USSOCOM RFI Rapid Experimentation of Prototyping in Learning Environments 26-1: Counter-Unmanned Systems (C-UxS)

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI solicits technology experimentation candidates from Research and Development (R&D) organizations, private industry, and academia for inclusion in future experimentation events coordinated by the U. S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The event, REPTILE 26, aims to explore emerging technologies and their potential to provide solutions for future Special Operations Forces (SOF) capabilities. It is NOT a solicitation for proposals or contracts.

• Experimentation Focus: Technologies supporting Counter-Unmanned Systems (C-UxS) and friendly advanced Unmanned Systems (UxS) operations.

• Problem Statement: Defeating swarms of up to 100x Group 1-2 autonomous drones in denied areas, day/night conditions.

• Design Reference Mission: A 5-day special reconnaissance mission involving a team facing drone swarm threats.

• Technology Areas of Interest:

  • C-UxS technologies (detect, track, identify, classify, neutralize UxS and swarms).
  • Modular, Low SWaP-CUxS & Rapidly Produced systems.
  • Counter-UxS Capability Focus (detection, defeat, low-collateral kinetic).
  • Unmanned and Autonomous Systems (UAS/UxS) with desired capabilities like EM Hardening, Swarming/Collaborative Autonomy, Enhanced Survivability.
  • Multi-Modal, Multi-Domain UxS capabilities.
  • Heterogeneous Teaming & UxS Swarming.
  • UxS Human-Machine Interface (HMI) & AI/Sensor Integration.
  • Blue Force Awareness Technology.

• No contracts will be awarded based solely on this RFI.

• USSOCOM will provide venues, supporting infrastructure, and assessment personnel at no cost to invited respondents.

• All respondents' submission costs, travel, technology experiments, and associated costs are at the respondents' expense.

• Nomination Deadline: April 21, 2026, 12:00 Noon EDT.

• Submission Method: Electronically via the Vulcan system at vulcan-sof.com (creating a Scout Card).

• Evaluation Basis: Extent to which technology represents a potential capability increase to SOF, considering technical maturity, relevance to military operations, current operational needs, and event focus area.

• Required Components: Scout Card in Vulcan system, Electronic Supplemental Information form, FCC STA/NTIA document (if applicable), instructions for safe use, picture of device, signed Photo Release.

• Open to R&D organizations, private industry, and academia.

• Preference for technologies with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 and above.

• Respondents must comply with ITAR/EAR requirements.

• Respondents shall NOT submit proposals or marketing demonstrations.

• Respondents shall NOT submit classified information.

• Risk assessments and frequency requirements must be submitted by June 01, 2026, if invited.

• Foreign attendees may be present.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Photograph/Media Consent and Release" form required for participation in the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation 26-2 event. It grants USSOCOM permission to capture and use images or motion pictures of participants and equipment during demonstrations.

• Consent to take photographs or motion pictures of equipment and demonstrations.
• Authorization for USSOCOM to use, reuse, copy, publish, display, exhibit, reproduce, and distribute these "Materials" in various media (publications, websites, social media, etc.) without notification.
• Acknowledgment that participation is voluntary and no payment will be received for signing the release or for publication of materials.
• Representation that the signatory is at least 19 years of age and an authorized representative of their organization.
• Fields for digital signature, date, typed name, and typed organization.

This form is relevant to potential bidders who may be participating in or demonstrating equipment at the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation 26-2. It outlines the terms under which their likeness and their organization's activities/equipment can be documented and used by USSOCOM. Bidders should review this to understand the media rights granted.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "USSOCOM Technical Experimentation Event Safety Guide," provides guidance on ensuring safety risks associated with equipment demonstrations at USSOCOM technical experimentation events are identified and mitigated. It outlines the desired format for submitting safety risk records and provides examples of common safety analyses.

• Deliberate Risk Assessment (DRA): The desired format for submitting safety risk records is a DRA worksheet, with DD Form 2977 cited as an example. Bidders should consult the SAM.gov posting for specific requirements.
• System Safety Integration: Firms developing material for the Department of Defense are encouraged to integrate system safety into their technology development process.
• Common Safety Analyses: Examples include Safety Assessment Reports, System/Subsystem Hazard Analyses, Laser Safety Evaluations, Hazard Classifications, Energetic Material Sensitivity Analyses, Fuse Safety Analyses, and Developmental Test Reports.
• Reference Standard: MIL-STD-882E, "Standard Practice: System Safety," is the typical reference for System Safety within USSOCOM and the Department of Defense.
• Specific Data Requirements: The guide details information required for systems containing lasers (e.g., Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance, Optical Density), energetic materials (e.g., Interim Hazard Classification, standoff distances), and Radio-Frequency/Magneto-Inductive emitters (e.g., frequencies, transmitter output power, Radiation Hazard analyses).

This guide is crucial for bidders demonstrating equipment at a USSOCOM technical experimentation event. It informs them about the safety documentation required, including the DRA and specific data related to lasers, energetic materials, or RF emitters. Understanding and preparing this safety information in advance is essential for a successful demonstration and compliance with event safety protocols.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the DD Form 2977, "Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet." It is used to identify, assess, and control risks associated with a mission or task. Bidders may need to complete or review this form as part of their proposal preparation or to understand the operational context of the requirement.

• Mission/Task Description: Details the overall mission or task being assessed.
• Prepared By: Information about the individual conducting the assessment.
• Risk Assessment Matrix: A tool to determine risk levels based on probability and severity.
• Subtask/Substep of Mission/Task: Breaks down the mission into manageable parts for risk analysis.
• Hazard: Specific hazards identified for each subtask.
• Initial Risk Level: The risk level before controls are applied.
• Control: Mitigation resources or controls to reduce risk.
• How to Implement / Who Will Implement: Details on the execution of controls and responsible parties.
• Residual Risk Level: The risk level after controls are implemented.
• Overall Residual Risk Level: The highest residual risk level for the entire mission/task.
• Supervision Plan: Recommended course of action for supervisory personnel.
• Approval/Disapproval: Section for the approval authority to approve or disapprove the mission/task based on the risk assessment.
• Risk Assessment Review: Guidance for ongoing review of risks.
• Feedback and Lessons Learned: Section for input on control effectiveness and recommendations.
• Additional Comments or Remarks: Space for further supporting information.

This form provides insight into the potential risks and safety considerations associated with the government's mission or task. Understanding the risk assessment process and the identified hazards and controls can help bidders tailor their proposals to address these concerns, demonstrate an understanding of operational requirements, and potentially identify areas where their services can mitigate risks. It may also indicate specific requirements for personnel or operational procedures.