Rapid Capability Assessment

SOCOM S&T Futures has initiated an effort to develop AI for Maneuver, Intelligence, and Effects for Maritime Mobility. In the past decade, researchers and commercial industry have achieved major milestones in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and related technologies (miniaturization, big data, machine learning, robotics and autonomy). The 2018 National Defense Strategy and most recent SOF Capabilities and Programming Guidance have emphasized the criticality of AI as a SOF enabler for the Future Operating Environment (FOE). While the software industry has made advances in AI for corporate and consumer users, when it comes to critical Special Operations warfighting functions such as Maritime Maneuver, ISR, C2 and Effects, we need to ensure that this future intelligence powering our military capability is not simply artificial, but is firmly grounded in reality. •How will SOF operate AI systems in the future? •How will they be C2’d? •What decision-making processes will be implemented? •How will we ensure they can be trusted? •How will they improve the capability of the human team that will continue to be at the center of Special Operations missions? SOCOM S&T Future’s Objectives •Develop an AI framework for SOF Maritime Maneuver that establishes and maintains US leadership in military AI, and enables the Special Operations Enterprise to be as effective in the FOE as they are today. •Design an AI Maritime Technology Insertion Roadmap to assist PEO-Maritime in synchronizing efforts between TIR’s, spend plans, and Congressional Schedules for a distinct transition path. •Identify and prioritize near term investments for development. •There is potential for follow-on development and prototype OTA‘s from this selection. RCA Event Description 03-05 Nov 2020 RCA 6.0 (virtual), scheduled for 3-5 NOV, is a follow-on activity to the Innovation Foundry (IF 6.0 (AI for Maritime Manuever, Intelligence, Mission Command and Effects) held 1-3 SEP. The RCA teams will be comprised of experts from industry, academia, warfighters and PEO/ASM’s from the SOCOM components and Headquarters. The event focus will be on refining design concepts developed in the IF 6.0. Desired outputs from the RCA include an AI for Maritime Maneuver framework, market research, initial breakdown of the key subsystems (*suitable for PEO & PoR level AI roadmap design), and development of potential Statements of Work for future project and practical demonstrations. Additionally the RCA 6.0 event will influence the IF/RCA Concept Development Package (White Paper, Video, and ROI package). If interested in participating in the RCA and assisting the SOF enterprise advance its warfighting capabilities please register below: Registration Site: https://libertyallianceus.com/events.html SOCOM will downselect qualified respondents determined to have the highest potential to satisfy their RCA 6.0 needs. Individuals who are selected will receive an invitation to the RCA 6.0 event o/a 20 October 2020. Selected attendees will each receive a $2,500 flat stipend upon event completion. Required elements for completion are full participation in a virtual rehearsal and 8 hour virtual days. Government employees and Government support contractors are eligible to participate, but are NOT allowed to receive the $2,500 stipend or other compensation for their participation. PLEASE NOTE THE SUBMISSION DATE HAS BEEN AMENDED FROM 30 OCTOBER 2020 TO 19 OCTOBER 2020 due to the RCA EVENT TAKING PLACE THE FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER (3-5 NOV 2020).