RFI for USSOCOM Technical Experimentation (TE) 26-4: Signature Management and Defeat

The United States Special Operations Command issued a Request for Information soliciting technology experimentation nominations for TE 26-4: Signature Management and Defeat, with nominations due by 25 June 2026 at 12:00 Noon Eastern Daylight Time. This is not a procurement or contract solicitation; USSOCOM will not award contracts or purchase equipment based on participation. Selected nominees will demonstrate technologies at a one-week experimentation event scheduled for 14–18 September 2026 in Red Springs, North Carolina.

USSOCOM invites research and development organizations, private industry, academia, individuals, and Government labs to submit nominations for innovative technologies at Technology Readiness Level 3–6 or higher that advance Special Operations Forces signature management and defeat capabilities. Technology areas include Automatic Target Recognition algorithms and sensor systems; Low Probability of Intercept/Detection communications and Integrated Sensing and Communication; multi-spectral camouflage and uniforms; facial and optical recognition; acoustic and weapons signature reduction; and digital signature countermeasures. Proposed experiments must last between half a day and two days, potentially in unimproved expeditionary-like conditions.

Respondents must submit nominations via the Vulcan system (vulcan-sof.com) using a Scout Card, complete a mandatory Electronic Supplemental Information form, and provide a signed Photo Release. Radio frequency-emitting devices require FCC Special Temporary Authority, Experimental License, or NTIA approval by 7 August 2026. Risk assessments are due by 3 August 2026. All submission, travel, and experimentation costs are the respondent's responsibility; USSOCOM provides venue, basic infrastructure, and assessment personnel at no cost. Selection is based on potential capability increases to SOF, technical maturity, relevance to military operations, and alignment with event focus areas.