Attachment_1_RFI_USSOCOM Technical Experimentation Event 24-1.pdf

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Solicitation Number: USSOCOM RFI TE 24-1 Technical Experimentation Event: Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) Surface Systems/Combat Diving 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: 19 July 2023 Response Date: 18 August 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.

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

This RFI is for TE 24-1. This event will occur over the period of one week as shown below.

Dates/Theme/Location:

4 December – 8 December 2023: NSWC Surface Systems/Combat Diving. – at Little Creek, Virginia (VA).

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 18 August, 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.

Experiments will be conducted from 4 December – 8 December 2023, in Little Creek, VA. 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 duration and may be

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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 NSWC Surface Systems/Combat Diving related technologies.

Note: Due to airspace restrictions in the vicinity of the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, no Unmanned Aerial Systems will be permitted to fly during this event.

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

4.1. Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) and Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) systems. Provide users with futuristic and maximum technological capabilities to include cyber defense.

4.1.1. Flat panel and/or conformal maritime antennas for secure communications systems (VHF-IR spectrum).

4.1.2. Threat awareness systems and passive sensors to detect, direction find, and locate threat radars including land, air, sea-based radars, and other threat systems – in sufficient time to avoid self-detection.

4.1.3. Navigation systems suitable (compact and capable of being marinized) for use aboard combatant craft to provide maritime navigation in GPS denied environments utilizing methods such as, Alternate Precision Navigation and Timing.

4.1.4. Enhanced survivability technologies to reduce multi-spectral detection of combatant craft.

4.1.5. Innovative propulsion systems to extend the range and performance of combatant craft, including alternative energy systems and diesel-electric systems. Systems capable of autonomous (level 4 or greater) operation highly desired.

4.1.6. Software application for use with high-definition EO/IR camera systems to detect and track multiple maritime objects from as far away as the visual horizon as practical, and to alert the camera operator to provide rapid classification and identification of potential threats.

Automated Target Recognition (ATR) and machine speed transfer to off hull consumers of target quality eight (TQ-8, Equal to/less than a 15Km x 15Km area ) data or greater highly desired.

4.1.7. Sonar systems capable of >600m depth capable of integration into Inertial Navigation System(s) with organic onboard processor / display

4.1.8. Fully integrated mission management system that displays, manipulates, fuses, and allows cue to slew sensor operations.

Compatible with USN systems desired.

4.1.9 Reduced signature communications systems marinized and

ruggedized for use on craft. The use of modular, Software Defined Radios (SDRs) preferred.

4.1.10 Interchangeable, modular electronic warfare payload(s) that provide scalable electronic effects.

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4.1.11 Electronic countermeasures. Modular payload preferred.

4.2 Diving systems focused on providing innovative commercial “off the shelf” capabilities. This technical experiment is seeking technologies which can securely and reliably send and receive digital data, audio, audio/video, and high-resolution imagery over the horizon and on-the-move, amongst divers in the water column, as well as interoperate with maritime/joint-forces on both surface and submerged platforms.

4.2.1. Diver Heads-up display systems capable of integrating with currently approved ANU (Authorized for Navy Use) full face masks for UBAs.

4.2.2. Underwater technology for situational awareness.

4.2.3. Diver devices must be capable of transmitting and receiving text and brevity codes in open ocean and littoral zones to various divers and platforms. Other forms of data transmission are desired.

4.2.4. Mounting. Devices must utilize small, low-profile transmitters and receivers which minimize interference with operations that a combat diver performs.

4.2.5. Operator interface. Devices must interface with equipment used by a combat diver and must be easy to operate with heavy gloves and in a zero-visibility environment.

4.2.6. Operational temperature range. The range of operation is from 32-110 degrees Fahrenheit water and storage to 10-110 degrees Fahrenheit to better align with current requirements.

4.2.7. Duration. Battery power must provide between 6 and 12 hours of continuous use. Device designs should seek to use batteries which are currently approved for U.S. Navy use to minimize cost and schedule associated with system approval.

4.2.8. Depth. Devices should be rated for a maximum depth of 100m.

4.2.9. Other desired aspects of the system or required characteristics. The primary intent of this event is to highlight technologies which can support SOF combat divers in the water column. Technology design should not inhibit maneuverability of weapon system employment and instead should increase the situational awareness and survivability of the combat diver in the water column.

4.3. Combatant craft and Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) underwater communications:

4.3.1. Submerged vehicle communications.

4.3.1.1 Autonomous UUV communications between multiple UUVs.

4.3.1.2 Untethered Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)

communications.

4.3.1.3 SEAL Delivery Vehicle to UUV underwater communications.

4.3.1.4 Dry Combat Submersible (DCS) to UUV communications.

4.3.2. Submerged vehicle to diver communications.

4.3.2.1 Shark Marine Tablet to UUV and ROV.

4.3.2.2 Diver to DCS Pilot or submarine communications.

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4.3.3 Secure and encrypted underwater communications capable of being submitted for certification.

4.4. Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles

(UUV). Capable of over the horizon endurance and operating in a near peer environment. Candidate systems should be capable of autonomous (Level 4 or greater) operation and carrying sensors/payloads. Interest includes capabilities in the following areas.

4.4.1. Interchangeable, modular Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber-Defense (C5ISR), and Combat Systems (C6ISR) payloads and/or sensors.

4.4.2. Two-man portable and/or launch and recovery assist mechanisms for larger USVs.

4.4.3. Passive obstacle avoidance.

4.4.4. Capability to monitor and track large underway watercraft.

4.4.5. Maritime Tethered Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) and untethered payloads capable of transporting and releasing smaller UxS payloads.

4.4.6. Self-emplacing long-dwell UAS with autopilot which operates efficiently in flight and swim modes.

4.4.7 Organic scalable effects.

4.4.8 Interchangeable modular Electronic Warfare payloads.

4.5 Maritime Alternative Position, Navigation, and Timing (ALT PNT)

4.5.1 Navigate to a fixed or transient point(s) of interest without relying upon Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Iridium networks, or continuous operator control.

4.5.2 Identify and navigate around obstacles.

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

4.5.4 Use of Navigation Algorithm(s)/other means of navigation in a GPS-

Denied Environment.

4.5.5 Non-cooperative use of radio frequency signals of opportunity from space based or terrestrial emitters for alternative position fixing.

4.5.6 Inertial Navigation System / Inertial Measurement Unit with an allowable drift of.5 NM radius over 8 hours.

4.6 Combatant Craft systems focused on providing innovative commercial “off the shelf” capabilities to current and future craft and crew.

4.6.1 Drop in systems for autonomy in craft functions/control

4.6.2 Systems management tracking/Built in testing and performance management

4.6.3 Training simulators for mission profiles.

4.6.4 Habitability systems for small craft.

4.6.5 Efficient propulsion and electricity generation

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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 November 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 27 October 2023. The FCC STA request site is at:

https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/forms/STANotificationPage.cfm. All frequency questions shall be directed to the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation team at the email above.

Respondents shall not contact the Naval Special Warfare Command or Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Ft. Story.

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 18 August 2023, 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 24-1 Technical Experimentation: NSWC Surface Systems/Combat Diving. The Vulcan system is best accessed by using mailto:exp@socom.mil mailto:exp@socom.mil https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/els/forms/STANotificationPage.cfm https://vulcan-sof.com/login/ng2/home/government/9509eaf8-9c98-4c80-884b-132fc9ecc2a3

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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).

• A Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Special Temporary

Authorization (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 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.

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• Relevance of or adaptability to military operations/missions.

• Relevance to current operational needs.

• Relevance to Event Focus Areas.

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

TE24-2 ISR Related Technologies Avon Park, FL April 2024 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 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 http://www.tinyurl.com/LinkedIn-SOCOMTE

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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/ mailto:exp@socom.mil