USSOCOM to hold C4ISR technical experimentation event

By Loren Blinde April 3, 2018

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On April 2, the U.S. Special Operations Command posted a request for information in connection with its upcoming Technical Experimentation Event: Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4), Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), and Mobility (USSOCOM RFI TE 18-3).

The purpose of this RFI is to solicit 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). USSOCOM invites industry, academia, individuals, and Government labs to submit technology experimentation nominations addressing innovative technologies leading to possible Government/Industry collaboration for development of USSOCOM technology capabilities. The intent is to provide participants with the opportunity to gain Special Operations Forces (SOF) insight/perspective on participant technologies. For this TE event, technology experiment nominations will be submitted via the Vulcan platform”(see Attachment 2).

Technical experimentation will explore emerging technologies, technical applications, and their potential to provide solutions for future SOF capabilities.

This RFI is for TE 18-3:

Date: 16 through 20 July 2018

Themes: Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4), Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), and Mobility.

Location: Fort A.P. Hill, VA B. OBJECTIVE:

Technology experimentation events provide an opportunity for technology developers to interact with operational personnel to determine how their technology development efforts and ideas may support or enhance SOF capability needs. The environment facilitates a collaborative relationship between Government, academia, and industry to promote the identification and assessment of emerging technologies.

The deadline for nomination package(s) is 01 May, 2018 at 12:00 Noon EDT. After review of the TE nomination submissions, the Government may invite select candidates to demonstrate their technologies at the USSOCOM sponsored TE event. Experiments will be conducted from 16-20 July 2018, at Fort A.P. Hill, VA, and will explore emerging technology solutions and revolutionary improvements in relevant technologies. Materiel solutions brought to the event should be between a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 and 6. Proposed experiments may be between a half day and two days in duration and may be conducted in unimproved expeditionary-like conditions. At the discretion of USSOCOM, respondents may be asked to complete a vendor loan agreement (RFI Notice Attachment 5). There is no intention on the part of USSOCOM to purchase or procure equipment based solely on participation in the TE.