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), RFI-2026-ECC, for an Explosive Cutting Charge (ECC). This RFI seeks white papers from industry regarding the design of a man-portable, man-emplaced ECC capable of severing hardened steel pipe targets. This is for market research and planning purposes only, and is not a Request for Proposal. Responses are due May 27, 2026.
Purpose & Background
USSOCOM requires solutions for explosive breaching that can be employed by a single operator in austere environments. The market research aims to identify innovative ECC technologies offering enhanced portability and performance against specific hard targets, particularly hardened steel. This RFI will facilitate decision-making within USSOCOM.
Desired Capabilities
USSOCOM is interested in ECC systems with the following 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: Capable of achieving a successful cut from approximately 48 inches.
- Size and Weight: No larger than 8” W x 12” L x 10” H, weighing no more than 65 lbs.
- Initiation: Compatible with the Government's preferred initiator, RISI RP-83 EBW (alternatives with clear rationale may be described).
Information Requested
Interested parties should submit a white paper (not to exceed 15 pages) addressing:
- Company Information: Name, address, Point of Contact, CAGE Code, phone, email, URL, business size, and applicable socioeconomic categories.
- Relevant Experience: Description of experience in design, development, testing, and manufacturing of explosive charges (especially shaped charge or cutting effects), including past project details (contract number, period of performance, prime/subcontractor role).
- Technical Approach and Capability: Conceptual approach to meeting desired capabilities, modeling and simulation capabilities, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing capabilities for explosive systems, and unique aspects of the proposed solution.
- Acquisition Strategy Feedback: List of government-wide contract vehicles and suggestions for acquisition process efficiencies.
Submission Details
- Response Due: May 27, 2026, 5:00 PM ET.
- Submission Email: Alicia.a.rasich.civ@socom.mil and douglas.c.bailey.civ@socom.mil.
- Subject Line: “RFI-2026-ECC Response: [Your Company Name]”.
- Set-Aside: None specified. USSOCOM highly encourages responses from capable businesses of all sizes and socioeconomic categories.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only. It does not constitute an invitation to bid or a request for proposal, and proposals will not be accepted. The Government will not be responsible for any costs incurred by respondents.