Request for Information (RFI) for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Explosive Cutting Charge

Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted

Solicitation number
RFI-2026-ECC
Agency
Responses due
Set-aside
No set-aside

Opportunity facts

NAICS code
541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
PSC
AC11 National Defense R&D Services; Department Of Defense - Military; Basic Research
Place of performance
United States
Points of contact

Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .

About this opportunity

Written by GovTribe AI ·

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has issued a Request for Information (RFI-2026-ECC) seeking white papers from industry regarding the design and development of man-portable, man-emplaced Explosive Cutting Charge (ECC) systems. This market research initiative is intended for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract or issue a subsequent solicitation. The primary objective requires vendors to demonstrate capability in severing a hardened steel pipe target (SAE4140/42H P110, 15" OD x 4" ID x 0.125" wall x 48" length) using a system that can be deployed by a single operator in austere environments and operated from a standoff distance. USSOCOM seeks solutions that provide enhanced portability and performance against hardened steel targets, with respondents encouraged to describe their capabilities and provide rationale for alternative approaches. The due date for white paper submissions is May 27, 2026, and USSOCOM emphasizes that it will not bear any costs incurred by interested parties in responding to this RFI.

This RFI includes no set-aside designation and does not identify any incumbent contractors or current vendors. No specific award value or budget range has been disclosed in this pre-solicitation notice, as this remains a market research phase rather than a formal competitive procurement. USSOCOM actively encourages responses from capable businesses of all sizes, including those in various socioeconomic categories, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of available technologies and innovative solutions in the market. Proprietary information submitted by respondents must be appropriately marked and will be retained within USSOCOM for internal decision-making purposes only, with no external disclosure. The opportunity is categorized under NAICS 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) and PSC AC11 (National Defense R&D Services), indicating the specialized nature of the required explosive ordnance expertise.

Notice text

3 versions

Update #3 · Latest ·

**Revision 1 - Primary Objective 1st bullet includes a change from: 12" OD x 4" ID to: 15" OD x 4" ID. **

Request for Information (RFI) for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Explosive Cutting Charge

RFI Number: RFI-2026-ECC

1. Purpose:

The purpose of this announcement is to request white papers from Industry regarding USSOCOM’s Explosive Cutting Charge (ECC) requirement. This announcement constitutes a Request for Information for informational and planning purposes only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The information requested will be used within USSOCOM as market research to facilitate decision-making and will not be disclosed outside the Government. USSOCOM is seeking interested vendors with the ability to design a man-portable, man-emplaced ECC. Proprietary information submitted shall be appropriately marked. Please note that USSOCOM will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by interested parties in responding to this RFI. USSOCOM highly encourages responses from capable businesses of all sizes to include all the socioeconomic categories.

2. Background:

Current explosive breaching capabilities require solutions that can be employed by a single operator in austere environments. To support evolving operational needs, USSOCOM is seeking information on ECC technologies that offer enhanced portability and performance against specific hard targets. This market research aims to understand the current capabilities and identify innovative solutions for defeating hardened steel targets from a standoff distance.

3. Desired Capabilities:

USSOCOM is interested in information on ECC systems with the following desired performance characteristics. Respondents should describe their capabilities to meet or exceed these attributes and are encouraged to provide rationale for alternative approaches.

  • Primary Objective: The ECC must be capable of severing a steel pipe target (SAE4140/42H P110, 15” OD x 4” ID ± .125” x 48” L).
  • Deployment: The system should be man-portable and capable of being employed against both vertical and horizontal targets.
  • Stand-off: Capable of achieving a successful cut from a standoff distance approximately 48 inches.
  • Size and Weight: The ideal system is no larger than 8” W x 12” L x 10” H and weighs no more than 65 lbs.
  • Initiation: The system must be compatible with the Government's preferred initiator, the RISI RP-83 EBW. Respondents may describe alternative initiation systems but should provide a clear rationale for their use.

4. Information Requested

Interested parties are requested to submit a white paper, not to exceed 15 pages. Responses should be tailored to this requirement rather than submitting a generic capability statement. Please structure your response to address the following information:

  • Company Information:
    • Company Name
    • Address
    • Point of Contact
    • CAGE Code
    • Phone Number
    • E-mail Address
    • Web Page URL
    • Business Size and any applicable socioeconomic categories
  • Relevant Experience:
    • Provide a description of your company's experience in the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of explosive charges, particularly those involving shaped charge or cutting effects.
    • For relevant past projects, please provide the contract number, period of performance, and a brief description of the effort, noting whether your company was the prime or a subcontractor.
  • Technical Approach and Capability:
    • Describe your conceptual approach to meeting the desired capabilities outlined in Section 3.
    • Detail the modeling and simulation (M&S) capabilities your company possesses to predict performance.
    • Describe your company's prototyping, testing, and manufacturing capabilities for explosive systems.
    • What makes your proposed solution or technical approach uniquely suited to this challenge compared to other potential solutions?
  • Acquisition Strategy Feedback:
    • Please list any government-wide contract vehicles (e.g., OASIS, GSA Schedules, etc.) your company holds that may be suitable for a future procurement effort for this type of requirement.
    • Please provide any other information or suggestions that may offer efficiencies in the potential acquisition process for this ECC requirement.

5. Submission Instructions:

Submit responseselectronically to Alicia.a.rasich.civ@socom.mil and douglas.c.bailey.civ@socom.mil with the subject line: “RFI-2026-ECC Response: [Your Company Name]”. Submissions are due no later than May 27, 2026 at 5:00PM ET. Questions regarding this RFI should be directed to the same email address.

**This RFI does not constitute an invitation to bid, nor is it a request for proposal. PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This RFI shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a contract or otherwise pay for the information solicited.**

Update #2 ·

Request for Information (RFI) for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Explosive Cutting Charge

RFI Number: RFI-2026-ECC

1. Purpose:

The purpose of this announcement is to request white papers from Industry regarding USSOCOM’s Explosive Cutting Charge (ECC) requirement. This announcement constitutes a Request for Information for informational and planning purposes only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The information requested will be used within USSOCOM as market research to facilitate decision-making and will not be disclosed outside the Government. USSOCOM is seeking interested vendors with the ability to design a man-portable, man-emplaced ECC. Proprietary information submitted shall be appropriately marked. Please note that USSOCOM will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by interested parties in responding to this RFI. USSOCOM highly encourages responses from capable businesses of all sizes to include all the socioeconomic categories.

2. Background:

Current explosive breaching capabilities require solutions that can be employed by a single operator in austere environments. To support evolving operational needs, USSOCOM is seeking information on ECC technologies that offer enhanced portability and performance against specific hard targets. This market research aims to understand the current capabilities and identify innovative solutions for defeating hardened steel targets from a standoff distance.

3. Desired Capabilities:

USSOCOM is interested in information on ECC systems with the following desired performance characteristics. Respondents should describe their capabilities to meet or exceed these attributes and are encouraged to provide rationale for alternative approaches.

  • Primary Objective: The ECC must be capable of severing a steel pipe target (SAE4140/42H P110, 12” OD x 4” ID ± .125” x 48” L).
  • Deployment: The system should be man-portable and capable of being employed against both vertical and horizontal targets.
  • Stand-off: Capable of achieving a successful cut from a standoff distance approximately 48 inches.
  • Size and Weight: The ideal system is no larger than 8” W x 12” L x 10” H and weighs no more than 65 lbs.
  • Initiation: The system must be compatible with the Government's preferred initiator, the RISI RP-83 EBW. Respondents may describe alternative initiation systems but should provide a clear rationale for their use.

4. Information Requested

Interested parties are requested to submit a white paper, not to exceed 15 pages. Responses should be tailored to this requirement rather than submitting a generic capability statement. Please structure your response to address the following information:

  • Company Information:
    • Company Name
    • Address
    • Point of Contact
    • CAGE Code
    • Phone Number
    • E-mail Address
    • Web Page URL
    • Business Size and any applicable socioeconomic categories
  • Relevant Experience:
    • Provide a description of your company's experience in the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of explosive charges, particularly those involving shaped charge or cutting effects.
    • For relevant past projects, please provide the contract number, period of performance, and a brief description of the effort, noting whether your company was the prime or a subcontractor.
  • Technical Approach and Capability:
    • Describe your conceptual approach to meeting the desired capabilities outlined in Section 3.
    • Detail the modeling and simulation (M&S) capabilities your company possesses to predict performance.
    • Describe your company's prototyping, testing, and manufacturing capabilities for explosive systems.
    • What makes your proposed solution or technical approach uniquely suited to this challenge compared to other potential solutions?
  • Acquisition Strategy Feedback:
    • Please list any government-wide contract vehicles (e.g., OASIS, GSA Schedules, etc.) your company holds that may be suitable for a future procurement effort for this type of requirement.
    • Please provide any other information or suggestions that may offer efficiencies in the potential acquisition process for this ECC requirement.

5. Submission Instructions:

Submit responseselectronically to Alicia.a.rasich.civ@socom.mil and douglas.c.bailey.civ@socom.mil with the subject line: “RFI-2026-ECC Response: [Your Company Name]”. Submissions are due no later than May 27, 2026 at 5:00PM ET. Questions regarding this RFI should be directed to the same email address.

**This RFI does not constitute an invitation to bid, nor is it a request for proposal. PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This RFI shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a contract or otherwise pay for the information solicited.**

Update #1 ·

Request for Information (RFI) for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Explosive Cutting Charge

RFI Number: RFI-2026-ECC

1. Purpose:

The purpose of this announcement is to request white papers from Industry regarding USSOCOM’s Explosive Cutting Charge (ECC) requirement. This announcement constitutes a Request for Information for informational and planning purposes only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The information requested will be used within USSOCOM as market research to facilitate decision-making and will not be disclosed outside the Government. USSOCOM is seeking interested vendors with the ability to design a man-portable, man-emplaced ECC. Proprietary information submitted shall be appropriately marked. Please note that USSOCOM will NOT be responsible for any costs incurred by interested parties in responding to this RFI. USSOCOM highly encourages responses from capable businesses of all sizes to include all the socioeconomic categories.

2. Background:

Current explosive breaching capabilities require solutions that can be employed by a single operator in austere environments. To support evolving operational needs, USSOCOM is seeking information on ECC technologies that offer enhanced portability and performance against specific hard targets. This market research aims to understand the current capabilities and identify innovative solutions for defeating hardened steel targets from a standoff distance.

3. Desired Capabilities:

USSOCOM is interested in information on ECC systems with the following desired performance characteristics. Respondents should describe their capabilities to meet or exceed these attributes and are encouraged to provide rationale for alternative approaches.

  • Primary Objective: The ECC must be capable of severing a steel pipe target (SAE4140/42H P110, 12” OD x 4” ID ± .125” x 48” L).
  • Deployment: The system should be man-portable and capable of being employed against both vertical and horizontal targets.
  • Stand-off: Capable of achieving a successful cut from a standoff distance approximately 48 inches.
  • Size and Weight: The ideal system is no larger than 8” W x 12” L x 10” H and weighs no more than 65 lbs.
  • Initiation: The system must be compatible with the Government's preferred initiator, the RISI RP-83 EBW. Respondents may describe alternative initiation systems but should provide a clear rationale for their use.

4. Information Requested

Interested parties are requested to submit a white paper, not to exceed 15 pages. Responses should be tailored to this requirement rather than submitting a generic capability statement. Please structure your response to address the following information:

  • Company Information:
    • Company Name
    • Address
    • Point of Contact
    • CAGE Code
    • Phone Number
    • E-mail Address
    • Web Page URL
    • Business Size and any applicable socioeconomic categories
  • Relevant Experience:
    • Provide a description of your company's experience in the design, development, testing, and manufacturing of explosive charges, particularly those involving shaped charge or cutting effects.
    • For relevant past projects, please provide the contract number, period of performance, and a brief description of the effort, noting whether your company was the prime or a subcontractor.
  • Technical Approach and Capability:
    • Describe your conceptual approach to meeting the desired capabilities outlined in Section 3.
    • Detail the modeling and simulation (M&S) capabilities your company possesses to predict performance.
    • Describe your company's prototyping, testing, and manufacturing capabilities for explosive systems.
    • What makes your proposed solution or technical approach uniquely suited to this challenge compared to other potential solutions?
  • Acquisition Strategy Feedback:
    • Please list any government-wide contract vehicles (e.g., OASIS, GSA Schedules, etc.) your company holds that may be suitable for a future procurement effort for this type of requirement.
    • Please provide any other information or suggestions that may offer efficiencies in the potential acquisition process for this ECC requirement.

5. Submission Instructions:

Submit responseselectronically to Alicia.a.rasich.civ@socom.mil and douglas.c.bailey.civ@socom.mil with the subject line: “RFI-2026-ECC Response: [Your Company Name]”. Submissions are due no later than April 11, 2026 at 5:00PM ET. Questions regarding this RFI should be directed to the same email address.

**This RFI does not constitute an invitation to bid, nor is it a request for proposal. PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This RFI shall not be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a contract or otherwise pay for the information solicited.**

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