Attachment_1_USSOCOM_RFI_for Technical Experimentation event 20-3 Rev1.docx

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Solicitation Number: USSOCOM RFI TE 20-3 Technical Experimentation: Network and Data Management Notice Type: Special Notice TYPE: A–Research and Development NAICS: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) Publish Date: 18 Mar 2020 Response Date: 21 May 2020, 12:00 Noon Daylight Savings Time (DST) 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 20-3:

· Date: 13 through 17 July 2020

· Theme: Network and Data Management

· Location: Texas A&M University Rellis Campus, Texas

B. OBJECTIVE:

4.1 Network and Data Management

4.1.1 5G communication architecture components and systems.

4.1.1.1 Advanced Line of Site (LOS) high bandwidth radio systems.

4.1.1.2 Millimeter wave (mm Wave) radio technology

4.1.1.3 Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT). Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technologies.

4.1.1.3.1 Examples include: LoRA, SIGFOX, and Ingenu.

4.1.1.3.2 Systems must include commercial standard encryption and prefer to include authentication.

4.1.2 Edge computing technologies enabling low-latency service solutions in tactical/industrial environments.

4.1.2.1 Body worn computers, requiring minimal space and power.

4.1.2.2 Scale from single to very large in distinct locations

4.1.2.3 Pool of computers that can operate with dynamic resourcing.

4.1.2.4 Remote administration with in band and out of band functions.

4.1.2.5 Multi-tenancy application execution i.e., Linux®, Android™, Windows®.

4.1.2.6 Minimal proprietary interfaces, functions, software or applications.

4.1.3 Enterprise computing solutions utilizing OpenStack® architecture and components for infrastructure.

4.1.4 Military Information Support Operations (MISO) technologies

4.1.4.1 Machine learning and artificial intelligence applications/tools to facilitate historical and cultural Target Audience Analysis.

4.1.4.2 Social network mapping tools

4.1.4.3 Reduced size, weight, and power for antennas; innovative designs

4.1.4.4 Physiological Analysis

4.1.4.4.4 Methods of gathering the above information (e.g. during a one-on-one interview) and software to analyze the data and produce a result indicating sentiment analysis with a confidence factor.

4.1.4.5. Holographic imaging

4.1.4.6 Next generation loud speaker systems require the capability to target an individual or a group with specific messages utilizing a beam of sound. Sonic/audio projection – highly directional acoustics features should include:

4.1.4.6.1 Long range (+ 1.5Km)

4.1.4.6.2 Programmable beam for narrow (1m) and wide distribution (500m).

4.1.4.6.3 Have a deterrent capability

4.1.4.6.4 These systems are expected to operate in field conditions. Next generation loud speaker systems require the capability to target an individual or a group with specific messages utilizing a beam of sound.

4.1.4.7 Simultaneous Transmit and Receive (STAR). STAR is a concept that leverages interference cancellation (and potentially other techniques), that enable transmission and receiving both on the same frequency at the same time across the following broadcast methods AM/FM, TV, Short Message Service (SMS).

4.1.6 Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT). Technology solutions that provide alternate or assured PNT capabilities for mounted and unmounted personnel, without a satellite GPS signal.

4.1.6.1 Non-GPS based PNT technologies that will operate in contested or congested electromagnetic environments.

4.1.6.2 Alternate PNT solutions should be equivalent to the accuracy of the Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR). Must work in contested or congested urban and subterranean environments.

4.1.6.3 Solutions must not depend on radio frequency (RF) to operate.

4.1.6.4 Solutions must interface with the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) platform.

4.1.6.5 Manpack solutions should weigh less than 2 lbs.

4.1.6.6 Solutions must provide GPS-quality time transfer.

4.1.7 Multispectral Optical communications. Multispectral optical communications provide high throughput communications at speeds greater than traditional RF. Optical, laser based communications technologies possess anti-jam, enhanced survivability in heavily contested and congested RF environments.

4.1.7.1 Operate in austere, contested, and congested electromagnetic environment.

4.1.7.2 Non-RF solution

4.1.7.3 Non-visible emissions (naked eye or Infrared (IR) emission) in the 1550nm.

4.1.7.4 Transmission rates: ~20 Mbps-100 Gbps

4.1.7.5 Solutions should offer improved communications for enhanced survivability.

4.1.7.6 Conductivity supporting aircraft-aircraft (fixed wing, rotary wing, UAS platforms). Aircraft to ground (mounted platforms and dismounted forces).

4.1.7.7 Manpack version should weigh less than 10 lbs.

4.1.7.8 Tactical/field kits fit within 6 cubic feet when fully assembled, weigh no more than 110 lbs. (light helicopter transportable). Support for a Forward Operating Base (FOB).

4.1.7.9 Short range Optical Wireless Communications (OWC): Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) applications under standard IEEE 802.15.7 as well as underwater communications.

4.1.7.10 Medium range OWC: Indoor IR and visible light communications for wireless local area networks and inter-vehicular and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications.

4.1.7.11 Long range OWC: Inter-building connections, also called Free Space Optics (FSO) communications.

4.1.7.12 Ultra-long range OWC: Inter-satellite links.

4.1.8 Field computing nodes - Ruggedized Hyper Converged Infrastructure (HCI) equipment that is transportable for mobile/tactical local area network cloud computing operations.

4.1.9 Wireless personal area networks

C. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

Technology experimentation nominations shall be submitted electronically by creating a Scout Card in the Atlas system at: https://atlas-sof.com by the respective deadline. Scout Cards should be created within the TE20-3 Network and Data Management event. The Atlas system is best accessed by using the 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.

A complete submission consists of:

• Creating a Scout Card in Atlas system as described above.

• Completely filling in the Supplemental Sheet (RFI Notice Attachment 2) and attaching it to the Scout Card.

• 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.

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. There may be foreign attendees (military, government or industry partners), who are interested in the capabilities being demonstrated at the TE event. Respondents are ultimately responsible for complying with all International Trafficking in Arms (ITAR)/Export Administration Regulations (EAR) requirements associated with their equipment. Before declaring their ITAR/EAR status, respondents to this RFI should verify the ITAR/EAR status of their technology by visiting the US Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (ITAR) website at: https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public and for EAR, the US Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security at: https://www.bis.doc.gov. USSOCOM event organizers will restrict access as necessary to assist in protecting ITAR/EAR related technology demonstrations.

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

9 | TE 20-3 RFI

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