Strategic Partnership Opportunity for SOCAFRICA Military-to-Military Events
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 US Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA) is conducting market research through this Request for Information (RFI) to identify a strategic industry partner. The goal is to integrate industry technologies, products, and services into SOCAFRICA's military-to-military engagements and exercises over a five-year period, starting December 2026. This partnership aims to address evolving defense and security challenges in Africa. Responses are due by April 26, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI seeks a partner to coordinate the seamless inclusion of cutting-edge industry solutions into SOCAFRICA's military-to-military events, such as Silent Warrior and FLINTLOCK. The partnership will create opportunities for African and international participants to engage with innovative technologies relevant to defense and security on the continent.
Key Requirements / Deliverables
The selected partner will be responsible for:
- Managing vendor relationships and coordinating industry-related activities (exhibits, briefings, networking).
- Developing and maintaining a website for industry inclusion efforts.
- Collaborating with SOCAFRICA and host-nation planners to integrate industry products and services into event programming, scenarios, and themes.
- Supporting discussions for planning future event opportunities.
Focus Areas for Partnership
Key areas of interest include:
- Defense and Security Solutions
- Innovative Defense Technologies (e.g., counter-UAS, ISR, sensor-to-shooter)
- Operational Command and Control Innovation (e.g., AI-enabled systems, predictive algorithms)
- Strategic Integration and Partnering (aligning with local economies, export compliance)
- Force Protection and Counter-UAS Enhancements
- Austere Sustainment Solutions (e.g., autonomous resupply, additive manufacturing)
- Professional Collaboration and Networking
- Early Warning and Threat Prediction Tools
Submission & Evaluation
Interested organizations must submit a detailed white paper (maximum 5 pages) outlining their approach. Responses should address how to integrate solutions that are cost-effective, adaptable to partner nations' budgets, and enhance SOF operational effectiveness. SOCAFRICA will engage in discussions with selected partners to refine the approach.
Contract Details
This RFI is for market research purposes only and is not an invitation for bid, request for quotation, or an obligation to acquire products/services. No contract awards will be made from this notice, and no solicitation is available at this time. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs will arise from submitting responses.
Set-Aside
None specified.
Contact Information
Christen P. Cantu (christen.p.cantu.mil@socom.mil)