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

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI solicits 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). The intent is to provide participants with the opportunity to gain Special Operations Forces (SOF) insight and perspective on their technologies. This RFI is specifically for Technical Experimentation (TE) 26-4, focusing on Signature Management and Defeat.

• The primary intent is to highlight technologies that support employing signature management and defeat of signature management capabilities.

• Technologies will be pitted against each other in an operationally focused vignette.

• Technology areas include, but are not limited to:

  • Automatic Target Recognition (ATR)
  • Communications (LPI/LPD, ISAC, Non-RF, EMCON, Spoofing)
  • Physical Systems (Signature Reducing Camouflage/Uniforms, Facial Recognition, Counter Optical Augmentation, Acoustic/Weapons Signature Reduction)
  • Digital Signature Management
  • Novel Methods

• Technologies should be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3-6 or higher.

• Proposed experiments may be between a half day and two days in duration.

• This RFI is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations.

• No contracts will be awarded based solely on this announcement or any subsequent supplemental RFI announcements.

• Nomination package deadline: 25 June 2026, 12:00 Noon EDT.

• Submissions must be made electronically by creating a Scout Card in the Vulcan system (vulcan-sof.com).

• A complete submission includes:

  1. Scout Card creation.
  2. Completed Supplemental Information form (link provided).
  3. Signed Photo Release (RFI Attachment 2).

• Respondents must not submit classified information.

• Respondents must review and adhere to safety requirements, including completing a Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet if invited to demonstrate.

• Frequency requirements must be addressed, including FCC/NTIA approval if applicable.

• Selection will be based on the extent to which the technology represents a potential capability increase to SOF, technical maturity, and relevance to operational needs and the event focus area.

• Open to R&D organizations, private industry, and academia.

• Foreign attendees may be present; respondents are responsible for ITAR/EAR compliance.

• The event dates are 14 September – 18 September 2026, in Red Springs, North Carolina.

• Respondents are responsible for their own submission costs, travel costs, and experimentation expenses. USSOCOM will provide venues and basic infrastructure.

• The purpose of this RFI is to gain information leading to Government/Industry collaboration for USSOCOM technology capabilities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet (DD Form 2977), updated November 2024. It is intended for use in conducting deliberate risk assessments.

• The worksheet provides a structured format for identifying, analyzing, and evaluating risks associated with a particular activity or project.
• It includes sections for documenting hazards, potential consequences, existing controls, and recommended actions.

Bidders may be required to complete or review this form as part of their proposal submission or to understand the risk management requirements associated with the opportunity. It helps in understanding the government's approach to risk assessment and mitigation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "USSOCOM Technical Experimentation Event Safety Guide," provides guidance on ensuring safety risks associated with the operation of equipment during a USSOCOM technical experimentation event are identified and mitigated. It outlines the desired format for submitting safety risk records and encourages the integration of system safety into technology development.

• Deliberate Risk Assessment (DRA): The desired format for submitting safety risk records is a DRA worksheet, with DD Form 2977 cited as an example. Bidders should consult the SAM.gov posting for specific requirements.
• Common Safety Analyses: Examples include Safety Assessment Reports, System/Subsystem Hazard Analyses, Laser Safety Evaluations, and others.
• Reference Standard: MIL-STD-882E, "Standard Practice: System Safety," is the typical reference for System Safety within USSOCOM and the Department of War.
• Specific Data Requirements: The guide details information required for systems containing:
  • Lasers: Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD), Optical Density (OD) requirements, design wavelength, beam divergence, output power, and verification records.
  • Energetic Materials: Interim Hazard Classification (IHC), evaluation of energetic materials (if novel), fuzing/safe & arm/ignition safety systems, recommended standoff distances, surface danger zones, and prior live fire testing summaries.
  • Radio-Frequency / Magneto-Inductive Emitters: Number of frequencies and band, transmitter output power, antenna gain, "Radiation Hazard" (RADHAZ) analyses, and established Safe Stand-off Distances (SSDs).

This guide is crucial for bidders developing or demonstrating technology for the event. It specifies the safety documentation and analysis required, helping bidders understand the safety compliance obligations and prepare necessary artifacts to ensure a safe demonstration. Adherence to these safety guidelines is essential for participation and successful execution of the event.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Photograph/Media Consent and Release" form. It is used to obtain authorization from individuals and organizations to capture and use images or motion pictures of equipment and demonstrations during "USSOCOM Technical Experimentation 26-4".

• Consent to take photographs or motion pictures of equipment and demonstrations.
• Authorization for USSOCOM to use, reuse, copy, publish, display, exhibit, reproduce, and distribute these "Materials" in various media formats (publications, articles, magazines, websites, social media).
• Acknowledgment that participation is voluntary and no payment will be received for signing the release or for any publication of the Materials.
• Representation that the signatory is at least 19 years of age and an authorized representative of the referenced organization.
• Fields for digital signature, typed name, typed organization, and date.

This form is likely required for individuals or organizations participating in or attending the "USSOCOM Technical Experimentation 26-4" event, which may be related to the opportunity. Bidders involved in demonstrations or requiring access to sensitive areas during the experimentation may need to complete this form. It clarifies the government's rights regarding media capture and usage during the event.