USSOCOM RFI TE 26-3 Rapid Experimentation of Prototyping in Learning Environments: Counter-Unmanned Systems (C-UxS)

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI solicits technology experimentation candidates from R&D organizations, private industry, and academia for inclusion in future experimentation events coordinated by U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The goal is to provide participants an opportunity to gain Special Operations Forces (SOF) insight into their technologies. The REPTILE event will explore emerging technologies and their potential to provide solutions for future SOF capabilities, specifically focusing on Counter-Unmanned-Systems (C-UxS) in June 2026 in Gulfport, MS.

• The event focuses on technologies supporting C-UxS and friendly advanced Unmanned Systems (UxS) operations.

• Technologies should address the problem of defeating a swarm of up to 100x Group 1-2 autonomous drones in denied areas, day and night.

• Key areas of interest include:

  • C-UxS technologies for detection, tracking, identification, classification, and neutralization of UxS and swarms.
  • Modular, Low SWaP- (Size, Weight, and Power) CUxS & Rapidly Produced systems.
  • Counter-UxS capabilities such as operator-worn detection, novel defeat capabilities, and low-collateral kinetic effects.
  • Unmanned and Autonomous Systems (UAS/UxS) technologies with capabilities like EM Hardening, Swarming/Collaborative Autonomy, and multi-domain operations.
  • Multi-Modal, Multi-Domain UxS capabilities.
  • UxS Human-Machine Interface (HMI) & AI/Sensor Integration.
  • Blue Force Awareness Technology.

• Preference will be given to materiel solutions between Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 and above.

• This RFI is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations.

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

• The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI notice or to pay for the information.

• Nomination packages are due by April 21, 2026, 12:00 Noon EDT.

• Submissions must be made electronically by creating a Scout Card in the Vulcan system at vulcan-sof.com.

• A mandatory Electronic Supplemental Information form must be completed.

• Respondents must provide exact frequency information for any radio frequency emitting devices.

• Selection for participation will be based on the extent to which the technology represents a potential capability increase to SOF, considering technical maturity and relevance to military operations.

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

• Respondents are responsible for complying with International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR) / Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

• Invited respondents will be responsible for their own submission costs, travel, and experimentation expenses.

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

• Respondents shall not submit classified information. Contact tech_exp@socom.mil for coordination if classified information is believed to be required.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Photograph/Media Consent and Release" form required for participation in activities related to USSOCOM REPTILE 2026. It grants US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) permission to capture and use images or motion pictures of equipment and 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 the captured "Materials" in various media, including command publications, articles, magazines, websites, and social media.
• Acknowledgment that participation is voluntary and no payment will be received for signing the release or for any publication of the 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 likely required for individuals or organizations participating in any demonstrations or events associated with the USSOCOM REPTILE 2026 opportunity where media capture is involved. Bidders involved in such activities may need to complete and submit this form.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Safety Guide for the USSOCOM Technical Experimentation Event. Its purpose is to ensure safety risks associated with the operation of equipment are identified and proper mitigations are implemented for a safe demonstration.

• The desired format for submitting safety risks is a Deliberate Risk Assessment (DRA) worksheet, with DD Form 2977 cited as an example.
• Firms are encouraged to integrate system safety into their technology development process.
• Common safety analyses include Safety Assessment Reports, System/Subsystem Hazard Analyses, Laser Safety Evaluations, Interim/Final Hazard Classifications, Energetic Material Sensitivity Analyses, Fuse Safety Analyses, and Developmental Test Reports.
• The typical reference for System Safety is MIL-STD-882E.
• Specific information required for systems containing lasers includes Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD), Optical Density (OD) requirements, design wavelength, beam divergence, output power, and verification records.
• For systems with energetic materials, information such as Interim Hazard Classification (IHC), energetic material evaluations, Fusing/Safe & Arm/Ignition Safety systems evaluations, recommended standoff distances, and summaries of prior live fire testing are required.
• For systems with Radio Frequency/Magneto-Inductive emitters, details on frequencies, transmitter output power, antenna gain, "Radiation Hazard" (RADHAZ) analyses, and established Safe Stand-off Distances (SSDs) are needed.

This guide outlines the safety documentation and analysis requirements for equipment demonstrated at the event. Bidders should review these requirements to ensure their technology development and submission processes align with USSOCOM's safety protocols, particularly concerning the submission of risk assessments and specific data related to lasers, energetic materials, or RF emitters. Understanding these requirements is crucial for successful participation in the technical experimentation event.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet (DD Form 2977), updated November 2024. It is intended for use in conducting deliberate risk assessments.

• The form provides sections for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and determining control measures.
• It includes fields for personnel involved in the assessment, dates, and approval signatures.

While this is a standard government form, bidders may need to understand its purpose if they are required to complete or review risk assessments as part of the contract deliverables or performance requirements. It is an attachment to the opportunity record, indicating its potential relevance to the overall contract.