Attach_1_USSOCOM_RFI_TE19_2_Technical_Experimentation_Event.docx

Solicitation Number: USSOCOM RFI TE 19-2 Technical Experimentation: Special Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Exploitation (SRSE) Notice Type: Special Notice TYPE: A–Research and Development NAICS: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) Publish Date: 28 Nov 2018 Response Date: 11 Jan 2019, 12:00 Noon Eastern Standard Time (EST) Synopsis:

A. INTRODUCTION: Technical Experimentation (TE) This Request for Information (RFI) is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this RFI is to solicit technology experimentation candidates from Research and Development (R&D) organizations, private industry, and academia for inclusion in future experimentation events coordinated by the U. S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). USSOCOM invites industry, academia, individuals, and Government labs to submit technology experimentation nominations addressing innovative technologies leading to possible Government/Industry collaboration for development of USSOCOM technology capabilities. 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 19-2:

· Date: 25 through 29 March 2019

· Theme: Special Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Exploitation

· Location: Atterbury-Muscatatuck Center for Complex Operations (AMCCO), Indiana Army National Guard (INARNG), IN

B. OBJECTIVE:

4.1 Joint Threat Warning Systems

4.1.1 Software defined radios

4.1.1.1 Readily reprogrammable and reconfigurable (to include remotely) radio frequency (RF) sensing receivers

4.1.1.2 Data infiltration and exfiltration for payload information transport

4.1.1.3 Security features for unattended operation

4.1.1.4 Full RF spectrum capabilities and processing against all known signals of interest

4.1.2 Analog and digital receivers

4.1.2.1 Improved sensitivity and efficiency

4.1.2.2 Data infiltration and exfiltration for payload information transport

4.1.2.3 Security features for unattended operation

4.1.3 Advanced antennas for receive (RX) and transmission (TX)

4.1.3.1 Both passive and active

4.1.3.2 Arrays, conformal, omni and steerable directional

4.1.3.3 For use on various platforms, man packable and mobile

4.1.3.4 Reduced size

4.1.3.5 Simplified integration

4.1.3.6 Multiband and concealed applications

4.1.3.7 Meta-material solutions

4.1.3.8 Camouflaged

4.1.4 Reduce Operator Workload

4.1.4.1 Algorithms (to include machine-learning) for detecting, classifying and exploiting signals in near real time

4.1.4.2 Human Language Technology

4.1.4.2.1 Speaker, Gender, Language, Voice ID, Speech to Text, etc.

4.1.4.3 Automated processing of signals intelligence (SIGINT) data.

4.1.4.4 Advanced data analytics (near real time and post-processing)

4.1.4.5 Improved SIGINT two-way fusion with other intelligence disciplines

4.1.5 Direction Finding and Locating

4.1.5.1 Advanced signal processing algorithms and hardware

4.1.5.2 Improved fusion of different techniques

4.1.5.3 Cooperative direction finding and time difference of arrival

4.2 USSOCOM is seeking cell phone and/or tablet-based applications for noncontact (touchless) biometrics collection. Using the host platform’s on-board sensors, these applications should collect biometric data as defined below, plus user-entered contextual data, and produce an Electronic Biometric Transmission Specification (EBTS) version 3.0 compliant digital file. Applications should also be able to match biometric data against an on-board watch list either generated from collections or downloaded from a designated source.

4.2.1 Evaluation Criteria:

· Collect up to four fingerprints simultaneously in accordance with (IAW) DoD EBTS version 3.0

· Collect two irises simultaneously IAW DoD EBTS version 3.0

· Collect facial images IAW DoD EBTS version 3.0

· Collect images of scars, marks, and tattoos (SMT)

· Collect voice sample

· Collect user-input contextual data IAW DoD EBTS version 3.0

· Produce an EBTS version 3.0 compliant digital file

· Maintain an onboard watch list with fingerprints and face. Iris, voice, and SMT are desired, but not required.

· Download a watch list from a SOF managed portal or a designated surrogate source.

· Obtain a “match/no-match” result for fingerprints and face (facial recognition) against an onboard watch list within one minute. Matching against iris, voice, and/or SMT within one minute are desired, but not required.

· Ensure a six hour operating usage life within a 24 hour period before recharging.

· Ability to operate while the device battery is recharging.

· Provide a night lighting scheme for the touchpad and sensors.

4.3 Next Generation Identity Awareness

4.3.1 Non-GPS positioning and timing

4.3.2 Intuitive Data Visualization

4.3.3 Standoff voice collection and identification

4.3.4 Remote emplacement of beacons or tracking systems

4.3.5 Remote collection of fingerprints or DNA

4.3.6 Collection of effluents or other novel biometric identifiers

4.3.7 Dynamic sensors/Group 1 Unmanned Aerial Systems (Small, 0-20 Lbs.) able to conduct surveillance of moving vehicles or people

4.3.8 Autonomous system emplacement via air delivery and servicing

4.3.9 Advanced communications for enhanced survivability.

4.4 Geospatial to the Edge: Interoperability. Applications consuming Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) data on mobile devices are becoming more widely employed to provide battlespace situational awareness. SOF warfighters require detailed tactical GEOINT during mission planning and execution in Denied, Disconnected, Intermittent and Limited (DDIL) network environments. The Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) has advanced GeoPackage, an open and extensible standard data format designed for tactical mobile users in DDIL environments. Standards-based interoperability and extending OGC GeoPackage to meet SOF requirements are active areas of interest. Desired characteristics of applications consuming GeoPackages include:

4.4.1 Capability to display National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG) standard profiles. Profiles provide strict implementation guidance to ensure interoperability of geospatial systems in highly specialized and demanding environments.

a. NSG GeoPackage 2.1, raster and vector data (OGC GeoPackage 1.1)

b. NSG Web Map Service (WMS) 1.0 raster data (OGC WMS 1.3)

c. NSG Web Map Tile Service (WMTS) 1.1 raster data (OGC WMTS 1.0)

d. NSG Web Feature Service (WFS) 1.0 raster data (OGC WFS 2.0)

4.4.2 Capability to display GEOINT data meeting NSG profiles above and emerging OGC GeoPackage extensions to meet SOF requirements for:

a. Visualizing elevation data

b. Styling and symbology

c. Georeferenced media attachments (e.g. photos, video)

d. 3D geospatial data such as building height

4.4.3 Next generation GeoPackage capabilities to include:

a. 3D geospatial data fused with human geography data such as landmarks, buildings, businesses, roads, telecommunications infrastructure, and other urban features.

b. Site and building survey data in a single package with both building interior data and surrounding urban terrain including elevation.

c. Augmented reality data combined with complex urban 3D terrain data.

d. Intelligence data such as georeferenced attack and location

4.4.4 Open standards based game engine for virtual mission reconnaissance and planning with geospecific 3D data on a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 in a DDIL environment.

C. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

Technology experimentation nominations shall be submitted electronically via the Vulcan platform as described below. 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. A complete submission consists of:

• Completing a Vulcan Scout Card (Go to Vulcan Scout Card ) Once the Scout Card is completed, complete the Supplemental Information Form in Vulcan and attach a White Paper describing your technology.

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

• A 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.

• Experiment plan.

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

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

Selected respondents will be invited to participate in USSOCOM experiments. USSOCOM shall provide venues, supporting infrastructure, and assessment (operational and technical, based on availability of resources and written request as discussed above) personnel at no cost to invited respondent(s). All respondents’ submission costs, travel costs, technology experiments, and experimentation associated costs will be at the respondents’ expense. The TE venue will only provide basic access to training areas or ranges (if approved and applicable) to conduct experiments, a facility to connect to the internet, basic venue infrastructure including frequency coordination/deconfliction, and shore power. Invited respondents must be prepared to be self-sufficient during the execution of their experiments and not dependent on venue resources. On a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of USSOCOM, respondents invited to the event may be asked to complete a Vendor Loan Agreement (VLA) (RFI Notice Attachment 4). Do not submit the VLA form unless instructed by USSOCOM to do so.

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.

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 Special Operations Forces.

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:

Technology developers invited to this event are encouraged to contact each other using the social media through USSOCOM Technical Experimentation. While USSOCOM Technical Experimentation has access to several social media, the preferred collaboration social media link is LinkedIn www.tinyurl.com/LinkedIn-SOCOMTE.

F. USE OF INFORMATION: The purpose of this notice is to gain information leading to Government/Industry collaboration for development of USSOCOM technology capabilities and to assist in accelerating the delivery of these capabilities to the SOF warrior. All proprietary information contained in the submission and technology experimentation shall be appropriately marked. The Government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish future capability and requirements.

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. Respondents to this RFI should identify any export controlled technology since there will be foreign military attendees, who are interested in the capabilities being demonstrated at the TE event. Technology developers are ultimately responsible for complying with all International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR)/Export Administration Regulations (EAR) requirements associated with their equipment. 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 on the basis of 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 shall not be used as a proposal.

3. In accordance with FAR 15.209(c), the purpose of this RFI is to solicit technology experimentation candidates from research and development organizations, private industry, and academia for inclusion in future experimentation events coordinated by USSOCOM.

Contracting Office Address:

7701 Tampa Point Blvd MacDill AFB, Florida 33621-5323

Primary Point of Contact:

tech_exp@socom.mil

(813) 826-4646

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