Synopsis: A. INTRODUCTION: Technical Experimentation (TE) Collaboration This Request for Information (RFI) is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this RFI is to solicit 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). USSOCOM invites industry, academia, individuals and Government labs to submit technology experimentation nominations addressing innovative technologies leading to possible Government/Industry collaboration for development of USSOCOM technology capabilities. The intent is to accelerate the delivery of innovative capabilities to the Special Operations Forces (SOF) warfighter. SOF experimentation will explore emerging technologies, technical applications, and their potential to provide solutions to future SOF capabilities. After review of the technology experimentation nomination submissions, the Government may invite select candidates to demonstrate their technologies at the USSOCOM sponsored Technical Experimentation event. The TE venue will provide an opportunity for the submitter to interact with USSOCOM personnel for the purpose of USSOCOM assessing potential impact of emerging technology solutions on USSOCOM missions and capabilities. Industry participation in experimentation activities does not suggest or imply that USSOCOM will procure or purchase equipment. B. OBJECTIVE: 1. Background: USSOCOM has traditionally conducted Technical Experimentation events at Muscatatuck UTC, IN; at Avon Park, FL, and Camp Roberts, CA. These Technical experiments are conducted with representatives from Government R&D organizations, academia, and private industry. Technical Experimentation events provide an opportunity for technology developers to interact with operational personnel to determine how their technology development efforts and ideas may support or enhance SOF capability needs. The environment facilitates a collaborative working relationship between Government, academia, and industry to promote the identification and assessment of emerging and mature technologies for the primary goal of accelerating the delivery of technology discoveries to the SOF warfighter. The event facilitates SOCOM personnel to identify potential technology solutions, impacts, limitations, and utility to meet SOF technical objectives and thrust areas. Materiel solutions brought to the event should be between a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 and 6. Experiments may be between a half day and five days in duration and be conducted in unimproved expeditionary-like conditions. At the discretion of USSOCOM, respondents may be asked to complete a vendor loan agreement (Attachment 3). 2. Experimentation Focus: Experiments will be conducted from 8 to 17 July 2014, at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, IN and will explore emerging technology solutions and revolutionary improvements in technology for Special Operations Warfare. Any technology-based experiment conducted at the event should provide a revolutionary improvement in SOF operations. Any and all solutions must include all necessary software and hardware to accomplish the mission. ***See the following attachments for - Technology Areas of interest; Special Requirements; Submission Instructions; and additional information: Package #1 - Attachment 1 USASOC Science and Technology Gaps. Package #2 - USA Payload CONOPS. Package #3 - Vendor Loan Agreement TE 14-3. Package #4 - RFI Technical Experimentation Collaboration TE 14-3. Package #5 - CRM Worksheet. Package #6 - TE Safety Worksheet H. Per Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.215-3 Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes (Oct 1997): 1. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI notice or to otherwise pay for the information. 2. Although "proposal" and "respondent" are used in this RFI, your responses will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal. 3. In accordance with FAR 15.209(c), the purpose of this RFI is to solicit technology experimentation candidates from R&D organizations, private industry, and academia for inclusion in future experimentation events coordinated by USSOCOM. Contracting Office Address: 7701 Tampa Point Blvd MacDill AFB, Florida 33621-5323 Primary Point of Contact:
[email protected] Secondary Point of Contact:
[email protected] Technical Point of Contact:
[email protected]