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Solicitation Number: USSOCOM RFI TE 26-3 Maritime Operations in Contested Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Environments 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: 29 APR 2026 Response Date: 29 MAY 2026, 12:00 Noon Eastern Time (ET) 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 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 26-3. This event will occur over the period of one week as shown below. Readers are advised to read this RFI in its entirety prior to responding.

Dates/Theme/Location:

17 August - 21 August 2026: Maritime Operations on Contested Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Environments at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division Acoustic Research Detachment, Bayview, Idaho.

B. OBJECTIVE:

1. Technology experimentation events provide an opportunity for technology developers to interact with operational personnel to determine how their technological 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 29 MAY 2026 at 12:00 Noon ET.

After reviewing 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 17 August - 21 August 2026, at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division Acoustic Research Detachment, Bayview, Idaho.

This event will explore emerging technology solutions and revolutionary improvements in relevant technologies. Materiel solutions brought to the event should be between a

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Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 and 6. Proposed experiments may be conducted between a half day and two days in duration and may be conducted in unimproved expeditionary-like conditions. There is no intention by 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 maritime operations at, below, or above the water line.

Maritime SOF seeks partnerships that are willing and capable of supporting this demanding physical environment, further challenged by contested EMS efforts of competitors' and adversaries alike. Focus areas; multi-modal, multi-domain (seafloor to Lagrange 4/5) technologies, sufficiently marinized and prepared to support manned-unmanned platforms, combat diving operations, alternative long-range communications methods/equipment/systems (no space-terrestrial based systems please),alternative maritime delivery and exfil systems of low visibility or signature (multi-spectral) minimized. Organizations that have or are working with our allies and partners and can support multilateral engagements in maritime operations are highly encouraged to consider applying for this event.

Definition: US SOF employ an array of surface and undersea platforms, both manned and unmanned, and combat diving equipment to freely maneuver and conduct maritime operations on the surface, below the waves, and on the seafloor, however the mission dictates. USSOCOM is always seeking state of the art technologies, whether emerging or mature, to continue to expand the reach, capabilities, efficiency, and operational effectiveness of our maritime platforms and combat divers across the global commons.

The operating environment grows ever more challenging as adversaries develop capabilities to contest US global maritime dominance. Technologies that provide overmatch and the ability to operate at will in the most contested environments are sought after to ensure increased readiness and lethality of US SOF, deterring adversaries while providing reassurance to our regional allies and partners.

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

4.1 Manned & Unmanned Maritime Systems (UxS)

4.1.1 Surface, Subsea, & Seabed Systems: Technologies related to the development, integration, and operation of manned, unmanned automated with optional autonomy drop in, surface and undersea maritime platforms, Interoperability with US, allies and partner platforms that unilaterally or multilaterally provide increased competitive advantage in Subsea and Seabed warfare are highly desired.

4.1.1.1 Desired platform characteristics include adherence to IP68 standards, designs inspired by biomimicry for environmental camouflage, and operational employment by a maximum of two personnel.

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4.1.1.2 Platform Survivability: Technologies and design characteristics that enhance system survivability in a contested environment, including but not limited to advanced signature reduction, hardening, and deception capabilities. Alternatively, those systems that are (or appear to be) common, low cost, and indistinguishable from other indigenous craft offer similar potential.

4.1.2 Multi-Domain Integration: Systems enabling seamless command, control, and data sharing between maritime (surface/subsurface), ground, and aerial platforms.

4.1.3 Autonomous Logistics: Platforms and systems for

automated/autonomous logistical support to maritime forces in motion throughout the area of operations.

All domains (Space to subsurface) have merit in this scenario for the delivery of sustainment (food, fuel, munitions) but also for the immediate needs of mission critical materials or repairables.

4.1.4 Swarm Capabilities: The ability to deploy and manage a swarm-of-small, autonomous surface and/or underwater vehicles to create a multi-pronged threat or a distributed sensing grid.

4.1.5 Low-cost UUV: Subsea system that a single operator can carry, rapidly reconfigure in the field, deploy and operate to deliver kinetic or non-kinetic effects to maritime targets, or conduct maritime ISR.

Specific focus for this area is the platform and reconfigurability, NOT payloads or effects. Required system attributes are:

4.1.5.1 Weight. Threshold: 200 lbs. or less. Objective: 120 lbs. or less.

4.1.5.2 Endurance. In baseline configuration utilizing lithium-ion batteries: Threshold 4-hour endurance at 3 kts. Objective: 8-hour endurance at 3 kts.

4.1.5.3 Depth. Threshold: The baseline UUV configuration shall be able to operate from surface to 100 meters in depth. Objective:

The baseline UUV configuration shall be able to operate down to 300 meters in depth.

4.1.5.4 Architecture. Modular open system architecture (MOSA), compatible with SeeByte mission planning and autonomy software (SW), with the ability to add modular payload / capability sections to the vehicle.

4.1.5.5 Data storage. Baseline UUV system shall be capable of encrypted data storage when required by mission parameters.

4.1.5.6 Payloads. Commercial and government off-the-shelf-modular payloads shall be utilized, providing the platform with the necessary tools to achieve assigned mission objectives.

4.1.5.7 Positioning, Navigation and Timing:

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4.1.5.7.1 Navigation shall be via GPS and inertial navigation systems.

4.1.5.7.2 Equipment and systems must be able to utilize current systems and alternatives that maintain the same or better drift, need for fix or master clock synchronization, and stability of the reference.

4.1.5.8 Sensing and Autonomy Integration. UUV autonomy shall be capable of object detection, recognition, avoidance, redirection, and mission re-tasking based on threat assessment.

4.1.5.9 Length. Overall Length shall not exceed 45 inches.

4.1.5.10 Carry-On Hardware Compliant. Objective: Shall be compliant with Special Operations Forces (SOF) Carry-On Hardware (COH) authorization instruction, as implemented by NAVSEA Instruction 9590 (Series). Threshold: Able to be made compliant with SOF COH authorization instruction.

4.2 Operations in Contested Environments (Disrupted, Degraded, Intermittent, & Low Bandwidth (DDIL) Environments)

4.2.1 Resilient Navigation and Timing: Technologies that provide assured Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) in GPS-denied or manipulated environments, particularly for underwater use, or compact, shock-resistant, & marinized, or capable of being marinized, technologies for surface combat craft use, specifically for high-speed planning craft like the Combat Craft Assault (CCA) and Combat Craft Medium (CCM) which operate in harsh, high-shock environments. Resilient Navigation and Timing is inextricably linked to Para 4.1.5.7.2 above, the environment may require securing the GPS system to ignore false data, signals and potentially compromising signals. Such a scenario relies completely on the alternative system(s) to maintain the necessary accuracy and fidelity.

4.2.1.1 Alternative PNT software and hardware solutions, including but not limited to celestial, vision-aided, terrain-referenced, magnetic, and signals of opportunity-based navigation. To include:

4.2.1.1.1 Navigation to fixed or transient point(s) of interest without relying upon Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Iridium networks, or continuous operator control, as well as navigation to an alternative location or return to initial launch point for recovery.

4.2.1.1.2 Identification and avoidance of maritime obstacles

4.2.1.1.3 Unintrusive use of RF signals of opportunity from

space-based or terrestrial emitters for alternative position fixing.

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4.2.1.1.3 Inertial Navigation Systems / Inertial Measurement

Units with an allowable drift of .5 nautical mile radius over 8 hours.

4.2.1.2 Capabilities for the detection and mitigation of PNT spoofing.

4.2.2 Contested Communications: Resilient, low-probability-of-intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) communication systems for command and control of manned and unmanned teams and systems at/below/above the water line, ideally marinized and ruggedized for use on undersea or surface platforms, with modular Software Defined Radios (SDRs) preferred.

4.2.2.1 Techniques for ensuring jammer resistance and operability in congested or contested RF environments, including wideband vs.

narrowband agility.

4.2.2.2 Mobile Ad-hoc Networking (MANET) or Mesh solutions for UxS swarms.

4.2.2.3 Capabilities for the discovery and characterization of adversary LPI/LPD signals.

4.2.2.4 Technologies enabling cross-domain communications, including subsurface-to-surface and subsurface-to-air/space.

4.2.2.5 Low SWaP, novel, wideband, multi-element, phased antenna arrays.

4.2.2.6 Flat panel and/or conformal maritime antennas for

Communications systems (VHF-IR spectrum).

4.2.2.7 Capabilities for operating without conventional Radio Frequency (RF) communications.

4.2.2.8 Capabilities for the discovery and characterization of adversary LPI/LPD signals.

4.2.2.9. Bell ringer communication broadcast systems (low data rate) novel systems that can inform operators or platforms through the use of long-range one-way communications systems in use for other purposes. Biomimicry systems would also fit into this category.

4.2.3 Electronic Warfare (EW) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT): Payloads and software focused on achieving spectrum dominance and operating effectively within a contested Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS).

4.2.3.1 Advanced Signal Processing and Automation: Onboard and offboard systems for real-time analytics of the EMS, to include automated signal classification, emitter identification, and fingerprinting.

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4.2.3.2 Electronic Attack (EA) Resilience: The ability to recognize and counter deceptive Electronic Attack (EA), including adaptive filtering to maintain communications and sensor performance.

4.2.3.3 Spectrum Agility: Technologies that allow systems to sense and adapt to dynamic spectrum congestion and perform adaptive interference avoidance.

4.2.3.4 Electronic countermeasures. Modular payloads are preferred.

4.2.4 Scalable Maritime Effects: Payloads and software focused on achieving spectrum dominance and delivering scalable effects (Deny, Degrade, Disrupt, Deceive, or Destroy).

4.2.4.1 Directed Energy Systems: Compact, portable directed energy systems for non-kinetic effects against electronics.

4.2.4.2 Deployable Effects Networks: Networks of interconnected sensors and pre-positioned kinetic or non-kinetic effects (e.g., nets, acoustic disruptors).

4.2.4.3 RF Deception and Electronic Warfare: Payloads for SIGINT, ELINT, and MASINT, including capabilities for RF deception and decoy signal generation.

4.2.4.3.1 Acoustics: Payloads able to interface with platforms and operator tools to conduct collection and/or deliver scalable effects to include deception, decoy and obfuscation in the acoustic range.

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

4.2.4.5 Threat Awareness: 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.

4.2.4.6 Undersea Signature Monitoring: Technologies that allow for in-situ monitoring of signature of undersea craft while underway or at rest during operations and provide useful/actionable data in real time.

4.3 Human-Centric Command and Control

4.3.1 Integrated Operator Interfaces: Intuitive user interfaces for the command and control of heterogeneous unmanned systems.

4.3.1.1 Novel methods for assessing user interface effectiveness and gathering operator performance feedback.

4.3.1.2 Integration of Command and Control (C2) data, messaging and telemetry with Global and theater architectures that eliminate latency and provide decision makers with data directly. SOF architectures are

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subordinate to the theater architecture as implemented by the component commands (to include the Theater Special Operations Commands). Wherever possible tools, programming and implementation should be a joint force (including SOF) event.

4.3.1.3 Capabilities for integrating autonomous systems with

conventional surface and subsurface naval operations, including diver and biological activities.

4.3.2 Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T): Technologies that facilitate direct interaction and collaboration between human operators and autonomous systems.

4.3.3 AI-Enabled Decision Support: AI/ML tools that enhance operator situational awareness and decision-making.

4.3.3.1 Edge AI hardware and software for real-time, on-platform data processing, sensor fusion, system diagnostics, and the generation of mission performance metrics.

4.3.3.2 AI-driven systems that can recommend or execute tactical actions to assess, influence, or interact with a designated target.

4.3.3.3 Agnostic Automatic Target Recognition (ATR): ATR algorithms that are agnostic to custom data sets and can be adapted by operators.

4.3.3.4 Operator-led AI Training at the Edge: Novel, no-code/low-code solutions that allow operators to train and update ATR and other AI models in the field.

4.3.4 Target Detection, Tracking, Classification, & Identification: Software applications for use with high-definition EO/IR camera systems to detect and track multiple maritime objects from as far away as the visual horizon and provide rapid classification / identification of potential threats.

Additionally, Automated Target Recognition (ATR) and machine speed transfer of target quality eight (TQ-8) data or greater utilizing joint messaging formats and protocols to off-platform consumers are highly desired.

4.4 Modular & Non-Attributable Payloads

Open-architecture hardware and software allowing for rapid integration of low-cost, non-attributable sensors and payloads, with features such as anti-tamper (physical), non-persistent (volatile) firmware and/or remote zeroizing functions.

4.5 Underwater Communications

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4.5.1 SOF operators require man-portable or small platform installable underwater communication systems that overcome the significant physical and technological hurdles of the underwater environment to include mid-water column and near-surface operation. Submissions addressing this specific area are requested to structure their response to cover the following points in detail:

4.5.1.1 Core Communication Modality: Describe the fundamental technology (e.g., digital acoustic, optical, magnetic induction) and its advantages in a tactical environment.

4.5.1.2 Performance Envelope: Provide specific data on Range, Data Rate, Voice Quality (e.g., MOS), and Latency in various water conditions.

4.5.1.3 Physical & Power Characteristics (SWaP): Detail the Size, Weight (in air/water), Power consumption, and operational endurance of diver-worn components.

4.5.1.4 COMSEC (LPI/LPD): Describe the foundational separation of red/black (physical/virtual/electrical), encryption available/capable (AES-256, engineered transec ready), machine capabilities to lower probability of detection dynamically and basis of understanding has shown that this platform will meet the criteria for dynamic EMS awareness and active response.

4.5.1.5 System Integration & Interoperability: Describe the ability to interface with other tactical equipment, such as tactical radios (e.g., AN/PRC-148/163) and data-generating devices. Include any similar work with allied and./or partner systems.

4.6 Power and Energy

4.6.1 Technologies related to power and energy for maritime systems, including but not limited to: novel battery chemistries for extended endurance, high-density power storage, renewable energy generation (e.g., solar, wave), and intelligent power management systems for manned and unmanned platforms. Power/energy systems for undersea use must be able to be certified safe for use, whether by chemistry, configuration or some other mitigation; systems to be carried onto submarines must be compliant with the SOF COH authorization instruction or able to be made compliant.

4.6.1.1 Combat Craft Propulsion: Innovative propulsion systems to extend the range and performance of NSW combat craft (i.e. CCA, 9 | T E 2 6 - 3 R F I

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CCM, CCH), including alternative energy systems and diesel-electric systems.

4.6.1.2 State of the Art Batteries for Undersea Craft: Describe efficiency, form factor, fault tolerance, modularity, & replaceability.

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 MANDITORY to email the Risk Assessment directly to the tech_exp@socom.mil by 1 July 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 3 July 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 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. Experimental equipment requirements. For those developer systems-under-test (SUT) craft and other government craft, Idaho requirements are:

mailto:exp@socom.mil

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1) Inspection for invasive species at a roadside inspection station https://invasivespecies.idaho.gov/watercraft-inspection-stations and

2) Purchase of a $30 sticker certifying a clean inspection https://idfg.idaho.gov/info/boat-stickers.

3) Lithium batteries. Lithium-Ion batteries must be certified in accordance with the requirements in the NAVSEA Technical Publication S9310-AQ-SAF-010, https://nps.edu/documents/111291366/111353854/TECHMAN+S9310-AQ-SAF- 010+Rev3.pdf/1a956668-5a15-8bc4-3ad2-fcffb7790d06?t=1641234572299.

Lithium batteries must be removed from the event site overnight.

4) Respondents are discouraged from bringing their owned small craft (other than system-under-test items like USVs), as any rental boats or craft they do bring will have to be kept in private slips and will be required to stay outside of the operating area.

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 29 MAY

2026, 12:00 Noon ET, for the requirements stated above. No contracts will be awarded based solely on this announcement or any subsequent supplemental RFI announcements.

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:vulcan-sof.com by the respective deadline. Scout Cards should be created within the TE 26-3 Technical Experimentation: Maritime Operations in Contested Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Environments 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 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.

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 https://invasivespecies.idaho.gov/watercraft-inspection-stations https://idfg.idaho.gov/info/boat-stickers https://nps.edu/documents/111291366/111353854/TECHMAN+S9310-AQ-SAF-010+Rev3.pdf/1a956668-5a15-8bc4-3ad2-fcffb7790d06?t=1641234572299 https://nps.edu/documents/111291366/111353854/TECHMAN+S9310-AQ-SAF-010+Rev3.pdf/1a956668-5a15-8bc4-3ad2-fcffb7790d06?t=1641234572299 https://vulcan-sof.com/login/ng2/home/government/9509eaf8-9c98-4c80-884b-132fc9ecc2a3

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(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/Ltyv8bFtfq?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.

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 1watt.

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 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 mailto:support@vulcan-sof.com mailto:tech_exp@socom.mil https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/Ltyv8bFtfq?origin=lprLink

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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.

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

TE26-4 Signature Management and

Defeat

NC 14-18 Sept 26 TBD

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

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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 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. 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 https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public https://www.bis.doc.gov/

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Primary Point of Contact:

tech_exp@socom.mil

(813) 826-4646