RFI_USSOCOM Technical Experimentation Event 23-3 (002).pdf

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Solicitation Number: USSOCOM RFI TE 23-3 Technical Experimentation Event:

Information Advantage / Information Dominance 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: 27 Feb 2023 Response Date: 29 Mar 2023, 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 Domestic 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 23-3. This event will occur over the period of one week as shown below.

Dates/Theme/Location:

5 June - 9 June 2023: Information Advantage / Information Dominance – at the Emerging Technology Institute (ETI), Red Springs, North Carolina (NC).

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 29 Mar, 2023 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 5 June – 9 June 2023, in Red Springs, NC and will explore emerging technology solutions and revolutionary

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improvements in relevant technologies. Materiel solutions brought to the event should be between a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 and 6. 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 highlight technologies that support Information Advantage/Information Dominance related technologies.

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

4.1 Global Sensor Network

4.1.1 Remote sensing

4.1.1.1 Multi-purpose passive sensors capable of sensing noise, traffic, weather, radio signals, etc.

4.1.1.2 Passive sensors capable of identifying patterns/deviations in environmental baselines, using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

4.1.1.3 Crowd sourcing technologies capable of providing near real-time indications of activities/sentiment relevant to mission objectives.

4.1.1.4 Commercial data services capable of enhancing understanding of the environment relevant to mission objectives (e.g., ad-tech capabilities, context-relevant analysis of financial transactions, infrastructure development, supply chain analytics identifying opportunities, vulnerabilities, and disruptions).

4.1.1.5 High-altitude sensing (i.e., stratosphere).

4.1.1.6 Advanced sensors for Processing, Exploitation and

Dissemination (PED).

4.1.1.7 Edge processing at sensor with high confidence the detection set is complete, i.e., not high confidence a detect is true, but that all instances of the thing to be detected have been detected despite defeat attempts.

4.2 Data Transport

4.2.1 A single multi-link, multi-band receiver antennae capability, with multiple integrated receivers for all direct data feeds from the space, aerial, and terrestrial sensors.

4.2.2 Cross-edge node/mesh-like data federation capability that synchronizes data & products from one edge node to another when cloud connectivity is not practical.

4.2.3 Long duration over-the-horizon sensor data exfil that is survivable in contested environments.

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4.3 Military Information Support Operations (MISO)

4.3.1 Web-based information operations enablers.

4.3.1.1 Technologies to assist in vetting and validation of information, including imagery, derived from publicly available sources.

4.3.1.2 Technologies that can provide early indications and warnings of mis/disinformation prior to mass dissemination.

4.3.1.3 Technologies for developing and monitoring Measures of Effectiveness (MoE) to assess the effect/impact of Blue activities on Blue objectives (e.g., capabilities that can monitor and evaluate public perception of Blue activities and assess likely impact on Blue objectives).

4.3.2 Social science data processing and computation.

4.3.2.1 Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) technologies that accelerate extraction of relevant insights from social science data and provide linkages to mission objectives.

4.3.3 Content creation and dissemination tools.

4.3.4 Survey and measures of effectiveness applications.

4.3.5 Social network analysis and link analysis tools to plan MISO activities and monitor foreign adversary misinformation.

4.4 Characterization of Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Data

4.4.1 AI/ML-enabled cognitive radios and processors.

4.4.2 Toolset to actively or passively survey the EMS environment and automatically detect, geolocate, and characterize/map the EMS terrain.

4.4.3 Fusion of sensors/collection devices across the electromagnetic spectrum integrated with AI/ML analysis tools and/or predictive analysis software.

4.5 Data Processing

4.5.1 Artificial Intelligence (AI) for digital information processing

4.5.2 Data integration and interoperability across platforms

4.5.3 Server hardware in a scalable edge compute form factor (laptop, lightweight transit case server, vehicle rack mounted) capability to host cloud services on local hardware supporting solutions for theater strategic to tactical units in light, medium, and heavy SOF formations for both garrison and austere conditions.

4.5.4 Server hardware with persistent store (data fabric) capability that can support data and products within the SCI, Collateral, Collateral Coalition, and CUI security classification domains.

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4.6 FVEY/Partnered Common Operating Picture (COP) / Common Intelligence Picture (CIP)

4.6.1 Data sharing and interoperability.

4.6.2 Threat prediction capability that provides threat forecasts by leveraging publicly available information (e.g., logistical data) to refine foundational intelligence (e.g., order of battle) and support target development.

4.7 Information Common Operating Picture (COP)

4.7.1 Nonlethal effects COP, modeling, and geographic representation of non-kinetic (i.e., EW, IO/Influence, Civil Affairs) effects.

4.7.2 Integration of indicator and sensing data.

4.7.3 Integration of Tagging Tracking and Locating (TTL) & geolocation of data.

4.7.4 Context-aware decision support tools capable of analyzing fused sensor and indicator data and accelerating generation of Course of Action (CoA) relevant to mission objectives.

4.7.5 Predictive intelligence software platform that uses publicly available (unclassified) information to identify, provide attribution, and track connected devices based upon their unique online behavior and signatures.

4.8 Electronic Warfare (EW) Effects

4.8.1 Ability to identify, characterize, and geolocate interferers from digitally modulated waveforms to support targeting and effects delivery.

4.8.2 Application of AI to detect and classify aerial emitters into object-based entities that can then be used for predictive intelligence algorithms for force protection.

4.9 Digital Force Protection (DFP) Standardization

4.9.1 Tools that normalize data from DFP-related activities (e.g., discovery, threat identification, and overwatch) to make the data visible, accessible, usable, trusted, and interoperable across multiple theaters.

4.10 Identity and Signature Management Toolset

4.10.1 Toolset for acquisition, process, exploit, and monitor Publicly

Available Information.

4.10.2 Toolset to manage attribution / internet presence and integrate acquisition tool.

4.10.3 Hacked, Breached, Leaked, Data Knowledge Management System /

Sandbox

4.11 Information protection and security

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4.11.1 Network security for information transfer to and from the edge (i.e., encryption).

4.11.2 Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) for moving information across multiple classification networks.

4.12 Cyber Effects

4.12.1 Vulnerability research and exploit development tools.

4.12.2 Offensive security and intrusion tools.

4.13 USSOCOM is seeking subject matter expertise and technology solutions that are developing content for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in the field and 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).

EXAMPLE: During the event several items ranging from an electronic component to an aircraft can be captured (scanning/photo/video/other?) to produce a 3d image, point cloud, model, other. Be able to manipulate those media for required end products as needed. Experimentation metrics are difficulty of use, speed, media size, integration to human interface applications, flexibility throughout the process from physical (original) item to digital content and model and then back to physical model via additive manufacturing.

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

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

4.13.1.1 Stand alone and/or enterprise photogrammetry tools and solutions.

4.13.1.2 LiDAR/Other tools and solutions.

4.13.1.3 Laser scanning.

4.13.1.4 Enterprise digital engineering tools and solutions; Computer

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

4.13.2 Content management tools and solutions for AR/VR/MR/XR capture, development, and operations using industry standards in an enterprise environment.

4.13.2.1 Assuming multiple phases of content any system, architecture, or components supporting gather, create, distribute, and organize the content in defined processes.

4.13.2.2 Streaming services, app stores , VR device management, Kiosk modes.

4.13.2.3 Training/Learning platforms.

4.13.3 Modeling and simulation of military specific capability.

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4.13.3.1 Radio Frequency for sensing and communications

4.13.3.2 Weapon Systems

4.13.3.3 Military platforms and vehicles

4.13.3.4 Surveillance and Reconnaissance sensors

4.13.4 The latest commercial hardware and software

4.13.4.1 Vive XR Elite

4.13.4.2 Other?

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 19 May 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 2 May 2023. All frequency questions shall be directed to the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation team at the email above. Respondents shall not contact the ETI facility 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 29 Mar 2023, 12:00 Noon DST, for mailto:exp@socom.mil

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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 23-3 Technical Experimentation:

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

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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

TE24-1 Maritime Surface/Subsurface Systems

Little Creek, VA December

August

TE24-2 ISR Related Technologies Avon Park, FL March

December

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

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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 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/