ISOF Range 2027 SAM.gov Announcement (final 24SEP26).docx

Solicitation Number: USSOCOM International Special Operations Forces (ISOF) Range 2027 Notice Type: Special Notice TYPE: A–Research and Development

NAICS:

541715 - (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) 332994 - Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing 332992 - Ammunition, small arms (i.e., 30 mm. or less, 1.18 inch or less), manufacturing 325920 - Explosives Manufacturing 333314 - Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing

PSC

1550 – UAVs, Counter UAVs Response Date: 30 October 2026 for 1st Tranche consideration 29 January 2027 for 2nd Tranche consideration Synopsis:

A. EVENT: The Program Manager – SOF Lethality (PM-SL), in partnership with the Joint Services Small Arms Program (JSSAP), The Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E) Prototype & Experiments (P&E) Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) Office, The Office of Assistant Secretary of War Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict (SO/LIC) Secretariat for Special Operations (SSO) Capability, Development, and Innovation (CD&I), and U.S. Army Product Director - Crew Served Weapons (PdD-CSW) and in coordination with SOF Warrior Unmanned Lethal Strike Systems (ULLS) and Program Manager – Counter Proliferation (PM – CP) will conduct the International Special Operations Forces (ISOF) Range 2027, 13-14 April 2027 at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), NV.

1. This Request for Information (RFI) is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this RFI is to invite technology demonstration candidates from private industry, government Research and Development (R&D) organizations/labs, academia, and individuals (hereinafter “respondents”) to apply with an exhibitor technology application addressing innovative lethality technologies to demonstrate at ISOF Range 2027. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will provide Special Operations Forces (SOF) end users, SOF component combat developers, government technical engineers, contracting officers, the USSOCOM program management office, forty (+) invited international SOF units, federal law enforcement special units, inter-agency special units, federal Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) agencies, and the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard combat development offices (hereinafter “attendees”) as the audience. The attendees will use ISOF Range 2027 to conduct “hands-on” market research of technology to address lethality gaps and inform future requirements. The attendees will provide selected respondent technology applications with written feedback. For the ISOF Range 2027 event, technology applications will be submitted to Phoenix Defence website: https://isofrange.com/ (see section C).

2. Technology categories and focus areas for ISOF Range 2027:

· Weapons

· Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS)

· Demolitions/Breaching

· Ammunition

· Shoulder Launched Munitions

· Unmanned Lethal Strike Systems (ULLS)

· Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS)

· Crew Served Weapons (CSW)

· Other Relevant Disruptive Technologies

B. DETAILS:

1. Event: The range event will consist of an exhibitor range (approx. 75 x spaces) to display live fire technologies and an exhibitor alley (approx. 75 x spaces) to display non-live fire and potentially lower Technology Readiness Level demonstrations and/or briefings.

· New this year, PdD – Crew Served Weapons will conduct their annual Vendor Demonstration Days in partnership with ISOF Range to accelerate weapon modernization and for informing U.S. Army future requirements.

2. Tentative ISOF Range 2027 event schedule:

· 12 April 2027(Monday):

· Afternoon: Exhibitor briefing, set-up, and test-fire (no attendees will be present)

· 13 April 2027 (Tuesday):

· Morning: Suppressor and 1-Off demo #1

· Afternoon: Open Shoot

· Evening: Night open shoot

· 14 April 2027 (Wednesday):

· Morning: Open shoot and 1-Off demo #2

· Afternoon: Open shoot

3. Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Technology applications for Weapons, Visual Augmentation Systems, Demolitions/Breaching, Ammunition, Shoulder Launched Munitions, Unmanned Lethal Strike Systems, Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and PdD-Crew Served Weapons should be TRL 7 or higher. Technology applications for “Other Relevant Disruptive Technologies” can be at a lower TRL level.

4. Notification Dates:

· 20 November 2026: If technology applications are submitted by 30 October 2026 for the 1st tranche of voting, then respondents will receive a notification as invited, not invited, or placed on the stand-by list. This is the main tranche of voting and is intended to fill 80% of the range. If a novel lethal technology is complicated or requires special levels of coordination to execute, then it should be submitted during this tranche.

· 11 February 2027: If technology applications are submitted after 30 October 2026 but before 29 January 2027 for the 2nd tranche of voting, then respondents who submitted new technology applications or had previously been placed on “stand-by” will be given final notification as invited or not invited. This tranche of voting is intended to support novel lethal discoveries by USSOCOM’s attendance at the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show. No more notifications will go out after this date.

· Potentially immediately: If a respondent has a compelling reason for an early decision, e.g., import lead times or an exceptionally compelling technology, then an immediate decision on attendance may be rendered.

5. Event Post-Notification Coordination: USSOCOM has an agreement with Phoenix Defence, which will be organizing respondents’ participation and logistics for ISOF Range 2027. If a respondent receives an invitation from USSOCOM to attend, then that “respondent” becomes an “exhibitor” and coordinating instructions with Phoenix Defence will be provided after receipt of the invitation. Exhibitors will conduct all future correspondence, coordination, and information request with Phoenix Defence under their terms and conditions, this includes fees for shipping and exhibiting.

6. Technology categories and focus areas to explore during the event include the following:

· Weapons

· New or novel rifle and machine gun suppressor designs and materials in the following calibers: 5.56mm, .300 BLK (Super/Subsonic), 7.62mm, 6.5 Creedmoor, .338 Norma Magnum, and 6.8x51mm conversion kits for AR-10 patterned weapons; with a focus on designs and materials that can handle high rates of fire from medium machine guns, high pressure ammunition, and capable of maintaining a sound pressure level of 140db or less

· Weapons capable of firing high-pressure and high-performance ammunition (5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO, 6.5CM)

· Precision bolt action weapons capable of multiple calibers via a swappable barrel. (7.62 NATO, 6.8x51, .300PRC, .338NM)

· 9mm caliber carbines/Personal Defense Weapons

· Signature management/reduction technologies that include coatings, attachments, or covers that reduce visual, auditory, and thermal signatures

· Weight reduction concepts include weapon modifications, ergonomic carrying solutions, ammunition, and weapon accessories

· Novel materials/solutions to extend weapon lifecycle parts and predictive maintenance solutions which increase lifecycle and reduce malfunctions

· Novel weapon accessories which provide significant operational improvement to SOF operators from legacy weapon accessories

· Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS)

· Low-light, reflective band sensor technologies with objective lens diameters in the range of 12mm to 80mm as a guideline

· Emissive band sensor technologies with objective lens diameters in the range of 12mm to 125mm as a guideline

· Single-sensor technologies for imaging in both reflective and emissive bands

· Small-pixel MWIR sensor technologies with high dynamic range

· Novel sensor and imaging technologies

· Passive range measurement technologies

· Novel display technologies to reduce size and weight of VAS devices

· Direct-view and Clip-on Machine Gun Optics

· Germanium-free infrared optic technologies for Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) and Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) imaging

· Medium Range and Long-Range VAS for weapon-mounted applications to increase lethality at night; with a focus on single sensor, multi-sensor, fused, or image intensified solutions

· Laser markers used for target handoff

· Displays suitable for providing digital information to users wearing analog night vision goggles; with a focus on both external displays as well as displays capable of being incorporated into the housing of the night vision goggle in-line with the image intensifier

· Next generation night vision goggle concepts. Integration of digital solutions to enhance analog imaging, integrated inertial sensors

· Small form factor, low-cost Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) cameras for detection of common laser rangefinders and laser markers and designators

· Handheld multi-sensor imaging and multi-domain sensing of the user’s environment with a focus on increasing lethality

· Color night vision technologies

· Low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) laser see-spot technologies

· Laser detection/warning technologies

· Anti-bloom image intensifier devices

· Demolition/Breaching

· Stand Off Breaching: 40mm Low Velocity Grenade that provides the ability to breach multiple standard door types (wood, metal, in/out opening, etc.) from stand-off ranges; grenades must be compatible with currently fielded M320 Low Velocity Grenade Launcher module (mounted and standalone)

· Remote placement of breaching charge. E.g. Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAV), robotics, or novel ideas to emplace a variety of charges or direct engagement of entry points

· Ammunition

· Alternate Case Material Cartridges: Small arms cartridges utilizing alternative case materials (polymer, stainless steel, multi-piece hybrid cases, etc.), especially in 5.56, 6.5mm Creedmoor 6.8mm and .338 Norma Magnum; with a focus on improving performance over standard cartridges, such as increased velocity, standard deviation, improved accuracy, etc.

· Signature on Target as well as post barrier performance (API): Small arms ammunition providing signature on target effects, post barrier effects, while matching ballistic trajectory of existing cartridges as closely as possible

· 5.56 and 9mm frangible projectiles capable of surviving extreme chamber temperatures as seen in suppressed weapons maintaining like dispersion to POR ammo; safely fires from suppressed POR weapons and is capable of safely functioning in standard shoot house configurations.

· Ballistically and accuracy improved .50cal API precision ammunition

· .300BO reduced range, limited penetration (RRLP) ammunition

· Shoulder Launched Munitions

· Shoulder Launched Munition systems (reloadable and/or one shot “disposable”) that can provide anti-structural, anti-personnel, bunker / light-armor defeat and/or programmable air-burst counter-defilade capabilities configured with or without fire-from-enclosure (confined-space) firing capability with a focus on reduced overall system weight

· Lightweight Shoulder-Launched Guided Missiles that can provide anti-structural, anti-personnel, bunker / light-armor defeat and/or programmable air-burst counter-defilade capabilities at ranges between 1 and 4 km

· Unmanned Lethal Strike Systems (ULLS)

· One way attack vehicles and any other kinetic, unit organic, man-transportable weaponized unmanned system; with a focus on expeditionary longer-range (25km+) strike profiles and associated enabling technologies that are man-packable and / or crew serve systems

· Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) kinetic/ ground based-direct attack solutions for dismounted SOF Operators; with a focus on ruggedized pan / tilt functionality

· Enabling First-Person View (FPV) controllers for unmanned systems allowing enhanced situational awareness for SOF Operators; with a focus on controllers and / or software that enables flight stabilization during flight and terminal guidance for easier precision use

· Platform agnostic payloads to include all required subsystems for power and command of arming, releasing, and/or detonating functions; droppable payload platforms must be able to release payload and return undamaged; the interface between payload and mobility device should incorporate established mounting standards; with a focus on systems that enable multi-electric safe and arm device (ESAD) compatibility.

· For systems with alternative communications and / or navigation capabilities, they should be fully integrated and facilitate demonstration in a representative environment; interest in fiber-optic / tethered data links for operations in contested and Electronic Warfare (EW)-heavy environments, as well as Alternative Navigation (Alt-Nav) technologies and layered communication architectures capable of maintaining positive control and PNT in GPS-denied or jammed conditions

· Kinetic One-Way Attack Unmanned Systems (UxS) training solutions that reduce live system destruction cost and enhance operator proficiency

· Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS)

· Individual Kinetic Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) Solutions: Individual weapon systems and munitions designed to kinetically engage and neutralize class I-III drones, both static and mobile, up to 200 meters in distance and moving up to 80 mph; examples include: hand-launched interceptors, 40mm solutions and fire control systems, shoulder-fired capability, handheld directed energy (i.e., HPM, HEL, Ultrasonic), net launchers, “smart” munitions, and any other novel defeat solutions

· Fiber optic Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) defeat systems: Hand-held solutions or emplaced systems for perimeter defense, specifically to counter fiber optic UAS

· Novel body-worn UAS detection systems; examples include: event-based cameras, acoustics, passive ranging, LiDAR; systems are expected to have classifiers to mitigate false detections/clutter

· CUAS note: Participants must furnish all target UAS and UAS pilots at no cost to the USG to demonstrate

· Crew Served Weapons (CSW)

· Medium & Heavy Machine Guns

· Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS)/Modified-COTS medium machine guns chambered in 6.8×51mm and 6.8×63mm

· Next-generation fire control, digital optics, and sighting systems

· Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) technologies as applied to Crew Served Weapons

· Lightweight mounts, tripods, and recoil-mitigating hardware

· Advanced ammunition (signature-reducing, high-ballistic, and training munitions)

· Advanced materials and manufacturing for enhanced reliability and thermal management

· Medium caliber machine gun technologies

· Mortar Modernization (60mm, 81mm, 120mm)

· Lightweight tubes, baseplates, and bipods

· Digital fire control, rapid-lay capabilities, and precision sensor integration

· Mobile and auto-lay base systems for rapid tactical employment

· High-durability materials improving heat dissipation and service life

· Ammunition innovations improving lethal effects, logistical efficiency, and training

· Other Relevant Disruptive Technologies (whether directly or indirectly “lethality” oriented)

· This is a “catch-all” category available to respondents whose technology would not otherwise fit into a category above but may be interesting to the attendees

· For this category, the technology may be lower than TRL 7 and will be able to be displayed in the “exhibitor alley” if needed or applicable

· Some examples for this category are medical equipment, targetry, personal protective equipment, shooting analytic tools, etc.

· This is an opportunity for respondents to capitalize on the all-inclusive SOF, greater DoW/USG, and international audience by displaying interesting and emerging technologies that support USSOCOM’s ability to achieve lethal overmatch in a future contested environment

7. Security/Classification Requirements: Respondents will only submit unclassified information to the website. Classified Nominations will not be accepted.

8. All respondents’ submission costs, travel costs, technology demonstrations, event attendance, ammunition costs, and associated costs will be at the respondents’ expense. The event venue will provide access to ranges, infrastructure for conducting remote activities, and basic durable targets (note: any consumable targets must be provided by the respondent). Invited respondents/exhibitors must be prepared to be self-sufficient during the execution of their technology demonstrations and not dependent on venue resources without prior coordination with Phoenix Defence.

9. Time and space will be made available for respondents to conduct real-time modifications and updates to their technology demonstrations during the event. Respondents are advised to bring all tools and equipment necessary to present/operate their technology at the event.

10. Other Special Requirements: DO NOT SUBMIT PROPOSALS. SUBMIT TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS. TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS FOR THIS RFI WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE FINAL CLOSING DATE OF 29 January 2027. No contracts will be awarded based solely on this announcement or any subsequent supplemental RFI announcements. There is no intention on the part of USSOCOM to purchase or procure equipment based solely on participation in the event.

C. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Respondents will apply to exhibit their technology by completing an “exhibitor technology application” at: https://isofrange.com. Respondents will submit a technology application and, only if applicable, a Laser Information Worksheet, an UAS Worksheet, an UGV Worksheet, and/or a 1-off concept of operations (CONOP) by 30 October 2026 to be considered during the first and main tranche of voting or by 29 January 2027 for the second and final tranche of voting.

2. If your technology is or has any type of laser or if it emits electro-magnetic radiation between ultraviolet and long-wave infrared (or you plan to use a laser of any kind to enable your technology demonstration), it must be declared, have a Laser Information Worksheet, and subsequently be approved to energize on the range. To assist filling out the Laser Information Worksheet, a copy of MIL-STD-1425A “Safety Design Requirements for Military Lasers” can be found at https://isofrange.com in the exhibitor technology application resource section. If your laser/emitter gets approved to energize at the range, you will then be required to submit an FDA Compliance Form, which will be sent by Phoenix Defence.

· This includes all lasers, regardless of FDA or IEC hazard classification (e.g., Classes I, 1, 1M, II, IIa, 2, 2M, IIIa, 3R, IIIb, 3B, IV, or 4)

· This includes a laser that is described as “eye-safe”

· This includes a laser that you do not plan to energize during your demonstration (we still need to know if it is there)

· This includes a laser that is available commercially

3. If your technology is or has any UAS/UGV component, it must be declared and have a UAS/UGV Worksheet and subsequently be approved to operate on the range. If your UAS/UGV technology is not approved to operate on the range, you may still be able to bring the technology for a static display only.

4. Frequency Requirements: If your demonstration is radiating on a given frequency or frequency band, you must annotate this in the nomination packet. If you are invited to attend, further instructions will be sent from Phoenix Defence.

D. Safety Requirements: The ISOF Range will be conducted, managed, and controlled in accordance with the Military-Standard 882E, “Standard Practice: System Safety.” All respondents are expected to conduct themselves in a safe manner on the range and follow all instructions from the Range Safety Officers (RSOs). Failure to follow safety protocols or obey the RSOs may result in being removed from the range. If a respondent is invited to participate in the range with unique or unfamiliar technology, then a follow-on Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet (Department of Defense Form 2977) may be requested to assess and mitigate risk. All respondents are suggested to review Military Standard 882E before attending the range. For your convenience, a copy of MIL-STD 882E is posted at https://isofrange.com in the exhibitor technology application resource section. Respondents wishing to conduct demonstrations of a kinetic or energetic nature are responsible for ammunition and/or explosives shipments to include an Interim Hazard Classification (IHC) or Final Hazard Classification (FHC) and coordination for receipt and storage with Phoenix Defence.

E. BASIS FOR SELECTION TO PARTICIPATE:

1. Selection of respondents to participate shall be based on the extent to which the nominated technology to be demonstrated addresses lethality gaps and/or informs future lethality requirements as evaluated by the USSOCOM component lethality subject matter experts (SMEs).

F. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1. All proprietary information contained in the technology application and associated documents should be appropriately marked. All efforts shall be made to protect proprietary information that is clearly marked. Lessons learned by USSOCOM from these demonstrations may be broadly disseminated, but only within the U.S. Government. If selected for participation in the event, respondents may be requested to provide additional information that will be used in preparation for the demonstration.

2. The respondents’ attention is directed to the fact that Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government Support Contractor (GSC) personnel will provide support during the review of the technology applications. The FFRDC and GSC personnel will have access to respondent technology applications and will be utilized to objectively review a submission in a particular functional area and provide comments and recommendations to the U.S. Governments’ decision makers. They will not establish final assessments of risk, rate, or rank of respondent technology applications. All advisors have complied with Procurement Integrity Laws and have signed Non-Disclosure and Rules of Conduct/Conflict of Interest statements. The Government has taken into consideration requirements for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure advisors comply with safeguarding source selection and proprietary data. Submission of technology applications in response to the RFI constitutes approval to release the technology applications to FFRDC and GSCs.

3. Respondents are required to identify demonstrations that are subject to export controls since foreign participants will attend the event. Participants may include foreign government, military and industry or U.S. industry foreign national personnel. Respondents are ultimately responsible for complying with Export Control regulations for concepts, equipment, systems, or technology associated with the U.S. Munitions List (USML) or Commerce Control List (CCL). Visit the U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls website (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public) for more information on USML International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security website (https://www.bis.doc.gov) for more information on CCL Export Administration Regulations (EAR). If necessary, USSOCOM event organizers will restrict access to export-controlled technology demonstrations.

4. Once you submit your technology application, it is protected under the Procurement Integrity Act (PIA). Therefore, only certified personnel will have access to your submitted material. The material submitted will only be used to evaluate for the ISOF Range events. The Procurement Integrity Act prohibits the release of contractor data information.

G. 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 on the basis of this RFI notice or to otherwise pay for the information.

2. Although the term “respondent” is 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 demonstration candidates from private industry, government Research and Development (R&D) organizations/labs, academia, and individuals to submit technology demonstration nominations addressing innovative lethality technologies.

H. Points of Contact:

1. Contracting Office Address:

SOF AT&L KR

7701 Tampa Point Blvd MacDill AFB, Florida 33621-5323

2. Individual(s):

· Mr. Marvin Marcia: marvin.marcia@socom.mil