Experimentation: Transforming in Contact (EXTiC) 26-2
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit, has issued a Call For Technology (CFT) for Experimentation: Transforming in Contact (EXTiC) 26-2. This initiative seeks to find, vet, validate, and integrate new and emerging technologies aligned with CENTCOM’s strategic priorities. The goal is to establish an operationally relevant environment for testing new technologies relevant to future warfare. Submissions are due May 5, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
EXTiC 26-2 aims to rapidly integrate, test, and assess emerging technologies alongside Warfighters in operationally relevant environments, accelerating the transition of capabilities from concept to field. The Government is seeking technologies that can be integrated, stressed, and evaluated across five key verticals:
- Detection and Early Warning: Layered sensing for low-altitude, terrain-masked sUAS.
- ISR and Target Custody: Airborne ISR for positive identification and persistent tracking in contested electromagnetic conditions.
- Adversarial EW and Swarm Threat Emulation: Replicating realistic Red-force behaviors, including RF jamming, GPS spoofing, and Iranian proxy UAS tactics.
- Integrated C2 and Defeat Layer: Merging command-and-control with defeat architecture for end-to-end detect-decide-engage, using kinetic and non-kinetic SHORAD systems.
- Resilience & Sustainment Layer: Ensuring system operation in degraded conditions through hybrid power, resilient Alt/PNT, mesh networking, and system survivability.
Submission Requirements
Organizations must submit a structured package consisting of two components:
- Whitepaper (10 pages maximum): Detail technology development, operational/test history, current Technology Readiness Level (TRL), supported EXTiC vertical(s), and role in the mission thread.
- Technology Quad Chart (1 page): Summarize capability, prior integration/deployment, TRL, and technical point of contact.
Evaluation & Selection Process
Submissions will be assessed by a peer panel for maturity, relevance, and integration potential. Technologies deemed "awardable" may be eligible for further research, prototyping, procurement for experimental purposes, or production under authorities like 10 U.S.C. 3458, 4021, 4022, 4023, FAR Part 35, and DFARS Subpart 212.70. The selection process involves four phases:
- Technology Selection: Initial review of submitted materials.
- Technical Demonstration: Selected vendors demonstrate capabilities to an assessment team.
- Execution: Participation in the EXTiC 26-2 experiment event from July 27-29, 2026.
- Evaluation and Reporting: Participants receive Letters of Observation (LOOs).
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice / Call For Technology
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Submission Deadline: May 5, 2026, 1200 hrs MST.
- Experimentation Event: July 27-29, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Phoenix, AZ, United States.
Important Notes
The Government is not liable for any costs incurred in response to this CFT. Responses must be UNCLASSIFIED or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Contractor support personnel may assist with evaluations, bound by NDAs.
Point of Contact
Nathan Cahoon, EXTiC Project Manager, Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Arizona, nate@swmac.org, 520-606-4784.