This Request for Information (RFI) is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this RFI is to solicit technology demonstration candidates from private industry, government Research and Development (R&D) organizations/labs, academia, and individuals (hereinafter “respondents”) to submit technology demonstration nomination quad charts (hereinafter “quad[s]) addressing innovative lethality technologies. U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will provide Special Operations Forces (SOF) users, SOF component combat developers, government technical engineers, contracting officers, and the USSOCOM program office; in addition to, international SOF units, federal law enforcement special units, inter-agency special units, federal RDT&E agencies, and guests from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps combat development offices (hereinafter “attendees”) as the audience for ISOF Range 2022. The attendees will use ISOF Range 2022 to conduct “hands-on” market research of technology that may address lethality gaps and inform potential future requirements. Reciprocally, the attendees will provide the respondents feedback on their demonstrated technologies. For the ISOF Range 2022 event, quads will be submitted via email to
[email protected] and
[email protected] (see section C). Themes for ISOF Range 2022: Target Engagement: Belt-fed Machine Guns in calibers that fall between 5.56 and 7.62 (LMG-A), suppressors, novel materials to extend lifecycle, new and novel weapon accessories, modular shot counter technologies, and 338 Norma Magnum Machine Gun technologies. Visual Augmentation Systems: Technologies that currently are or could be incorporated into a packaged size and weight fit for helmet-mounted, weapon-mounted, or handheld limits. The VAS programs are interested in technologies associated with the following spectrums: visible, near infrared (NIR), short-wave infrared (SWIR), mid-wave infrared (MWIR), and long-wave infrared (LWIR). Demolitions/Breaching: Small arms breaching, stand-off breaching, initiators and firing devices, including remote. Ammunition: Alternate material cartridge cases for small arms (primarily in 6.5mm Creedmoor and .338 Norma Magnum), signature on target projectiles and high velocity cartridges. Other Relevant Disruptive Technologies (whether directly or indirectly “lethality” oriented): This is an opportunity for respondents to capitalize on the all-inclusive SOF audience to display interesting and emerging technologies that supports USSOCOM’s ability to “Build a More Lethal Force” as outlined in the National Defense Strategy. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Respondents will nominate their technology by completing the quad (Attachment 1) with other relevant attachments and emailing the submission to
[email protected] and
[email protected] by 22 November 2021. If a respondent has more than one technology to demonstrate, a quad must be submitted for each piece of technology. If at least one of a respondent’s technologies are invited to demonstrate, every effort will be made to allow the non-selected technologies at the event to maximize the respondent’s resource investment. There is no intention on the part of USSOCOM to purchase or procure equipment based solely on participation in the event. A complete submission consists of: Completed quad (Attachment 1) Completed Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet (Attachment 3), specifically how to safely use the technology If your demonstration includes any type of laser, you must include a completed Laser Information Worksheet (Attachment 4) This includes a laser that is Class 1 This includes a laser that is described as “eye-safe” This includes a laser that you do not plan to energize during your demonstration (we still need to know it is there) An FCC STA or NTIA document (for developmental radio frequency emitting devices). If neither is available at the time of submission, provide status of your FCC/NTIA request. All respondents’ submission costs, travel costs, technology demonstrations, event attendance, and associated costs will be at the respondents’ expense. The event venue will only provide basic access to ranges and infrastructure to conduct the technical demonstrations. Invited respondents must be prepared to be self-sufficient during the execution of their technology demonstrations and not dependent on venue resources without prior coordination with Phoenix Defence. Time and space will be made available for respondents to conduct real-time modifications and updates to their technology demonstrations. Respondents are advised to bring all tools and equipment necessary to present/operate their technology at the event. DETAILS: Location: Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), NV Clarification: ISOF Range 2022 is the same range event that used to be held the weekend before and in conjunction with SHOT Show. It has now been de-coupled from that time frame to better support respondent’s attendance, technology demonstration, and weather conditions. The range event will consist of a closed shoot and an open shoot. The closed shoot (10-11APR22) is for programmatic work only, no respondents to this announcement will be permitted on the range unless they are notified to attend through separate correspondence. This announcement is for the open shoot (12-14APR22) only. There will also be a “vendor alley” available for non-shooting and potentially lower “Technology Readiness Level” demonstrations and/or briefings. Tentative Schedule for the “open shoot” at ISOF Range 2022: 12 April 2022 (Tuesday): Morning: Respondents show and set-up Afternoon: Suppressor and laser-only open shoot Evening: Night open shoot, includes lasers 13 April 2022 (Wednesday): Morning & Afternoon: Open shoot, no energized lasers Evening: No activities 14 April 2022 (Thursday): Morning: Open shoot continues, no energized lasers Afternoon: Breacher/Demolition Range-only open shoot on separate range Simultaneous, respondents tear-down and depart Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Quads for “Target Engagement, Visual Augmentation Systems, Demolition/Breaching, and Ammunition” should be TRL 7 or higher. Quads for “Other Relevant Disruptive Technologies” can be at a lower TRL level. Notification Dates: 15 December 2021: Respondents will receive an invitation to attend, notification of not-attending, or notification of being placed on a stand-by list. 25 February 2022: Respondents who were placed on “stand-by” will be given final notification on attending or not-attending. No more invitations will go out after this date. Event coordination: USSOCOM has entered into an agreement with Phoenix Defence who will be organizing respondents’ participation in ISOF Range 2022. If a respondent receives an invitation from USSOCOM to attend, coordinating instructions with Phoenix Defence will be included and the invited respondent will conduct all future correspondence and coordination, to include shipping, with Phoenix Defence under their terms and conditions which includes a fee for attendance. Technology areas to explore during the event include the following: Target Engagement: Lightweight Assault Machine Guns (belt-fed) in the calibers that fall between 5.56mm and 7.62mm. (But does NOT include 5.56mm and 7.62mm). All submissions will be considered, but the following background of proposed requirements is provided for awareness. These requirements are subject to change. The Lightweight Machine Gun – Assault (LMG-A) life cycle replaces the MK48 Assault Machine Gun chambered in 7.62 NATO with an intermediate caliber machine gun. Desired threshold performance criteria: the LMG-A should outperform the current LMG’s effective range by a minimum of 300 meters, with effective point target engagements at 800 meters or greater. The LMG-A should weigh less than or equal to 17 lbs. (equivalent to an unloaded M249 Squad Automatic Weapon [SAW]). Desired objective performance criteria: the LMG-A should outperform the current LMG effective range by 500 meters or more, deliver effective suppression on an area target at 1500 meters or greater, and weigh 25% less than the M249 SAW. Rifle and Machine Gun Suppressors in the following calibers: 5.56mm, .300 BLK (Super/Subsonic), 7.62mm, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .338 Norma Magnum. (USSOCOM intends to select high performing suppressors from the ISOF Range 2022 for future testing/characterization at Crane later in FY22). MK48 suppressors are also specifically sought by the Government. (For the MK48, additional details will be provided regarding government provided MK48 weapon systems for the range. It is the Government's intent that based on MK48 suppressor performance at ISOF Range 2022, the Government may purchase a limited quantity for additional operator testing and potential future fieldings). Day and night fire will be conducted at the ISOF Range 2022 for demonstrated suppressors. At the night fire, a unique opportunity will be available to respondents who wish to get Government feedback on their system's flash report according to Government test procedures. The performance data will be provided back to respondents who choose to participate. In suppressor-specific quad submissions, it should be clearly identified if respondents would like to participate in the flash testing. Suppressors identified to have flash data gathered will have to be shipped ahead of time to Phoenix Defence facility. All other suppressors do not have to be shipped early. Flash Suppression / Flash Hider & other small arms signature reduction technologies. Weapon Stabilizing / Accuracy Systems – dismounted and handheld systems that help improve shooter accuracy. Novel materials/solutions to extend lifecycle of all weapon parts. New and novel weapon accessories that provide significant improvement to SOF operators from legacy weapon accessories to include recoil mitigation devices. Modular shot counter technologies that can be adapted to existing weapon systems. .338 Norma Magnum Machine Gun technologies. Visual Augmentation Systems Low-light, reflective band sensor technologies with objective lens diameters in the range of 25mm to 80mm as a guideline. Emissive band sensor technologies with objective lens diameters in the range of 25mm to 125mm as a guideline. Single-sensor technologies for imaging in both reflective and emissive bands. Novel sensor and imaging technologies. Passive range measurement technologies. Novel display technologies to reduce size and weight of VAS devices. Ranging Aiming Laser (RAL) - Weapon-mounted devices that provide NIR laser pointing, NIR laser illumination, and range measurement. Pointing, illumination, and range measurement should be effective out to 900 meters, or as far as 1200 meters. Crew-Served - This area includes imagers as well as fire control systems. Clip-on imager capability for beyond 0-2000m target recognition for rapid-fire long-range machine guns including Heavy Machine Guns (HMGs), Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launchers (ALGL’s), Grenade Machine Guns (GMGs), intermediate caliber Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LMMG), and other crew-served platforms. This category also includes fire control devices. SOF capability that is required for extended range fire control employment of heavy caliber projectiles including airburst munitions, directed energy, or other smart munitions to be used as a precision enabler to counter armor, light material, and unmanned air/ground threats. Must be capable of target identification at ranges commensurate with the host weapon and must be compatible with material solutions being delivered to SOF Operators. The system-of-systems approach integrates laser range-finding and augmented reality functions to achieve “smart-sensor” and “day-night” battlefield awareness objectives along with calculated aim points for timely and precise fire solutions to achieve higher probability of hit to the effective range of the weapon and munition in all day-night and extreme environmental conditions. Low-Light & No-Light Clip-On Systems - Weapon-mounted devices that function while mounted in front of a day optic (i.e. SU-293, SU-294, SU-295, SU-296, SU-300, SU-303, etc.) and enable target recognition and target engagement in low-light and no-light environments (i.e. from dusk until dawn or other low-light scenarios). The following range tiers may be useful as a guideline, but are not considered threshold requirements for this event; 300 meters, 600 meters, 800 meters, and 2,000 meters. Demolition/Breaching Remote Firing Devices. Improved secure Remote Firing Device (RFD) that is capable to function with all currently issued demolitions DODICs Devices. Should be capable of Line of Sight (LOS) and Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) Command Detonation for both Short Range ( 2850 feet per second (fps) when fired from a 14.5” barrel and a muzzle velocity standard deviation <13 fps. Other Relevant Disruptive Technologies (whether directly or indirectly “lethality” oriented) This is a “catch-all” category available to respondents whose technology would not otherwise fit into a category above but may be interesting to the attendees. For this category, the technology may be lower than TRL 7 and will be able to be displayed in the “vendor alley” if needed or applicable. Some examples for this category are medical equipment, targetry, personal protective equipment, shooting analytic tools, etc. Security/Classification Requirements: Respondents will not submit classified information in the quads. Safety Requirements: All respondents shall review the ISOF Range 2022 Safety Guide (Attachment 2) and complete a Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet (Department of Defense Form 2977) (Attachment 3) in accordance with MIL-STD-882E. Risk assessments shall be submitted with the quad (Attachment 1). Respondents wishing to conduct demonstrations of a kinetic or energetic nature are responsible for ammunition and/or explosives shipments to include an Interim Hazard Classification (IHC) or Final Hazard Classification (FHC) and coordination for receipt and storage with Phoenix Defence. Respondents who submit a quad for a technology that emits a laser must also submit a Laser Information Worksheet (Attachment 4). If a respondent is invited to attend ISOF Range 2022, the respondent is expected to conduct themselves in a safe manner on the range and follow all instructions from the Range Safety Officers (RSOs). Failure to follow safety protocols or obey the RSOs may result in being removed from the range. Frequency Requirements: If your demonstration will be radiating on a given frequency or frequency band, you must have prior approval to transmit on that frequency. Prior approval may include compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Title 47, Part 15, or a Special Temporary Authority (STA) from the FCC. You must have National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) frequency approval if your technology demonstration includes Government-owned equipment, and you will be operating within a Federal Band. Other Special Requirements: DO NOT SUBMIT PROPOSALS. SUBMIT DEMONSTRATION NOMINATION QUADS ONLY. DEMONSTRATION NOMINATION QUAD SUBMITTALS FOR THIS RFI WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE CLOSING DATE OF 22 November 2021, 12:00 Noon EST. No contracts will be awarded based solely on this announcement or any subsequent supplemental RFI announcements. BASIS FOR SELECTION TO PARTICIPATE: Selection of respondents to participate shall be based on the extent to which the proposed technology to be demonstrated addresses lethality gaps and/or informs future lethality requirements. Other considerations may include: Technical maturity Relevance of or adaptability to military operations/missions Relevance to current operational needs ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: All efforts shall be made to protect proprietary information that is clearly marked in writing. Lessons learned by USSOCOM from these demonstrations may be broadly disseminated, but only within the Government. If selected for participation in the event, developers may be requested to provide additional information that will be used in preparation for the demonstration. The respondent’s attention is directed to the fact that contractor personnel may review and provide support during review of nomination submissions. When appropriate, the contractor personnel may have access to respondent nomination submissions and may be utilized to objectively review a submission in a particular functional area and provide comments and recommendations to the Government’s decision makers. They may not establish final assessments of risk, rate, or rank respondent submissions. All advisors shall comply with Procurement Integrity Laws and shall sign Non-Disclosure and Rules of Conduct/Conflict of Interest statements. The Government shall take into consideration requirements for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure advisors comply with safeguarding source selection and proprietary data. Submission of nomination in response to the RFI constitutes approval to release the nomination submission to Government Support Contractors. USE OF INFORMATION: The purpose of this notice is to conduct “hands-on” market research of technology that may address lethality gaps and inform potential future requirements. All proprietary information contained in the submission and technology experimentation shall be appropriately marked. The Government will not use proprietary information submitted from any one firm to establish future capability and requirements. SPECIAL NOTICE: Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) or contractor consultant/advisors to the Government will review and provide support during evaluation of submittals. When appropriate, non-Government advisors may be used to objectively review a particular functional area and provide comments and recommendations to the Government. All advisors shall comply with Procurement Integrity Laws and shall sign non-disclosure statements. The Government shall take into consideration requirements for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure advisors comply with safeguarding proprietary data. Submission in response to this RFI constitutes approval to release the submittal to approved Government support contractors. Respondents are required to identify demonstrations that are subject to export controls since foreign participants will attend the event. Participants may include foreign government, military and industry or U.S. industry foreign national personnel. Respondents are ultimately responsible for complying with Export Control regulations for concepts, equipment, systems, or technology associated with the US Munitions List (USML) or Commerce Control List (CCL). Visit the U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls website (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public) for more information on USML International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security website (https://www.bis.doc.gov) for more information on CCL Export Administration Regulations (EAR). If necessary, USSOCOM event organizers will restrict access to export-controlled technology demonstrations. Per Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3, Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997): The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI notice or to otherwise pay for the information. Although the term “respondent” is used in this RFI, your responses will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal. In accordance with FAR 15.209(c), the purpose of this RFI is to solicit technology demonstration candidates from private industry, government Research and Development (R&D) organizations/labs, academia, and individuals to submit technology demonstration nomination quad charts addressing innovative lethality technologies.