Strategic Partnership Opportunity for SOCAFRICA Military-to-Military Events

The United States Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA) is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) for market research purposes to identify a strategic industry partner to coordinate the integration of defense technologies, products, and services into military-to-military engagements and exercises over a five-year period beginning December 2026. The partnership will focus on two primary events: Silent Warrior, an annual military-to-military engagement for Special Operations Forces commanders and industry leaders, and FLINTLOCK, a biennial exercise involving over 40 countries from Africa and international allies. Key requirements include managing vendor relationships, developing and maintaining a dedicated partnership website, collaborating with SOCAFRICA and host-nation planners to integrate industry products into event programming, and supporting identification of future event opportunities across Africa. The selected partner must demonstrate expertise in defense and security solutions, innovative defense technologies (counter-UAS systems, multisource ISR enhancement, maritime security, sensor-to-shooter integration, and AI-enabled operational command and control systems), ITAR compliance, and logistics coordination including visa processing and customs clearance. Interested organizations must submit a detailed white paper not exceeding five pages by 1600 CET on April 26, 2026, addressing partnership plans, industry partner identification strategies, cost estimates, resource-sharing models, and incorporation of industry products into event scenarios.

This is a market research RFI only and does not constitute a formal solicitation, invitation for bid, or obligation for the government to award a contract or make any payments. No set-aside designations apply to this opportunity. The government has not disclosed specific award values, budget ranges, or payment structures at this pre-solicitation stage. The partnership will commence in December 2026 and continue for five years, encompassing multiple annual and biennial events across Africa. Questions and inquiries should be directed to Contracting Officer SFC Christen P. Cantu (christen.p.cantu.mil@socom.mil) or Action Officer LTC Cesar N. Feliciano (cesar.n.feliciano.mil@socom.mil). This RFI represents an early-stage market research effort to assess industry capabilities and interest before the formal solicitation process is initiated.