Attachment_1_RFI_USSOCOM Technical Experimentation Event 26-4.pdf

UNCLASSIFIED

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Solicitation Number: USSOCOM RFI TE 26-4 Technical Experimentation: Signature Management and Defeat 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: 26 May. 2026 Response Date: 25 Jun. 2026, 12:00 Noon Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) 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 26-4. This event will occur over the period of one week as shown below.

Dates/Theme/Location:

14 September – 18 September 2026: Signature Management and Defeat – at Red Springs, North Carolina.

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 25 Jun 2026 at 12:00 Noon EDT. 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 14 September – 18 September 2026, in Red Springs, NC 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 conducted in unimproved expeditionary-like conditions.

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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 employing signature management and defeat of signature management capabilities.

4. TE 26-4 will be a best of breed challenge for developers to demonstrate their capability to USSOCOM in an operationally focused vignette. Technologies that support signature management will be pitted against technologies designed to defeat signature management capabilities.

Technology areas to explore during the event include the following:

4.1 Signature Management

4.1.1 Automatic Target Recognition (ATR):

4.1.1.1 UAS Deployed ATR Algorithms

4.1.1.2 ATR Sensor Systems

4.1.1.3 Open-Set Recognition Capabilities

4.1.1.4 Deep Learning-Based ATR

4.1.2 Communications

4.1.2.1 LPI/LPD Communications

4.1.2.2 Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC)

4.1.2.3 Non-RF Based Comms

4.1.2.4 Emissions Control (EMCON)

4.1.2.5 Signature Spoofing and Deception

4.1.3 Physical Systems

4.1.3.1 Signature Reducing Camouflage (multi-spectral)

4.1.3.2 Signature Reducing Uniforms (multi-spectral)

4.1.3.3 Facial Recognition Capabilities

4.1.3.4 Counter Optical Augmentation Capabilities

4.1.3.5 Acoustic Signature Reduction Capabilities

4.1.3.6 Weapons Signature Reduction Capabilities

4.1.4 Digital Signature Management

4.1.4.1 Ubiquitous Technical Surveillance Countermeasures

4.1.4.2 Novel Digital Signature Management Capabilities

4.1.5 Novel Methods

4.1.5.1 Novel Signature Management or Reduction Capabilities

4.2 Signature Management Degrade, Deny, Defeat, Destroy:

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4.2.1 ATR Obfuscation Technologies

4.2.2 Advanced Spectrum Analyzers with AI/ML based Signals

Classification

4.2.3 Satellite Communications Detection Technologies

4.2.4 RF-Silent UAS Detection Technologies

4.2.5 Optical Devices for Defeating Signature Reducing Camouflage and

Uniforms

4.2.6 Advanced Facial Recognition Technologies

4.2.7 Optical Augmentation Technologies

4.2.8 Uncooled Low SWAP-C SWIR/MWIR/LWIR Sensor Technologies

4.2.9 Stand-off Sensor Disablement and Defeat

4.2.10 Counter Spoofing Capabilities

4.2.11 Friend or Foe Identification Capabilities

4.2.12 Novel Signature Management Defeat Technologies

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).

6.1 It is MANDATORY to email the Risk Assessment directly to the tech_exp@socom.mil by 3 August 2026. Respondents should include instructions that describe the safe operation of the device nominated for the experiment.

6.2 File names will be in this format only, Vulcan ID_Company Name_DRAW.

Example: 7777_AcmeAnvil_DRAW.

7. Frequency Requirements: If your experiment radiates on any given frequency or frequency band other than the ISM 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.

7.1 Respondents are advised NOT to 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 7 August 2026. All frequency questions shall be directed to the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation team at the email above.

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 mailto:exp@socom.mil mailto:tech_exp@socom.mil

4 | T E 2 6 - 4 R F I 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 25 Jun 2026, 12:00 Noon EDT, for the requirements stated above. No contracts will be awarded based solely on this announcement or any subsequent supplemental RFI announcements.

C. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY AS INSTRUCTIONS

CHANGE FROM EVENT TO EVENT.

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 26-4 Technical Experimentation: Signature Management and Defeat Call. 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.

CRITICAL: It takes 45 minutes to complete the Scout Card and the Electronic Supplemental Information link. If you try to submit in the last 30 minutes of the day of the Call closing, you will not succeed. Don’t wait for the last day. PLAN ACCORDINGLY! When the Call closes it WILL NOT BE REOPENED. There will be NO other notices or alibis. If you are having issues submitting in vulcan please immediately email the vulcan team at both of the following addresses support@vulcan-sof.com and contact@vulcan-sof.com. Ensure you CC the TE team as well at tech_exp@socom.mil. The Technical Experimentation Team desk number is 813-826-4646.

A complete submission consists of:

1. This is first. Creating a Scout Card in the Vulcan system as described above.

Submitters will need their Scout Card ID number to complete the following step.

2. Completely and correctly filling in the Supplemental Information form via https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/YTkmqLL5D8?origin=lprLink. The Electronic https://vulcan-sof.com/login/ng2/home/government/9509eaf8-9c98-4c80-884b-132fc9ecc2a3 mailto:support@vulcan-sof.com mailto:contact@vulcan-sof.com mailto:tech_exp@socom.mil https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/YTkmqLL5D8?origin=lprLink

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Supplemental Information form is a MANDATORY requirement for ALL respondents. Failure to completely fill out the electronic form via the link provided will disqualify your submission in the Vulcan call for this event.

There are no alibis for this requirement.

3. A signed Photo Release (RFI Attachment 2).

File named as: Scout Card ID_Company Name.

Example: 99875_AcmeAnvil

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. Those using only the ISM Band must state the exact frequency range and must transmit at less than 1 watt.

ISM band rules require devices to operate without causing harmful interference and to accept any interference from other devices. In the United States, these rules are governed by the FCC, with Part 18 for ISM equipment and Part 15 for unlicensed communication devices that share ISM frequencies.

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

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

Selected respondents will be invited to participate in USSOCOM experiments.

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

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

Selected respondents who demonstrate capabilities of significant interest/potential to address SOF future capabilities may be invited to participate in future TE events.

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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

TE27-1 TBD TBD TBD TBD

Technology developers invited to this event are encouraged to contact each other using social media through USSOCOM Technical Experimentation. 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 by 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 2.

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

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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.

a. 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 should 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