Description
United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) S&T Futures, in cooperation with USSOCOM’s Next-Generation Effects (NGE) Capability Focus Area (CFA), seeks to investigate concepts for novel SOF-peculiar non-kinetic effects to achieve physical, virtual, and cognitive objectives across all domains in the Competition and Conflict spaces of the Force Development window. This virtual Rapid Capability Assessment will be conducted 28 SEP – 01 OCT 2021, and will require full-time participation (~0830-1630 EST each day). An earlier event, Innovation Foundry 08 (IF08), “Non-Kinetic Next-Generation Effects of the Future” (NKNGE), sought to develop concepts in Directed Energy (DE) and Electronic Warfare (EW), Offensive Cyber capabilities, Military Information Support Operation (MISO), and Non-Kinetic Effects (NKE). The goal was to ideate potential concepts to solve mission scenarios in a future (2030) great power competition scenario. RCA 08 is the next step in the USSOCOM S&T Futures process. During this event, selected concepts will be developed further into capabilities. A group of experts from industry, academia, and defense will develop potential capability solutions that include market research of possible technology partners, a subsystem-level architectural breakdown, and a technology development roadmap. The teams will also generate initial Work Breakdown Structures and potential contract language to support follow-on capability definition. Event OBJECTIVES Develop a framework for Non-Kinetic Next-Generation Effects of the Future that establishes and maintains US leadership in non-kinetic effects and enables SOF-peculiar concepts and capabilities. Design a Technology Insertion Roadmap to assist USSOCOM in synchronizing efforts between TIRs, spend plans, and other acquisition and investment strategies. Identify and prioritize near term investments for development and courses of action for potential implementation. AREAS OF FOCUS There are four major areas of focus for RCA08: Offensive Cyber Directed Energy and Electronic Warfare MISO Non-Kinetic Effects Participant Tasks RCA08 participants will be tasked with developing detailed capability assessments of the above areas of focus, including but not limited to: market research of potential technology partners a subsystem-level architectural breakdown a technology development roadmap initial Work Breakdown Structures, and potential contract language to define the capabilities RCA08 groups may be asked to counter adversary actions using innovative technologies and processes that are appropriate for the 2030 timeframe and that are specific to their areas of focus. Call for Participation We need experts to shape the framework that will define Non-Kinetic Next-Generation Effects of the future. Can you help us? If you have skills and interest in any of the areas of focus from any perspective, whether as a technology developer, strategist, end-user, or operator, and would be willing to help USSOCOM develop a framework for NKNGE, we invite you to apply using the form below. www.libertyallianceus.com/events All applications must be received by midnight, 10 SEP 2021. Participants will be selected to provide a diverse, challenging dynamic at RCA08 with numerous different perspectives. Those selected to participate will receive an invitation to the RCA08 event on or about 17 SEP 2021. Selected attendees will be compensated upon event completion. Required elements for completion are full participation in project-based capability development tasks. Government employees and Government support contractors are eligible to participate but are not allowed to receive compensation for their participation. There is potential for follow-on development and prototype OTAs from this selection.