Attachment _1_RFI_USSOCOM Technical Experimentation Event 25-1.pdf

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Solicitation Number: USSOCOM RFI TE 25-1: Arctic Technical Experimentation:

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: June 25, 2024 Response Date: July 25, 2024, 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 25-1. This event is a joint US/Norway event which will occur over the period of one week as shown below.

Dates/Theme/Location:

13-17 January 2025: Arctic Technical Experimentation – at Camp Rødsmoen, Norway.

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 July 25, 2024 at 12:00 Noon US 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 13 January – 17 January 2025, at Camp Rødsmoen, Norway, and will explore emerging technology solutions and revolutionary capability enhancements. 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 or Norway to purchase or procure equipment based solely on

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participation in this TE event, however, TE informs requirements generation, programming, and acquisition and technology planning.

Note: Technology submissions that fall under the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR) per paragraph G2 below will NOT be selected for this event.

3. Experimentation Focus: The primary intent of this event is to highlight technologies with the potential to support US/Norwegian and allied special operations in Arctic environments. This includes technologies developed for high-latitude regions, cold weather operations, long periods of darkness, and cross-over conditions.

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

4.1 Communications

4.1.1 Communications and navigation. Innovative solutions that give increased operational benefit in areas with reduced SATCOM and GPS coverage.

4.1.2 Effective high north satellite shots

4.1.3 Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS)/reduced signature solutions (ideally, non-infrastructure dependent)

4.1.4 Reduced signature intra-team communications and situational tool

(blue force tracking)

4.1.5 Free space optics (small form factor), with atmospheric turbulence mitigations

4.1.6 Signature Deception/Decoy/Concealment technologies

4.1.7 Alternate Position Navigation Timing (not necessarily in a one system package, but parts that can enable the capability)

4.1.8 Antenna solutions

4.1.8.1 Novel approaches to broadband and/or multispectral printed antenna solutions.

4.1.8.2 Novel approaches to multi-spectral antennas

4.1.8.3 Novel approaches to low Size Weight and Power (SWaP) low frequency antennas

4.1.8.4 Antenna-technology (quick deploy, cold weather proven)

4.1.9 Amplifier and Repeater technologies

4.1.9.1 Novel approaches to low SWaP, high efficiency broadband amplifiers

4.1.9.2 Novel approaches to multi-spectral high efficiency amplifiers.

4.1.9.3 Leave behind repeaters

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4.2 Data Processing

4.2.1 Ability to share data securely and perform collaborative analytics on encrypted data protected by Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) across multiple parties.

4.2.2 Secure, multi-party collaborative analytics. Multiple data owners (US and partners) can pool their encrypted data in the cloud and jointly analyze the collective data without compromising confidentiality.

4.2.3 Data protection throughout the lifecycle. Protects all sensitive data, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) data, using advanced encryption and secure hardware enclave technology throughout the lifecycle of computation—from data upload to analytics and insights.

4.2.4 Multitiered security, policy enforcement, and governance. Leverages multiple layers of security, including Intel® Software Guard Extensions, secure enclaves, advanced cryptography, and policy enforcement to provide defense in depth, ensuring code integrity, data, and side-channel attack protection.

4.2.5 Scalability and orchestration of enclave clusters. Provides distributes confidential processing across managed TEE clusters and automates orchestration of clusters overcoming performance and scaling challenges.

4.2.6 Data (video and image) compression capabilities

4.2.7 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.

4.2.8 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 (Arctic) conditions.

4.2.9 Artificial Intelligence (AI) for digital information processing

4.2.10 Data integration and interoperability across platforms

4.2.11 Data normalization with automated language translation technologies on common compute and software platforms. Prefer disconnected operations on lowest level of computer hardware. Speech to text, text to text, text to speech, etc.

4.3. Data transport

4.3.1 Multiband communication relays

4.3.2 Acoustic communications for uncrewed system operations

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4.3.3 Visible/infrared communications for Uncrewed Aerial Systems

(UAS)

4.3.4 Multispectral MIMO architectures

4.4 Uncrewed platforms/systems (UxS)

4.4.1 Small to medium UxS operable/survivable in an arctic

environment

4.4.2 Large UxS for casualty evacuation

4.4.3 Mobile UxS production technologies

4.4.5 AI-enabled UAS swarming algorithms

4.4.6 Loitering round-trip or one-way UAS designed for:

4.4.6.1 Kinetic and non-Kinetic effects carrying 150 kg over 150 km.

4.4.6.2 Resupply carrying 300 kg over 300 km.

4.4.7 Pairing manned and unmanned systems with collaborative alerts on articles of interest in the operational environment for increased situational awareness.

4.4.7.1 Machine Learning and cooperation/collaboration

4.4.7.2 Optimized air/vehicle/vessel engagement

4.6.7.3 Cooperative re-tasking and decision support

4.4.7.4 Launch, recover, cooperate with UxS.

4.4.7.5 Unmanned system communication and networking

4.5 Counter Uncrewed Systems (CUxS)

4.5.1 Low signature and portable (Arctic Environment) UxS detection, tracking, localization, and classification capabilities

4.5.2 Interference mitigating detection capabilities.

4.5.3 Handheld and portable UxS defeat capabilities

4.5.4 Vehicle mounted low SWaP UxS detection and defeat capabilities.

4.5.5 On-the-move detection and tracking capabilities.

4.5.6 Low-cost interceptor and/or defeat solutions

4.5.7 UxS and control station exploitation tools

4.5.8 Environmental impacts on CUxS components and capabilities.

4.6 Survivability/Medical

4.6.1 Medical evacuation from remote locations

4.6.1.1 Evacuation equipment for snow/deep cold environments (e.g., casualty transport sled)

4.6.1.2 Hypothermia prevention

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4.6.1.3 Casualty warming blanket.

4.6.1.4 Frostbite rewarming systems (hands, feet, face).

4.6.2 Blood transfusion, warming, transport.

4.6.3 IV medication administration capability

4.6.4 Medication warming container to prevent freezing/change of composition of medications.

4.6.5 Effective nutrition in the environment

4.6.6 Life support devices that can be integrated into ground vehicles.

4.6.7 Arctic tourniquet/litter capability.

4.6.8 Arctic Medic tactile gloves that retain dexterity while performing medical procedures.

4.6.9 Bivouac and shelter systems

4.6.10 Arctic mothership capabilities that can provide life support to a small unit.

4.6.11 Avalanche safety systems

4.6.11.1 Tools to locate people buried by avalanche or lost in the outdoors (RECCO system)

4.6.11.2 Clothing, parachutes, and other equipment rated for

arctic conditions.

4.7 Mobility. Mobility technologies for both mounted and dismounted operations in arctic condition providing individuals/or a unit the ability to transit snow, icy or marshy terrain.

4.7.1 Innovative solutions to increase SOF warfighter mobility in arctic environments. Snowmobiles, snow bikes, split boards, tracked vehicles, ski equipment, snowshoes, ATVs, etc.

4.7.2 Ground mobility during crossover (”the 5th season”)

4.7.2.1 Fast, light, and terrain capable. No armor.

4.7.2.2 Single person up to team vehicle

4.7.2.3 Mobility in white-out conditions

4.7.2.4 Improved pull-behind sleds for increased carrying capability.

4.7.2.5 Cold weather modifications for vehicles

4.7.2.6 Active terrain mapping to estimate snow depth or moisture content

4.7.3 Lubricants and oils that function in arctic environments (fuel, oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, etc.).

4.8 Self-Sustainment Small Team Level Power. Equipment for 30-day unsupported operations in extreme weather conditions.

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4.8.1 Parasitic charging/energy harvesting capabilities

4.8.2 High efficiency low SWaP solar panels

4.8.3 Safe to ship high-capacity battery technologies.

4.8.4 Ensuring battery life in extreme cold weather conditions – low

SWaP battery warming technology for systems.

4.8.5 Charging systems

4.8.6 Fuel

4.9 Human - Machine interface capabilities

4.9.1 Visual display screens (LED screens, end user device screens, computer screens) that work in arctic conditions.

4.9.2 Dew, fog, and ice problems on all types of optics, lenses, wings, etc.

4.9.3 Cooperative re-tasking and decision support

4.9.4 AI algorithms to enhance platform autonomy.

4.9.5 AI enabled Common Operational Picture

4.9.6 Hands free common command interface

4.9.7 Multi-sensor exploitation and integration, sensor fusion

4.9.8 Novel augmented reality displays to support electronic signature, CUxS, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)

4.9.9 Novel approaches to Electronic Warfare (EW) CUxS, and EOD user interfaces

4.9.10 Novel approaches to EW, CUxS, and EOD based control

architectures

4.9.11 Visual devices that integrate technology and machine learning to enhance the understanding of the EW, EOD, and CUxS user.

4.10 Signature Management

4.10.1 Against optical threat sensors in all spectrum/wavelengths, and ground surveillance radar

4.10.2 Lightweight radar absorbing materials.

4.10.3 Signature reduction textiles and materials for individuals and vehicles

4.10.4 Worn/miniature sensors for detection of threat sensors.

4.10.5 Mitigate thermal, visual, and acoustic signatures of ground vehicles in static or while on the move, to include tracks and head/taillights.

4.11 Electronic Warfare

4.11.1 Body worn and/portable multi-spectral electronic attack, electronic protection, and electronic warfare support capabilities.

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4.11.2 Advanced electronic warfare support and attack techniques to support multiple protocols.

4.11.3 Reduced SWaP directed energy capabilities.

4.12 Explosive Ordnance Disposal

4.12.1 Reduced SWaP x-ray generators

4.12.2 Reduced SWaP large display radiography panels

4.12.3 Low SWaP Modular robotic platforms with more than 6 axes of motion

4.12.4 Novel approaches to 3d x-ray

4.12.5 Electrical component recognition/object recognition for x-ray diagnostics

4.13 Weapons, optics, lasers, and flashlights.

4.13.1 Infrared and white light that function in arctic conditions

4.13.1.1 Battery powered devices must maintain and hold charge.

4.13.1.2 Non-battery powered optics (Tritium like optics)

4.13.2 Increased lethality and precision kinetic effects for small patrols

4.13.2.1 Robust yet lightweight and be able to be operated in extreme cold temperatures.

4.13.2.2 Deliver destructive effects against personnel, infrastructure, or equipment (including armoured vehicles), beyond line of sight

4.13.2.3 Loitering munitions / swarm effect / GPS jamming should be considered.

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 22 Nov 2024.

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 the Norwegian Camp Rena Spectrum Manager’s direction. All frequency questions shall be directed to the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation team at the email above. Respondents shall not contact the Norwegian Spectrum 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.

mailto:exp@socom.mil

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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. Uncrewed Aerial Systems: If your experiment includes flying a UAS, you must have prior approval to fly. Prior approval includes compliance with the Norwegian Camp Rena Flight Manager’s direction and approval by Norwegian military or civilian air authorities. Proposals should include valid certificates to operate drones in the European Union or Norway if available. All questions must be directed to the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation team at the email provided above. Respondents shall not contact the Norwegian Flight Manager directly.

10. 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 July 25, 2024, 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 call for TE 25-1 Technical Experimentation:

Arctic Technical Experimentation. 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. Note: The Supplemental Sheet consists of two pages that need to be completed.

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

• 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).

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

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• A signed Photo Release (RFI Attachment 5).

Selected respondents will be invited to participate in USSOCOM/NORSOF experiments.

USSOCOM shall provide venues, supporting infrastructure, and Joint-SOF assessment personnel (operational and technical, based on availability of resources and written request as discussed above) 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 throughout the event and consider any unique aspects of operating OCONUS.

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

TE 25-2 In development. TBD TBD TBD

TE25-3 In development North Carolina TBD TBD

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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. As such, no submissions for (ITAR) technologies will be considered for participation in this event.

Respondents are ultimately responsible for determining the ITAR and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) status of their submission. 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 EAR.

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.

http://www.tinyurl.com/LinkedIn-SOCOMTE https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public https://www.bis.doc.gov/

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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 mailto:exp@socom.mil