Distributed Micro Sensors CE

Quick Summary

USSOCOM, in collaboration with SOFWERX, is hosting a multi-phase event titled 'Distributed Micro Sensors CE' to identify innovative solutions for detecting diverse threats in forward conflict zones. This Special Notice seeks low-cost, disposable, threat-agnostic micro-sensors capable of forming wireless mesh networks. The initial Collaboration Event (CE) is on June 24, 2026, with requests to attend due NLT May 28, 2026. This effort aims to lead to non-FAR or FAR-based agreements.

Purpose & Background

Operating forces face complex threats, including toxic, chemical, biological, and radiological hazards. Enhancing sensory perception is crucial for the Army's 'Formation-based Layered Protection' (FbLP) strategy, which integrates sensors and AI to detect, track, and engage threats. This initiative supports the 'Avoid Being Hit' and 'Survive if Hit' components of FbLP.

Objective

The primary objective is to identify suites of low-cost, disposable, threat-agnostic micro-sensors that can target seismic, toxic, and signal hazards. These sensors should be quickly deployable and capable of forming wireless mesh networks to enable timely, informed tactical decisions and enhance operational effectiveness.

Other Areas of Interest

• Power supply for extended duration (up to 30 days)
• Acoustic sensing
• Communications and waveform propagation
• Novel employment/deployment strategies and techniques
• Novel sensor degradation (drop and forget, self-destroying)
• Automation for sensor triggering

Participation & Potential Awards

USSOCOM seeks to enter into non-FAR or FAR-based agreements with Industry, Academia, and National Lab partners. Solutions will be evaluated for technical merit. This serves as notice for research feasibility under 10 U.S. Code, Section 4022 and/or 4022(f), and pre-solicitation activities IAW FAR 5.204. Potential awards include:

• Business to business R&D agreements (sub-award through SOFWERX PIA)
• OTA for research or prototype projects (10 U.S. Code Sections 4021, 4022)
• Procurement for experimental purposes (10 U.S. Code Section 4023)
• Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)
• Prizes for advanced technology achievements (10 U.S. Code Section 4025) and/or prize competitions (15 U.S. Code 3719)
• FAR-based procurement contract

Awardees may need to be compliant with NIST SP 800-171.

Event Timeline

• Phase 1 - Collaboration Event (CE): June 24, 2026 (in-person/virtual at SOFWERX). Request to attend NLT May 28, 2026. Invitations issued around June 3.
• Phase 2 - Submissions for Assessment Event (AE) Open: July 27, 2026 – August 28, 2026.
• Phase 2a - Q&A Telecon: August 12, 2026 (1:00–2:00 PM ET). RSVP form available around July 27.
• Phase 3 - Downselect: August 31, 2026 – September 15, 2026. Invitations for AE issued around September 16.
• Phase 4 - Assessment Event (AE): October 13-15, 2026 (in-person at SOFWERX). Selected participants will pitch solutions to the USSOCOM evaluation panel.
• Phase 5 - Path Forward: Successful evaluations may lead to immediate award negotiations.

Key Dates

• Request to Attend CE Due: May 28, 2026
• Collaboration Event: June 24, 2026
• AE Submissions Open: July 27, 2026
• Q&A Telecon: August 12, 2026
• AE Submissions Close: August 28, 2026
• Assessment Event: October 13-15, 2026

Contacts

• Event-related questions: Olivia Larounis (olivia.larounis@sofwerx.org)
• Primary Contact: Juanita Bell (juanita.bell.ctr@socom.mil)
• Contracting Officer: Ronald Reed (ronald.e.reed.civ@socom.mil, 8134606045)