Attachment_1_USSOCOM_Technical_Experimentation_Event_27-1-FINAL.pdf

UNCLASSIFIED

Solicitation Number: USSOCOM Open Call for Technical Experimentation 27-1: Special Operations Forces (SOF) Combat Diving (Diver Communications, Diver Propulsion, Underwater Interfaces) and Maritime Domain Situational Awareness Sensing Integration on USVs

Notice Type: Special Notice TYPE: A–Research and Development NAICS: 541715 (Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) Publish Date: 06 October 2026 Response Date: 22 October 2026, 12:00 Noon Eastern Time Synopsis:

A. INTRODUCTION: Technical Experimentation (TE) 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 and/or exercise 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 3 and 4 below. The intent is to provide participants with the opportunity to gain SOF insight/perspective on participant technologies. USSOCOM intends to experiment with integration to maritime unmanned surface vehicles(USV).

Participants in the Technical Experimentation event may be competitively down-selected through a peer review process based on their successful participation.

Nominations will not be evaluated against each other since they are not submitted in accordance with a common work statement. The Technical Experimentation is directed toward advancing the state-of-the-art or increasing knowledge or understanding of technologies that may support SOF mission sets, rather than focusing on a specific system or hardware solution, and the government expects meaningful nominations with varying technical or scientific approaches. The competitive down-selection will be based on three evaluation factors:

• Alignment with SOCOM mission and needs relevant to this announcement in paragraphs 3 and 4 below.

• Technical Merit of demonstrated capability.

• Affordability.

The government considers the peer reviewed down-selection process competitive procedures . Participants may be asked to submit a formal proposal from which award of an Other Transaction under 10 U.S.C. 4021, 4022 (with potential follow on production), or 4023, Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), Partnership Intermediary Agreement Collaborative Project Order, or other non-FAR SOCOM contractual vehicle may be executed.

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

This call is for SOF Experimentation 27-1:

• Dates: 7 through 11 December 2026

• Theme: Special Operations Forces (SOF) Combat Diving (Diver

Communications, Diver Propulsion, Underwater Interfaces) and Maritime Domain Situational Awareness Sensing Integration on USVs

• Location: USASOC Special Forces Underwater Operations School (SFUWO), Key West, Fl.

B. OBJECTIVE:

1. Technology experimentation events provide an opportunity for respondents to experiment around and interact with operational personnel and systems to determine how their technology development efforts and ideas may support or enhance SOF capability needs in the maritime environment. The event environment facilitates a collaborative relationship between Government, academia, and industry to promote the identification and assessment of emerging technologies. USSOCOM will have USV platforms on site and provide opportunity to integrate and test maritime domain awareness technologies through the event.

The deadline for nomination package(s) is 22 October 2026 at 12:00 Noon Eastern Time. After reviewing the TE nomination submissions, the Government may invite expertly screened candidates to demonstrate their technologies at the USSOCOM sponsored TE event. Experiments will be conducted from 7-11 December 2026, at the USASOC Special Forces Underwater Operations Facility, Key West, Fl. and will explore emerging technology solutions and revolutionary improvements in relevant technologies.

Unless otherwise specified, materiel solutions brought to the event should be between a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5 and 7. Proposed experiments may be between a half day and four days in duration. At the discretion of USSOCOM, respondents may be asked to complete a vendor loan agreement (RFI Notice Attachment 5). USSOCOM may evaluate exemplar technologies during experimentation event 27-1 and execute awards utilizing the authorities granted under 10 U.S.C. § 4021 (Research projects),10 U.S.C. § 4022 (Prototype Projects), and 10 U.S.C. § 4023 (Procurement for Experimental Purposes) as well as CRADAs or Collaborative Project orders under the 15 U.S.C. § 3715 (Partnership Intermediary Agreement).

2. Experimentation Focus: SOCOM has two experimentation and exercise areas for the event. The primary intent of this event is to highlight technologies that support SOF Combat Diver communication operations as well as swimmer/diver communications and interfaces with propulsion (3.1-3.3). The second area is integration of maritime domain awareness capability to pertinent USV systems (4.1).

In this second area USSOCOM will expect integration to existing USV systems to exercise before and during the event. USSOCOM is interested in the specific technology areas described below and the ability to provide innovative, effective “off the shelf” capabilities.

3. Technology areas to explore during the event include the following: Combat Diving

3.1 Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) and Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) systems.

3.1.1. Flat panel and/or conformal maritime antennas for satellite, over the horizon, and line of sight communications deployed from a Combat Swimmer in the water column

3.1.2. Threat awareness systems and passive sensors to detect, direction find and provide diver situational awareness in a timely manner to avoid self-detection.

3.1.3. Communication systems suitable (compact and capable of being marinized for underwater use) for use aboard current underwater navigation systems or new innovative systems to provide maritime navigation/communication in GPS denied environments utilizing alternative methods for communications.

3.1.4. Innovative Artificial Intelligence/Machine Language propulsion systems interfacing with underwater communications systems.

3.1.5. Software applications for use with high-definition infrared and visual camera systems to detect and track multiple maritime objects from as far away as the visual horizon is practical, and to alert the camera operator to provide rapid classification and identification of potential threats.

3.2. Diver communications systems focused on providing innovative commercial “off the shelf” capabilities. 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.

3.2.1. Type. Diver communication devices must be capable of

transmitting in an underwater littoral environment to various divers and interfaces with other platforms and unmanned vehicles.

3.2.2. Mounting. Diver communication devices must utilize small, low-profile transmitters and receivers which minimize interference with operations that a combat diver performs.

3.2.3. Operator interface. Diver communication 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.

3.2.4. Operational temperature range. Devices should be capable of operating throughout a significant range of temperatures for both underwater operations, dry storage, and transportation conditions.

3.2.5. Duration. Battery power must provide sufficient duration for continuous use during extended underwater operations. Diver communication 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.

3.2.6. Depth. Diver communication devices should be capable of operating throughout the operational water column, including significant depths.

3.2.7. 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. Diver communication device 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.

3.3. Underwater Diver augmented Vision

3.3.1. Submerged vehicle communications and interfaces with navigation systems and or diver carried communication systems

3.3.2. Submerged vehicles with capabilities to make beach landing sites and provide real time updates which are LPI/LPD back to the Combat diver in the water column.

3.3.3. Display current DPD speed and remaining battery power directly on a Heads-Up Display (HUD), as a repaper to primary gauges and indicators.

3.3.4. Calculate and display projected waypoint arrival times (ETA) and battery life estimates based on current speed.

3.3.5 Feed forward-looking sonar and obstacle alert directly to the HUD.

3.3.6 Integrate with US Navy Dive Computer to display current decompression obligations.

4. Maritime domain battlespace awareness area

4.1 Integrated maritime domain battlespace awareness for autonomous surface vehicles. Persistent (mission time/phase) maritime operational awareness in a 20 nautical mile by 20 nautical mile area operating in profiles including reconnaissance, communication, command and control (C2), targeting, and battle damage assessment

(BDA).

4.1.1 Enable reconnaissance missions using sensing that can detect, identify, and track visual(video/still), acoustic(surface/subsurface), electromagnetic, physical (LIDAR/RADAR/SONAR/vibration), chemical (CBRN).

4.1.2 Autonomous Intelligence (AI) analysis and decision making based on real time situation and operational guidelines and actions.

4.1.3 Targeting threats or mission targets. Providing or executing terminal guidance for strike of targets.

4.1.4 Assessing situation and effects of actions throughout the mission to include battle damage assessment.

4.1.5 Integration into existing C2 systems; SOF Common Core

Architecture (SCCA) compatible (preferred, and some systems must integrate within 6 months if selected). SOCOM will provide industry calls for familiarity and technical information of SCCA to appropriate participants. Communications for SOF interoperability with communication protocols and messages including but not limited to.

4.1.5.1 OMNI – Open Mission Network Integration

4.1.5.2 PLI – Position Location Information

4.1.5.3 FMV compatibility (Full Motion Video)

4.1.5.4 COT – Cursor on Target interoperability

4.1.6 USSOCOM prefers system interfaces and configurations that follow Modular Payload (MOD Payload) https://www.jhuapl.edu/work/publications/mod-payload

5. Security/Classification Requirements: Respondents shall not submit classified information in the technology experimentation nominations.

6. Safety Requirements: All respondents shall review 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 20 November 2026. Respondents should include instructions that describe the safe operation of the device(s) 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 may include 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 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 4 November 2026. All frequency questions shall be directed to the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation team at the email above. Respondents shall not contact the SFUWO area Spectrum Manager directly.

8. Other Special Requirements: DO NOT SUBMIT PROPOSALS OR

MARKETING DEMONSTRATIONS. SUBMIT TECHNOLOGY

EXPERIMENTATION/EXERCIS NOMINATIONS ONLY. EXPERIMENTATION

NOMINATION SUBMITTALS FOR THIS RFI WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE

CLOSING DATE OF 22 October 2026, 12:00 Noon Eastern Time, for the https://www.jhuapl.edu/work/publications/mod-payload https://www.jhuapl.edu/work/publications/mod-payload mailto:exp@socom.mil mailto:exp@socom.mil requirements stated above.

C. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY AS INSTRUCTIONS

CHANGE FROM EVENT TO EVENT.

2. 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, then inserted into the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation 27-1 Special Operations Forces (SOF) Combat Diving (Diver Communications, Diver Propulsion, Underwater Interfaces) and Maritime Domain Situational Awareness Sensing Integration on USVs call.

3. The Vulcan system is best accessed by using Firefox or Google Chrome browsers. Associated technology experiments with distinctly different uses or applications should have separate nominations submitted by each respondent.

USSOCOM personnel will review submissions to determine whether an experiment submission will be accepted for invitation to attend the SOF experimentation event.

4. CRITICAL: It takes no less than 40 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. 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 contact the Vulcan Support Team (support@vulcan-sof.com) and courtesy copy the Technical Experimentation Team immediately at 813- 826-4646 or email at tech_exp@socom.mil.

5. A complete submission consists of:

5.1 Creating a Scout Card in the Vulcan system as described above. Submitters will need their Scout Card ID number to complete the following step.

5.2 Completely and correctly filling in the Supplemental Information form via, https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/dGDR6y6pQY?origin=lprLink . The Electronic 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.

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

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

• A STA 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.

• Experiment plan and any relevant testing documents validating TRL level.

• Integration requirements, any technical specification to interoperate with systems

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

5.3 A signed Photo Release (RFI Attachment 2).

5.3.1 File named as: Scout Card ID_Company Name.

5.3.2 Example: 99875_AcmeAnvil

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

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

5.4.2 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.

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

5.4.4 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).

6. Selected respondents will be invited to participate in the USSOCOM event.

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 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. On a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of USSOCOM, respondents invited to the event may be asked to complete a Vendor Loan Agreement (VLA) (RFI Notice Attachment 5). Do not submit the VLA form unless instructed by USSOCOM to do so.

Time and space will be made available for respondents to conduct real-time modifications and updates to technologies. Respondents 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 and effectiveness

• Relevance of or adaptability to military operations/missions

• Relevance to current operational needs

• Relevance to Event Focus Area

• Integration factors relevant to SOF platforms and/or systems

E. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: All efforts shall be made to protect proprietary information that is clearly marked in writing. Respondents shall label all information considered proprietary. Lessons learned by USSOCOM from these experiments may be broadly disseminated, but only within the Government. If selected for participation in Technical Experimentation, vendors may be requested to provide additional information that will be used in preparation for the experiments.

Future SOF experimentation 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

TBD

Rodeo 27

NATC, NV

April

December 2026

Respondents invited to this event are encouraged to contact each other using 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 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.

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

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. 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 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 for EAR, the US Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security at: https://www.bis.doc.gov. USSOCOM event organizers will restrict access as necessary to assist in protecting ITAR/EAR related technology demonstrations.

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