BAA Amendment 07 28 July 2025.pdf

1 Advanced technologies tend to be significant “game improvers,” disruptive technologies tend to be “game changers”.

28 July 2025

SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES ACQUISITION, TECHNOLOGY, AND LOGISTICS

DIRECTORATE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (SOF AT&L‐ST)

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT

USSOCOM‐BAAST‐2020, Amendment 7

FOR

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

1.0 Introduction:

United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L), Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T), transformed the BAA infrastructure to better align with the USSOCOM Commander’s strategic priorities and vision. As such, the S&T Directorate will continue to evolve its investment strategy by focusing on SOF modernization. These will include broader disruptive technology1 that meet the demands of the strategic vision and Future Operating Environment (FOE). USSOCOM will continue making some investments in Special Operations Forces (SOF) enhancements in the programs of record.

2.0 General:

2.1 Agency: United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)

2.2 Program Office: Science and Technology Directorate (SOF AT&L‐ST)

2.3 BAA Number: USSOCOM‐BAAST‐2020

2.4 BAA Title: SOF AT&L‐ST

2.5 Points of Contact (POCs):

Contracting Officer: baast20@socom.mil Attention: Jerryl McCoy Technical POC: baast20@socom.mil Attention: BAAST Team

3.0 Closing Date: Unless amended, this opportunity will remain as an open‐ended announcement from the date of posting through 31 December 2030. Quad Charts and White Papers may be submitted at any time during this 5‐year period subject to the submission process described in paragraph 5.7 of this BAA. USSOCOM, SOF AT&L‐ST reserves the right to review submissions (White Papers/Quad Charts) at any point throughout this open‐ended Broad Agency Announcement.

The Government may amend or update the technical capability areas and request a separate call for Quad Charts and White Papers at any time during the active period for this announcement.

UNCLASSIFIED

4.0 Technology Areas of Interest:

SOF operates across the continuum of crisis and conflict, spanning all domains, including space and cyber. It will be at the forefront of U.S. efforts to confront emerging realities where opponents may possess overmatching capabilities. The new “normal” for SOF will be to operate in communication contested environments, under threat of targeting by high‐end military capabilities, including Weapons of Mass Destruction, where ubiquitous surveillance is routine, and information is weaponized. The FOE is a world of “Convergence”: the point where the gap between non‐state and state actor capabilities diminishes and the threat to force and mission success increases significantly. Core SOF missions such as Unconventional/Irregular Warfare, Military Information Support Operations, Direct Action, Counterterrorism, Security Force Assistance, Counter Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, and more are expected to remain key to SOF operations; however, the operational environment in which these missions will be executed is changing in accordance with global themes and trends. SOF missions will not significantly change, but how they are executed and the environment in which they are conducted is, and will continue, to evolve. SOF will be empowered by technologies that enable Tactics, Techniques and Procedures to build and retain access and placement, as well as enable partner force capabilities.

To permit SOF success in such a complex and dynamic environment, S&T seeks to gain information advantage to hyper‐enable the force across all mission sets. The Hyper‐Enabled Force is SOF empowered by technologies and information systems that accelerate tactical decision making by increasing situational awareness, reducing cognitive workload, and simplifying mission‐ appropriate information sharing. No single technology will independently make Operators hyper‐ enabled. Instead, Operators will become hyper‐enabled through the integration of information and technologies. More specifically, the Hyper‐Enabled Force will have technologies that permit the persistent, near real‐time collection of data; the rapid, automated distillation of that data into mission relevant information; the dissemination of that information to the personnel who require or can best use it; the presentation of that information in easily understandable formats and user‐ friendly modalities; the ability to use that information to select, direct, and implement tailorable, non‐lethal and lethal effects to best meet mission objectives; all the while maintaining freedom of movement and tactical invisibility. Thus, S&T seeks Quad Charts and White Papers in the areas of Battlespace Awareness, Multi‐Domain Communications & Computing, Human Interface, Scalable Precision Effects, and Emplacement and Access to build the Hyper‐Enabled Force (see diagram below for a depiction of the Hyper‐Enabled Force concept.

USSOCOM is interested in receiving Quad Charts and White Papers from all responsible sources (reference FAR 9.1) from industry, academia, individuals, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, National Laboratories, and Government laboratories capable of pursuing, developing, and evolving disruptive capabilities that must be made available to the SOF Operator within the next five to seven years to achieve mission success in the FOE.

USSOCOM employs capabilities in all domains: terrestrial, maritime, air, space, human and cyber.

SOF personnel place a premium on technologies that are small, lightweight, rugged, modular, multi‐use, easy to use, have low power consumption, require minimum maintenance, open architectures, and designed for operation in extreme environments at the edge of operations.

Technology designs should consider comprehensive signature management approaches enabling low visibility and clandestine capabilities.

This BAA will sub‐divide each technology capability area into two parts (disruptive technologies and SOF enhancements). The request for disruptive technologies is focused on peer/near‐peer adversary technologies, new technologies that displace existing technology, and modernization of the SOF capabilities in all domains. These topics are contained within Sections 4.1 thru 4.5.

Secondly, this BAA includes a request for technology insertion and SOF enhancements (also referred to as incremental improvements) aimed at supporting the SOF AT&L Program Executive Offices (PEOs) with advanced technology that addresses areas within their programs of record.

These SOF enhancements are found in each technology focus area Section 4.1 thru 4.5. SOF enhancement technologies will be identified during initial proposal screening and subsequently evaluated separately by the requisite PEO and program office.

4.1 Battlespace Awareness Capability Area: USSOCOM S&T's Battlespace Awareness capability area is focused on automated and persistent near‐ real‐time data/information collection, processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions, systems, and capabilities to include up and down cross‐domain and multi‐domain functionality enabling predictive analysis to augment SOF Operators and analysts. Focus is on increasing and enhancing SOF's ability to manage and understand threats and the environment, process multiple data and communications inputs for optimized decision‐ making, across SOF activities and missions to support rapid, on‐the‐move ability to learn and communicate knowledge across a mission stakeholder team to search, locate and process High Value Targets. Sought solutions will be required to integrate, interoperate, and communicate with other systems using open source and/or standardize interfaces and solutions to provide capabilities across domains, spectra, and decision‐making echelons from the tactical edge to senior Commanders and inform national and strategic systems.

SOF are interested in technologies that measure the physical characteristics of a given field of view, day, and night, and in all weather conditions. Mission elements to be enhanced include advanced situational awareness, mission/operations, terrain mapping (including subterranean/undersea/urban/interior}, change detection, and event forensics, to include advanced facial recognition, advanced language translation, and locating objects under vegetation.

4.1.1 Battlespace Awareness Disruptive Technology Areas Include:

4.1.1.1 Collaborative Autonomy: SOF is interested in improving Battlespace Awareness by leveraging Autonomous or Remote‐controlled Systems (ARCS} that share data in real time, allowing them to work together with minimal intervention ("collaborative autonomy"). Battlespace data collected by individual ARCS elements and collaboratively shared through data transport services should inform ARCS automated tasking, positioning, and execution activities to meet overall SOF mission intent. Data collection systems integrated with ARCS, without degradation of ARCS range and endurance, and able to seamlessly operate with crewed systems while reducing operator burden, reliance on full‐time high‐speed communications link, and decision loop cycle time are especially of interest to SOF. Data collection systems must include modular and open system (MOSA} software and modular (internal/external payload} hardware designs allowing quick install/removal options for multi‐mission use. Component sourcing established supply chain and software code sources will comply with U.S. acquisition laws and not come from or be tied to prohibited nations or groups. Documentation on component sourcing, established supply chain and software code sources is of special interest to SOF.

4.1.1.2 Autonomy‐Enabled ISR/Battlefield Situational Awareness (SA) Data Collection: SOF is interested in collecting audio, visual (day & night), and radio frequency data across all domains, from seabed to earth orbit. Data collection systems on small autonomous & remote‐controlled vehicles (air, ground, sea‐surface, undersea, space) and unattended placed systems are of interest. Data Collection capabilities from outside of contested and denied areas are also especially interesting to SOF. These data collection systems must have secure data‐at‐rest protections and connect to secure data transport services with data in transit protections such as zero‐trust communications links to increase automated detection, identification, and localization capabilities to support multi‐domain situational awareness. These networking solution searches must explore the entire electromagnetic spectrum to identify and localize communication capabilities, which are difficult to defeat.

SOF is also interested in data collection systems able to securely edge process, disseminate, and query information in operating environments unfavorable to the utilization of traditional networks and computer servers given bandwidth for information, backhaul to computational centers and infrastructures is not regularly available to small teams.

SOF desires computing hardware and software applications for multi‐domain crewed and uncrewed systems, large and small, optimized for computing at the edge to support the organization and fusion of data collected from multiple intelligence disciplines to recognize patterns and anomalies from various sensor types.

Furthermore, SOF desires data collection systems enabling augmented reality (AR) capabilities to provide warfighters with visual cues to identify and discern targets, foes, and friendly forces.

Documentation on component sourcing, supply chains and software code sources are of special interest to SOF.

SOF is interested in Low cost (<l0K), one time use RF sensor that support localization of potential targets that would be integrated on UxS and leave behind systems.

SOF has an interest in A‐ISR capabilities to support data collection that include improved communications redundancies, reduced signatures, self‐protection, long‐ range imagery (Video/Still) GPS independence, cost efficiency, payload flexibility, and the ability to interact and deploy sub‐platforms through human‐machine teaming.

SOF has an interest in advanced technologies for data collection to include: open‐ IP cameras, horizontal motion imagery (HMI), room audio/video feeds, source‐ enabled RF collection systems, crowdsourcing data, and managed attribution systems.

4.1.1.3 Autonomy‐Enabled ISR/Battlefield Situational Awareness (SA) Data TRANSPORT:

SOF has an interest to improve its ability to transport large volumes of data with 1) high bandwidth, 2) low latency, 3) reliable data integrity, 4) robust storage capabilities, and 5) specialized hardware Graphics Processing Units (GPU) to handle the heavy computational demands of processing large image and video datasets‐along with compatible software frameworks for data manipulation, and model training. Data infrastructure must be scalable to meet operational demands. Data transport must operate reliably in congested or contested environments, minimizing probability of detection or compromise. Modernized data transport must rely on data‐driven automation to determine the best path of data transportation, while simultaneously providing automated tools for planning, orchestration, agile maneuver, and Command and Control (C2). Ultimately, future data transport systems must be redundant, automated, autonomous, survivable, and reliable‐facilitating machine‐ to‐machine data exchanges.

4.1.1.4 Autonomy‐Enabled Data Processing & Exploiting: SOF is interested in processing and exploiting audio, day & night visual, and radio frequency data received from the data collection systems described previously in paragraph 4.1.1.2. Processing & exploitation systems providing predictive analytics, utilization of Al/ML models, proprietary algorithms, edge processing, data fusion, human/machine teaming, cross domain tools, and response recommendations based on real‐time data updates are especially interesting to SOF. Processing and exploitation systems must provide battlespace geographic orientation and use easily understood language and audio/visual symbology to include common military graphics/symbology. These processing and exploitation systems should use standard software interfaces allowing the cybersecurity testing necessary for integration onto SOF Information networks and must be able to connect to secure data transport services. Data storage and management techniques enhancing the predictive reliability, speed, and maintenance of processing and exploiting systems are also interesting to SOF in a dynamic Electromagnetic battlespace.

Autonomy‐Enabled Data Processing, Exploiting and Dissemination ‐ SOF has an interest in increased PED capability to: detect, collect, locate, analyze, and exchange data and information in land, air, space, sea, cyberspace, and the information environment, in real‐time, near real‐time, and or post mission. Technologies that advance an overarching architecture and associated infrastructure capable of employing edge processing, data fusion, data storage, data retrieval, and cross domain/discipline analytic tools that utilizes Human‐Machine Teaming, Al/ML/CV algorithms.

SOF is interested in technology to automate and provide initial triage of feeds from various sensor types:

o Activity Based Intelligence: SOF is interested in capabilities to improve the intelligence value of time sensitive GEOINT PED activities/products that forensically analyzes data in a spatial and temporal context. Interest in technology with the ability to apply Al/CV to both live and historical imagery via automated imagery analysis with object detection.

o Interest in Advanced Analytics in support of data collection from captured enemy materials (CEM) includes but is not limited to:

o A modular suite of CEM processing and visualization system that leverages complex data processes in order to allow an analyst to better understand the contents of large volumes of CEM holdings; machine‐ learning and deep neutral networks.

o "Bring your own data" model o Allows multiple analysts interacting with data from different workstations, with no degradation to capability/capacity

4.1.1.5 Advanced Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence: SOF is interested in the modular, open integration of cutting‐edge solutions incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning to enable enhanced autonomy in unmanned systems. Specific areas of interest include but are not limited to agentic AI and vision language action (VLA) models to achieve more sophisticated autonomous behaviors like adaptive learning; neural radiance fields (NeRFs) for 3D scene representation and navigation; generative AI for simulation and data augmentation; advanced automatic target recognition (ATR) algorithms with edge node refinement and autonomous model retraining; advanced machine learning operations (MLOPs) to support data management, model training, validation, and monitoring. Solutions should be designed with well‐defined interfaces and adherence to open standards to promote interoperability and integration into existing architectures.

4.1.1.6 Modular Maritime Domain Awareness System for SOF Littoral Operations:

This area covers modular, scalable maritime domain awareness (MDA) solutions to support SOF operations in contested littoral, coastal, and riverine environments where traditional naval ISR assets are unavailable or inadequate. These solutions should enable real‐time fusion of data from organic and external sensors (e.g. AIS, nanosatellite imagery, HF radar, passive RF, and tactical SIGINT) and deliver unclassified local and global outputs to support time‐ sensitive operational decisions at the edge. Interoperability with TAK and ability to function in salt‐spray, high‐EMI, or high‐humidity conditions are key considerations.

By decentralizing access to maritime situational awareness, this capability would allow SOF teams to independently assess vessel traffic, surface and sub‐surface anomalies, and movement patterns for mission planning, insertion/exfiltration, and threat avoidance. A fused, common operating picture will significantly reduce reliance on national assets, enable clandestine maneuvering, and improve survivability during coastal operations in disconnected or denied environments.

4.1.2 Battlespace Awareness SOF Enhancement Technology Areas Include:

4.1.2.1 Sensors: This area covers various multi‐domain persistent surveillance systems and sub‐ systems including but not limited to Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target Acquisition (RSTA) systems, indication & warning systems, and unattended sensors.

Interconnected and interoperable technologies that provide advanced capabilities, reduce Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP), increase flexibility in space, aerial, ground, underground, and maritime/riparian environments are of particular interest. Sensor systems should integrate with existing multi‐domain SOF systems based on open architectures. Additional interest areas include but are not limited to:

Alert, highlight, communicate, and process at the tactical edge.

Accommodate multiple wavelengths in small COTS applications (still imagery focus) Swappable/modular capabilities across all domains Algorithms for fusing data from sensors, data sources, networks, to reduce false positives.

Algorithms for location, classification, characterization, and identification of items of interest Detection via handheld and/or hands‐free (cell phone size) electronic scan of small devices, such as sim cards, SD cards, or similar items on a person Detection of Directed Energy (Laser, HPM, sonic, other) for all contexts Utilizing Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) and Laser Detection and Ranging

(LADAR) technology systems capable of significant resolution at high altitude or orbit while simultaneously providing real‐time processing capability fused into mapping and video.

Detection of optical glass at ranges beyond 3 Km in a ruggedized, low SWaP form factor.

Digitally relay basic target positional information upon target detection (IOC) track quality 8 or better (FOC).

Detection of fiber‐optic or fully autonomous UxS and other threats that cannot be detected through RF signatures; low SWaP‐C solution Man‐portable discrete intrusion detection systems Technologies and techniques for collecting and analyzing signals from sensor‐ agnostic platforms ‐ aerial, ground‐based, man‐packed, and maritime.

4.1.2.2 Quantum Sensing: SOF is tracking the transformational opportunities that quantum technology presents to military applications and national security. SOF is actively monitoring advancements and investing in research and developments to ensure readiness and maintain a technological advantage.

Quantum Sensing is considered the most mature application, quantum sensing utilizes quantum principles within sensor technology. It offers potential for enhanced capabilities in positioning, navigation, and timing ‐ particularly in GPS‐denied environments. Emerging applications also include improved intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), with potential impacts on submarine detection and the ability to detect underground structures or concealed forces.

4.1.2.3 Signals intelligence (SIGINT}: These areas concentrate on broad spectrum communications intercept and location. Technologies of interest should provide or improve the capability to Detect, Intercept and Locate Signals of Interest (SOI) of all types at frequencies ranging from Low Frequency (LF) and below to HF to EHF are of particular interest. Platforms and operational environments can be on air, land, sea, or space, manned or unmanned. Small form‐factor, Low SWAP designs, are desired for applications ranging from aerial platforms to man‐portable systems. Technologies of interest:

Detect:

o Improved reception sensitivity o Small multiband antennas and antenna arrays for detection of RF SOIs at enhanced standoff ranges.

o Detection of SOI while maintaining signature management.

o Improved filtering to reject out of band emitters.

o Tools to analyze unknown signals, to include modulation recognition, signal identification and specific emitter identification in an Electromagnetic environment.

Detection of electronic devices in a room, vehicle, etc. using a handheld device Intercept:

o Improved analytical tools that automate steps in the SIGINT workflow.

o Advanced signal recording, bandwidth, and capacity o Multi‐function, small form factor sensors capable of concurrently detecting, intercepting, and localizing multiple SOIs on one sensor.

o Capabilities and technologies focused on emerging commercial wireless standards.

o Low cost, small form factor RF sensors capable of hosting automatic targeting recognition techniques.

Locate to TQ8 (to a specified standard):

o Improved Direction‐Finding (DF) accuracy and ability to separate emitters in a cochannel environment and DF arrays mounted in inconspicuous locations.

o Ability to collect and locate Frequency Agile (FA) SOIs and emerging communication technologies.

o Geolocation in GPS‐denied environments o Provide Geolocation data to the user via the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK)

Common Operational Picture o When networked, provide Geolocation data to MCS‐COP.

o Survey o 5G, 6G Microwave, WIFI o Exploitation o Geolocation: 5G, 6G, Tactical Data Links, Radar‐ LPP/HDC, LPI, LPD, OTH, ELINT DF < 40 gHz, ELINT monopulse DF o Denied Area: Alt PNT, GPS Hardening o De‐Modulation: Tactical Datalinks‐ internals/externals, WIFI > 5 gHz o Decryption: Wifi > 5 gHz o Platform: Group 3 SIGINT Payloads o Data Flow o Data Processing o Data Formatting‐ Al enabled data aggregation, Automated Watchlist capability, CDS, DTEC (Outside of DTA), SIGINT Deconfliction role (Automation}, Data Sharing‐ Unclassified Data Flow o Analysis o Content ‐ language, Al/ML Packet Analysis Metadata

4.1.2.4 Electromagnetic Warfare (EW): This area concentrates on detection, direction finding, and classifying threats in the electromagnetic spectrum (including but not limited to microwave, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x‐ray, and gamma ray). Technologies of interest are:

Low SWAP for multi‐domain platforms, esp. aerial crewed or uncrewed applications Countermeasures, counter‐countermeasures, and electronic protection Ruggedized sensors configured for dismounted/man packed form factor.

Improved energy efficiency to operate on organic battery power.

Ability to passively detect, classify and locate (to a specified standard} signals ranging from 3 kHz beyond 40 GHz.

Integrated with existing commercial, military, and custom signal analysis packages.

Ability to send detection data back to higher order analysis tools.

Modular subcomponents to support replacement, repair, and sustainment.

Ability to acquire source agnostic data Technologies to address UxS payload development and UxS device defeat Al/ML spectrum characterization Unattended sensors All‐Domain ALT‐PNT, GPS hardening, and Constellation development Signature management Space‐based capabilities WIFl 7, 5/6/7G cellular development Robotic TAC‐EW Sub‐Surface scalable effects

4.1.2.5 Technical Support Systems: This area concentrates on items critical to mission success but is often not part of the initial design. Technologies of interest should improve performance, reduce SWaP, and enhance ease of use. Technologies of interest are:

Unmanned/robotic/collaborative autonomous emplacement of unattended sensors in denied areas.

TTL

Emplacement of sensors via air, land, and water Avoid detection by adversaries.

Provide orientation of sensor, if required Provide 3‐dimensional RF modeling software to enhance mission planning and sensor emplacement relative to topological earth database.

4.1.2.6 Data Exfil: Technologies that provide additional data transfer capabilities/speed/bandwidths, reduce SWaP, increase flexibility in orbital, aerial, ground, underground, and maritime/riparian communication environments.

Multiband, micro‐sized devices capable of transmitting and receiving RF over distances greater than currently achieved.

Integrate into aerial platforms, crewed or uncrewed, with modular open‐system architectures

New technologies that provide long distance data transfers in miniature packages, low signature, and are multipath resilient.

Data transport devices designed to perform in restricted propagation environments.

Data transport technologies to maximize limited bandwidth (e.g., compression, transmission technologies) Quantum and laser {optical) communications technologies

4.1.2.7 Biometrics: SOF are in search of tactical multi‐modal biometric enrollment and matching devices; must include a combination of an iris, facial, DNA annotation, voice, and fingerprint capture, processing, and matching capabilities to enhance real‐time tactical and operational decision making across the full range of future operating environments. Wearable biometric devices should be capable of identifying biometric features autonomously and matching to local datasets or worldwide datasets. With a minimum range of eight feet up to a kilometer or more. The capability needs to both store and upload data to current SOF capabilities, operate while stationary or moving, and be capable of supporting both overt and clandestine operations. Software applications should have the ability to operate on TAK (smart phones, or small smart phone like packaging). There is particular interest in technologies with a small form factor that provides the capability to rapidly (< 2 min) identify personnel, reduce false alarm rates and/or offer novel approaches at short to long distances in all environmental conditions. In addition, technologies of interest include rapid, portable handheld DNA collection and processing for matching against authoritative databases and on‐board watchlists.

4.1.2.8 Forensic Science and Technical Exploitation: This area covers the multidisciplinary scientific processes to establish facts of both physical and electronic information obtained from target locations in controlled environments at tactical, operational, and strategic levels. In the short term, there is a need to process multi‐media devices on or near target locations and enable rapid collection, processing, exploitation/analysis, dissemination of results, and target development. There is also a focus on updating equipment that can provide greater fidelity of chemicals of interest in forward areas including but not limited to illicit narcotics, explosives and precursors controlled under international conventions to prevent misuse.

Media and cell phone exploitation capability:

o Exploit multiple cellular or operating systems without limitations and increased data processing.

o Simultaneously collect (image) multiple target devices o Conduct a simultaneous automated search and triage to extract all aspects of data (e.g., available, hidden, and deleted) and metadata based on multiple user defined parameters, including, but not restricted to, text, still image and video, time, location, and hashtag value, and compare to on‐board Defense Watchlists.

o Conduct Optical character recognition (OCR}, Optical word recognition (OWR), intelligent character recognition (ICR), intelligent word recognition (IWR), and Convolutional Neural Networks and Image Classification of exploited data.

o The device should enable safe evidence handling and save all captured data in the event of interruption (rapid disconnect) o Innovative transmission or transfer of large images and data pages over the internet.

o Conduct non‐destructive exploitation and basic analysis of commercial off the shelf (COTS) and non‐standard autonomous small uncrewed Multi‐domain Systems (sUMS) that operate in air, land, and/or sea to include removable media and/or internal controllers.

Document exploitation capability:

o Document exploitation, to include rapid scan and translation of foreign language via on‐board disconnected OCR and OWR; small form factor devices such as a tablet, or mobile device.

Chemical and Biological exploitation capability:

o Chemical analysis capabilities that are deployable to austere and power constrained environments o Operated in a shelter and semi temperature‐controlled environment.

o Detect and provide fidelity for organic and inorganic materials.

o Trace evidence collection, identification, and processing o Small form‐factor devices such as a tablet, or mobile device

Vehicle Exploitation:

o A device or capability to collect, preserve, analyze, exploit, and disseminate telematics data from vehicle on board systems (e.g., location history, connected device interactions, text messages, call logs, contacts, and other data of intelligence value).

o Exploit vehicle "smart" systems or controls o Exploitation can be conducted remote or directly o The device should save all captured data in the event of interruption

(rapid disconnect) o Ability to utilize in future operating environments (FOE) o UxS exploitation capabilities: obtain raw data and/or code while maintaining industry standard of forensic integrity, obtain flight data, waypoints, configuration files, parameter, and all other available data or code to convert into one and/or multi‐format report.

4.1.2.9 TTL Systems, Sensors, or Tags: This area covers Tagging, Tracking and Locating (TTL) technologies that can be discreetly concealed in or on objects, humans, animals, and/or vehicles and vessels in adverse maritime conditions. Technologies of interest should be optimized to operate on extremely low SWaP constraints, have reliable and redundant geolocation capabilities, survive exploitation attempts, support waveform diversity, and support long duration missions. Additional features and or capabilities in support of TTL mission to include:

TTL sensors/systems/tags capable of employing Micro‐Electro‐Mechanical systems (MEMS) Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) dynamically for periods when Radio‐Frequency‐dependent geolocation is degraded, denied or non‐existent.

Capabilities that exploit personal electronic devices for TTL without risk of discovery and compromise

Capabilities that exploit organic vehicle/vessel electronic systems for TTL that provide persistent and reliable geolocation.

Small form factor (AA battery size) energy harvesting technologies for trickle charge of sensors.

High density small size and weight new energy sources to enable longer mission durations.

Broadband directional and omni‐directional micro‐size antenna solutions capable of a wide useable bandwidth, to include tunable antennas, in the Ultra High Frequencies (UHF) range and beyond.

Frequency agile tags/sensors able to operate at various frequency ranges while maintaining comparable SWaP

Tag on a chip (IC) solution capable of sticker applications Sensors/Tags capable of employing signals of opportunity dynamically for periods when GPS is degraded, denied, or non‐existent in a low SWaP form factor.

o Systems/Sensors/Tags that make use of various Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) constellations simultaneously in low SWaP form factor.

TTL systems/sensors/tags that have robotic characteristics to enable automation of emplacement and repositioning mid operation.

TTL systems/sensors/tags with undetectable electromagnetic radiation signatures Capabilities to discretely leverage existing close‐circuit television security systems, public safety systems, Smart City technologies, or other ubiquitous sensors or systems for TTL.

New and Novel non‐traditional TTL capabilities not limited to the RF spectrum such as optical tagging, big data analytics, cyber surveillance capabilities, or other means of tracking a person, vehicle, vessel, or activity.

4.1.2.10 Non‐Radio Frequency Tagging, Tracking and Locating (TTL): Across the spectrum of conflict SOF require the ability to track a person or vehicle without the use of traditional electronic emitters, or other means that can be detected, to continue monitoring after losing contact with the subject. The tag on a person or vehicle must be undetectable by electromagnetic sensing devices, but accessible for near‐real‐time updates. The tag must not emit an RF signature while in use. The user should be able to retrieve or remotely interrogate the tag. The tag must be adaptable to fit numerous

Concept of Operations (CONOPs) requirements for power and concealment. Conversely, SOF needs awareness and means to counter adversarial TTL systems.

4.1.2.11 Enhanced Color Night Vision: SOF seeks head‐worn and/or weapon mounted and small modular cameras with color night vision capability. This capability will aid Operators in rapid and efficient target identification, discrimination of targets and host nation partners, and differentiation of various laser colors/wavelengths for command and control. This capability would provide SOF Operators and Aviators greater clarity during transition to NVG's during End Evening Nautical Twilight (EENT) giving them the tactical advantage over our enemies and provide the ability to detect and classify activity (personnel, animal, vehicle, etc.) at range in a ground ISR mission during a moonless night. The selective colorization of image intensifiers will enhance visual acuity in extreme lighting conditions, differentiate laser emissions, and improve identification/recognition of persons, signals, and modern LED lights. Proposed specifications per optical channel may include:

FOV: 40 degrees (+ ‐ 2 degrees) Latency: Below 4ms Refresh rate: Faster than 240 Hz frame rate Power consumption: No more than 150 milliwatts at peak power, generally 120 or less (no more than 40 milliamps at 3v) Depth of field: Improve over currently fielded equipment by 15% Starlight sensitivity: Equal to or better than the current fielded Generation

3 image intensifiers. Operational threshold: 2x10‐6‐foot candles Color feature: Colorization of the optical channel is preferable to consistent colorization.

Color accuracy: Primary colors must be accurately perceived by the Operator.

Unique colorization of various friendly and enemy laser wavelengths is desired.

Performance during colorization: Must not be degraded below 72 Ip/mm, SNR 33, 2376 FOM, Resolution during colorization: 1.3 cycles per milli‐radian.

Power consumption during colorization: Desired battery life of at least one operational period of darkness

With respect to Ground ISR, variants derived from developed sensors allow enhanced night vision camera developments that include using modular camera system to include interchangeable lenses for medium to long‐range surveillance.

4.1.2.12 Midwave Infrared (MWIR)/Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) Dual Band Systems: SOF is seeking dual‐band (MWIR/SWIR) imaging technology that utilizes a single focal plane (FPA) array for both hand‐held and weapon‐mounted imager applications. This dual‐band, single‐FPA capability will enable USSOCOM operators to clearly see SWIR lasers (pointers, designators, laser range finders) present on the battlefield & see through glass while maintaining the advantages of MWIR imaging with reasonable SWaP. Salient characteristics of a solution should include:

Imager must have a single focal plane array capable of detecting both MWIR & SWIR energy.

Imager must be able to run in MWIR‐only, SWIR‐only, or ‘Fused’ mode without requiring filters.

Imager must be able to both distinguish and present MWIR and SWIR bands separately [e.g, overlay SWIR lasers energy in red on a monochromatic gray MWIR image for display to the user].

MWIR imaging capability should be at a minimum comparable in performance to current MWIR‐only systems.

System approach should consider low‐cost MWIR/SWIR optics & novel optical materials.

Imager must be capable of observing bullet‐trace from a co‐located weapon platform (e.g.

machine gun and sniper rifle)

4.1.2.13 Optical Augmentation Protection: Devices leveraging the Optical Augmentation (OA) phenomenon to detect magnified day optics continue to proliferate modern battlefields, increasing threat of detection for USSOCOM snipers and reconnaissance teams.

USSOCOM is looking for additional innovative ways to protect against detection via adversary OA devices & methods. Salient characteristics of such a device should include:

Should be compatible with magnified day optics from 1x to 35x magnification Should not noticeably alter view through the day optic – either in resolution or color spectrum.

Should not induce any boresight shift to the day optic.

Should not interfere with attaching inline ‘clip on’ night optics in front of day optic.

4.1.2.14 Digital Low‐Light Enhancement Algorithms: Digital low‐light sensors continue to advance, but additional improvement in the form of real‐time, low‐latency processing to improve performance is required to maximize performance for a given system SWaP‐C.

Characteristics that innovative technologies should consider include:

Algorithims should enhance resolution/contrast of digital low‐light imagers in starlight or darker conditions.

Algorthims should be intended for use on low‐power, small form factor electronics suitable for integration into small hand‐held or weapon‐mounted imagers.

Algorithims should introduce minimal additional photon‐to‐photon latency into the imager processing pipeline.

Algorthims should not introduce artifacts in the scene that are distracting to the user.

4.1.2.15 Advancements for Infrared Intensifier Tubes & Wide Field of View Optics: Analog Infrared Intensifer (I2 Tubes) remain the premier night vision solution for helmet‐mounted applications (i.e, night vision goggles) due to low‐light performance, low power draw, & extreme low‐latency. However, the analog nature of the technology inhibits easily displaying digital information (video from a different source, blue force tracking data, navigation information, etc) or capturing what the operator can see via photo or video to be able to send across the tactical data network. Augmenting an analog I2 tube & associated optics to enable wide field of view with the capability to capture scene information and display digital information is desired for USSOCOM’s next‐generation Night Vision Goggle (NVG) solution.

Characteristics that innovative technologies should consider include:

Solutions could be integrated directly into an I2 tube, or could be external to the I2 tube, but internal to the greater NVG housing.

Solutions should be able to display/capture at least 640x480 video Solutions should minimize additional Size, Weight, or Power draw required Solutions should maintain the standard NVG eye relief of approximately 25mm Solutions should exceed 80° field of view per eye and pursue a goal of 120° field of view per eye.

4.1.2.16 ISR Robotics: Robotics are ubiquitous on the modern battlefield at the lowest echelons. SOF teams of the future will continue to deploy robotics to assist in mission execution and require dramatic reductions in cost to achieve acceptable losses in increasingly contested environments.

SOF are seeking approaches and solutions to significantly reduce the cost of contemporary battlefield robotics through reduced sensor count, reduced processor power, and lower mass while retaining similar capability for obstacle avoidance and payload.

Increased heterogeneity and number of robotics on the battlefield leads to issues with tasking, operator overload, and deconfliction. Simultaneously, increasing challenges to the electromagnetic spectrum require fewer RF control link emissions from SOF teams. Traditional command and control links for robotics must be replaced by distributed dispatcher ‐ agent task focused strategies for robotic control.

o SOF seeks architectures and software capable of deconflicting, tasking, and reporting data from multiple heterogeneous robots while minimizing RF emissions from any central or peripheral node.

Communications are an exploitable link in warfare, particularly radio frequency communications. Most robotic systems include an RF control link, and these links will be increasingly jammed or destroyed on tomorrow's battlefields. Most robotic systems are commercial derivatives and come equipped with little, if any, RF spectrum awareness or protections as spectrum is licensed commercially.

o SOF seeks low cost, disposable, easily integrated components to enable ubiquitous equipping of robotics with basic RF spectrum awareness of common robotic radio bands.

Robotic emplacement of sensors is a requirement for the future ISR environment. To be successful in certain environments the platforms need to avoid detection while transporting the sensor to its required location.

o SOF are seeking robotic platforms that use technology to either avoid detection or blend into the environment (biomimicry) while emplacing sensors.

o SOF are seeking long range robotic emplacement in all domains and possible domain transitions in route. Platforms that can function in multiple domains and/or platforms that can carry other platforms to extend range or avoid detection is desired.

4.1.2.17 Al/ML Scene Optimization for Digital Imagers: Digital imaging systems are proliferating across all domains as the technology matures and miniaturizes. These systems are found on a wide variety of platforms ranging from airborne sensors to digital weapon sights, many with multi‐spectral capabilities (thermal, low‐light sensors, fused). These systems often have multiple different digital settings that the operator must change to optimize the displayed scene for the specific situation. Shifting this optimization task to Al/ML algorithms that could be contained within the processor module would enable SOF operators to gain situational awareness quicker & increase operational capability in dynamic situations. Potential settings for Al/ML optimization could include but are not limited to:

Gain Level Focus HDR Settings Blend ratios (for fused sights)

4.1.2.18 Sensor Integration and Fusion: To enhance ISR‐T effectiveness for unmanned systems, SOF requires the integration and fusion of new and diverse sensor modalities into existing autonomy architectures. This involves developing advanced algorithms and techniques for combining data from multiple sensors to create a more complete, accurate, and actionable understanding of the environment for ISR‐T purposes. Solutions should provide methods to rapidly and efficiently integrate new sensor types into existing unmanned systems architectures, and modifications to existing architectures to better support advanced sensor capabilities optimized for ISR‐T missions. Proposals should demonstrate compatibility with open autonomy reference architectures and promote modularity and extensibility.

4.1.2.19 Command and Control (C2) for ISR‐T: For unmanned systems, SOF seeks innovative C2 concepts and capabilities to enable effective coordination of autonomous systems and cutting‐ edge heterogeneous swarm configurations across different modalities (maritime, ground, air) specifically to support ISR‐T operations. Solutions should be intuitive and effective, providing operators with full control over systems with confidence and reduced cognitive load, enabling rapid tasking and dynamic re‐tasking in response to evolving threats and targeting opportunities.

Solutions should adhere to established human‐machine‐interface (HMI) principles and provide standardized interfaces for data exchange and control, ensuring seamless integration with existing ISR‐T workflows and systems. The focus is on C2 solutions that directly enhance the speed and accuracy of the ISR‐T kill chain.

4.2 Multi‐Domain Communications & Computing Capability Area: USSOCOM must be able to utilize disruptively new and enhanced existing technologies to transform networks and data management techniques required to facilitate the HEO concept in the FOE. The FOE will encompass an increasingly contested and dynamic electromagnetic spectrum and will require an innovative and comprehensive approach for SOF to effectively operate while remaining resilient and secure.

4.2.1 Multi‐Domain Communications & Computing Disruptive Technology Areas Include:

4.2.1.1 Edge computing: SOF seeks multi‐domain, interoperable, platform agnostic, low SWAP technology solutions that provide advanced computing to support SOF operations in degraded, disconnected, contested or anti‐access/ area denial (A2/AD) communications environments. Data collection, management, storage, and dissemination has become very complex. Edge computing hardware solutions need to be able to process data from multiple sources and sensors to process and analyze such data to further enable SOF Operators. Edge computing solutions miniaturized to a very small form factor (i.e. ‐ individual chips) for applications ranging from aerial/maritime platforms to body‐worn hardware components supporting either individual or multiple functions in a low‐power consumption manner are of interest. Edge compute devices must facilitate multiple varieties of evolving analytical software and toolset processing needs. Those applications must include the fusing of multiple disparate data sources. The output must enable the SOF end user with the right data, at the right time, and at the right location. Technologies with the following attributes are preferred:

Provide low‐power consumption computing relative to existing, Commercial‐Off‐ The‐Shelf (COTS) CPU/GPU hardware.

Support software applications that provide advanced data analytics and visualization tools that reduce Operator cognitive load.

Provide ability to compute and derive insights at multiple points within a tactical network prior to reach‐back to enterprise‐level network connection.

Support networking of multiple body‐worn computing chips that can fuse multiple data types.

Innovative cognitive radios that employ Al/ML/Deep Learning to intelligently sense spectrum, adjust transmit power, and "roam" when in an Electronic Warfare cluttered environment and stay below or within defined "noise levels" with very little user interaction. Radios need to integrate with military hardware owned and carried by SOF operators. Software should be available as a plugin or add on as required.

Provide enhanced Commercial Solutions for Classified and Data at Rest capabilities.

Support containerized applications.

Compute Triage for edge applications Algorithms that optimize processing and reduce battery consumption Distributed computing across edge devices (using multiple meshed devices to process a problem set) SOF is interested in body‐worn forward edge compute (FEC) device for dismounted or mounted teams operating in Disconnected, Degraded, Intermittent, and limited (DDIL) environments. This device aims to provide local processing for applications like ATAK and language translation, ensuring continued situational awareness and communication when an enterprise or cloud services are unavailable. The enhanced effort includes integrating Al/ML capabilities directly onto the body‐worn device, particularly for tasks like object recognition and natural language processing. This also includes enabling drone control in complex, RF‐ denied environments through a leapfrogging mesh network architecture. Key challenges include heat management, maximizing battery life while maintaining a small and lightweight form factor, ensuring ruggedization and establishing ruggedized commercial connections.

4.2.1.2 Quantum Technology: SOF is tracking the transformational opportunities that quantum technology presents to military applications and national security. SOF is actively monitoring advancements and investing in research and developments to ensure readiness and maintain a technological advantage. This BAA has identified two areas of quantum technology that appears most promising to the greater SOF community:

Quantum Computers: While still in early development, quantum computers possess the theoretical capability to dramatically outperform today's computers for specific tasks. Potential military applications include advancements in artificial intelligence (Al), particularly machine learning and target identification, and the potential for breaking…