Request for Information (RFI) for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Explosive Cutting Charge
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 Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for an Explosive Cutting Charge (ECC). This RFI seeks white papers from industry regarding man-portable, man-emplaced ECC technologies capable of severing hardened steel targets from a standoff distance. This is for market research and planning purposes only, and is not a request for proposal. Responses are due by April 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
USSOCOM is interested in ECC systems with specific performance characteristics:
- Primary Objective: Capable of severing a steel pipe target (SAE4140/42H P110, 12” OD x 4” ID ± .125” x 48” L).
- Deployment: Man-portable, employable against both vertical and horizontal targets.
- Stand-off: Achieve a successful cut from approximately 48 inches.
- Size and Weight: Ideally no larger than 8” W x 12” L x 10” H and weighing no more than 65 lbs.
- Initiation: Compatible with the Government's preferred initiator, the RISI RP-83 EBW (alternative systems may be described with rationale).
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified (encourages responses from all business sizes and socioeconomic categories).
- Response Due: April 11, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: March 11, 2026
Information Requested
Interested parties should submit a white paper (not exceeding 15 pages) tailored to this requirement, addressing:
- Company Information: Name, address, POC, CAGE Code, business size, socioeconomic categories.
- Relevant Experience: Design, development, testing, and manufacturing of explosive charges, particularly shaped charge or cutting effects.
- Technical Approach and Capability: Conceptual approach to desired capabilities, modeling/simulation, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing capabilities for explosive systems.
- Acquisition Strategy Feedback: Government-wide contract vehicles held, and suggestions for acquisition process efficiencies.
Additional Notes
This RFI does not constitute an invitation to bid or a request for proposal. The Government will not accept proposals or be responsible for any costs incurred by respondents. Information submitted will be used for internal USSOCOM market research and will not be disclosed outside the Government. Proprietary information should be appropriately marked.
Submission Instructions: Submit electronically to Alicia.a.rasich.civ@socom.mil and douglas.c.bailey.civ@socom.mil with the subject line: “RFI-2026-ECC Response: [Your Company Name]”. Questions should be directed to the same email addresses.