RFI for USSOCOM Technical Experimentation (TE) 26-4: Signature Management and Defeat

Background
The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is seeking technology experimentation candidates from research and development organizations, private industry, and academia for inclusion in future experimentation events. The goal of this Request for Information (RFI) is to explore innovative technologies that can enhance Special Operations Forces (SOF) capabilities. This specific RFI pertains to Technical Experimentation (TE) 26-4, focusing on Signature Management and Defeat, scheduled to take place from September 14 to September 18, 2026, in Red Springs, North Carolina.

Work Details
Participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate technologies that support signature management and defeat capabilities. The event aims to foster collaboration between government, academia, and industry to assess emerging technologies. Key areas of focus include:

1. Signature Management:
- Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) including UAS Deployed ATR Algorithms, ATR Sensor Systems, Open-Set Recognition Capabilities, and Deep Learning-Based ATR.
- Communications such as LPI/LPD Communications, Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), Non-RF Based Communications, Emissions Control (EMCON), and Signature Spoofing and Deception.
- Physical Systems like Signature Reducing Camouflage and Uniforms, Facial Recognition Capabilities, Acoustic Signature Reduction Capabilities, and Weapons Signature Reduction Capabilities.
- Digital Signature Management including Technical Surveillance Countermeasures and Novel Digital Signature Management Capabilities.
- Novel Methods for Signature Management or Reduction.

2. Signature Management Degrade, Deny, Defeat, Destroy:
- Technologies such as ATR Obfuscation Technologies, Advanced Spectrum Analyzers with AI/ML based Signals Classification, Satellite Communications Detection Technologies, RF-Silent UAS Detection Technologies, Optical Devices for Defeating Camouflage and Uniforms, Advanced Facial Recognition Technologies, Optical Augmentation Technologies.

Period of Performance
The experimentation event will occur over one week from September 14 to September 18, 2026.

Place of Performance
Red Springs, North Carolina.

Bidder Requirements
Respondents must ensure that their technology submissions do not include classified information. They are required to complete a Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet if invited to demonstrate their technologies. Additionally, if the experiment radiates on any frequency other than the ISM band, prior approval must be obtained from the FCC. Respondents are also responsible for complying with ITAR/EAR requirements associated with their equipment.