USSOCOM RFI TE 26-3 Maritime Operations in Contested Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Environments

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Photograph/Media Consent and Release" form required for participation in activities related to USSOCOM REPTILE 2026. It grants USSOCOM authorization to capture and use images and motion pictures of equipment and demonstrations.

• 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 forms of media, including publications, articles, magazines, websites, and 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 their organization.
• Fields for digital signature, date, typed name, and typed organization.

This form is likely required for individuals or organizations participating in demonstrations or events associated with the opportunity. Bidders involved in such activities may need to complete and submit this form as part of their participation or proposal requirements.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI (TE 26-3) solicits technology experimentation candidates from R&D organizations, private industry, and academia for inclusion in future U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Technical Experimentation (TE) events. The goal is to provide participants an opportunity to gain Special Operations Forces (SOF) insight into their technologies and explore emerging technologies for future SOF capabilities. This is NOT a solicitation for proposals or contracts.

• The event focuses on "Maritime Operations in Contested Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Environments."

• Technologies should support maritime operations at, below, or above the water line.

• Focus areas include multi-modal, multi-domain technologies, manned-unmanned platforms, combat diving operations, and alternative long-range communications.

• Specific technology areas include:

  • Manned & Unmanned Maritime Systems (UxS): Surface, Subsea, & Seabed Systems (e.g., platforms with IP68 standards, biomimicry, low-cost UUVs with specific weight, endurance, depth, and architecture requirements).
  • Operations in Contested Environments: Resilient Navigation and Timing (PNT), Contested Communications (LPI/LPD), and Electronic Warfare (EW) / Signals Intelligence (SIGINT).
  • Human-Centric Command and Control: Integrated Operator Interfaces, Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), AI-Enabled Decision Support, Target Detection/Tracking/Classification/Identification.
  • Modular & Non-Attributable Payloads.
  • Underwater Communications.
  • Power and Energy for maritime systems.

• Technologies should generally be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 to 6.

• No contracts will be awarded based solely on this RFI.

• Nomination package deadline: 29 May 2026, 12:00 Noon ET.

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

• A Supplemental Information form is also mandatory.

• USSOCOM personnel will review submissions to determine if an experiment submission will be accepted for invitation to the TE event.

• Selection is based on the technology's potential capability increase to SOF, technical maturity, relevance to operational needs, and adaptability.

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

• Respondents shall not submit classified information.

• Respondents must review and comply with safety requirements and frequency requirements.

• The Technical Experimentation event is scheduled for 17-21 August 2026, at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division Acoustic Research Detachment, Bayview, Idaho.

• Respondents are responsible for their own submission costs, travel, and associated experimentation costs.

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

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet (DD Form 2977), updated November 2024. It is a standard form used for conducting and documenting deliberate risk assessments.

• Sections for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and developing control measures.
• Fields for documenting the risk assessment team, dates, and approval signatures.
• Space for detailing the operational context and potential consequences.

Bidders may be required to complete or use this form as part of their proposal submission, particularly if the opportunity involves specific security, safety, or operational requirements where a risk assessment is mandated. It helps bidders understand the level of risk the government has identified and the controls expected.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Safety Guide for the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation Event. Its purpose is to ensure safety risks associated with the operation of equipment to be demonstrated are identified, and proper mitigations are implemented for a safe demonstration.

• 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.
• System Safety Integration: Firms are encouraged to integrate system safety into their technology development process. Outputs from this integration, such as Safety Assessment Reports, System/Subsystem Hazard Analyses, Laser Safety Evaluations, and others, are useful.
• 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 outlines specific 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 (e.g., sensitivity test results), evaluation of 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 critical for bidders demonstrating equipment at the event. It details the safety documentation and analysis required, emphasizing the need for a rigorous safety process and the submission of specific data related to potential hazards (lasers, energetic materials, RF emitters). Understanding and adhering to these safety requirements is essential for participation and successful demonstration.