Purpose SOFWERX, in collaboration with SOF Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L) Special Reconnaissance (PEO-SR) Program Management Technical Collection and Communications (PM TCC), will host an Assessment Event (AE) to identify solutions for optical subsystem designs for small modular camera(s) for use in extreme low light across a family of tactical ground Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems. Objective The objective of the effort is to produce prototype camera(s) that can detect and possibly classify activity (personnel, animal, vehicle, etc.) at range in a ground ISR mission. The camera(s) will be integrated onto reconnaissance and unattended ground sensor kits. Systems will be subject to existing weather conditions such as solar load, rain, snow, and wind. Why You Should Participate USSOCOM seeks to enter into non-FAR or FAR-based agreements with Industry, Academic, and National Lab partners whose solutions are favorably evaluated by USSOCOM PEO-SR Subject Matter Experts. As such, the follow-on Assessment Event (AE) is considered competitive and solutions will be evaluated independently of one another primarily for technical merit. This serves dually as notification of the intent to research the feasibility of an agreement under 10 U. S. Code, Section 4022 and/or Section 4022(f), and as notice of pre-solicitation activities IAW FAR 5.204. Phase 1 – 21 July 2022 to 12 August 2022 Submissions to the Assessment Event (AE) Open: Interested respondents who could potentially provide solutions that meet the needs of USSOCOM are encouraged to submit their solutions for USSOCOM review. To submit your technology for potential Phase 3 attendance, please review the assessment criteria and follow the submission instructions at the bottom of this webpage. Phase 1a – 29 July 2022 Q&A Telecon: Interested offerors may participate in a Virtual Q&A session to better understand the PM’s specific technology objectives. The telecon will take place on 29 July from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET. RVSP: https://sofwerx.wufoo.com/forms/x4h51wi18gwctb/ Phase 2 – 15 August 2022 to 26 August 2022 Down-select: USSOCOM will down-select those respondents/submissions they feel have the highest potential to satisfy their technology needs. Favorably evaluated submissions will receive an invitation to attend the Assessment Event o/a 26 August. Phase 3 – 22 September 2022 to 23 September 2022 Assessment Event (AE): During the AE, selected participants will be allotted a one-on-one session with the USSOCOM evaluation panel to pitch, demonstrate, and/or discuss their solutions. The forum will include a Q&A portion, and discussions may continue outside of the event. Solution brief presentation guidelines will be outlined in the event invitation and solutions will be assessed according to the criteria in the link provided below o/a 21 July. If the USSOCOM evaluation panel favorably evaluates a solution brief, negotiations for Phase 4 may immediately begin. Phase 4 – Path Forward: Successfully negotiated awards may fall under any combination of these categories: Business to business research and development agreement as a sub-award through the SOFWERX Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) (15 U.S. Code Section 3715) OTA for research or prototype projects (10 U.S. Code Sections 4021, 4022) An award under 10 U. S. Code, Section 4022 may result in the further award of a follow-on production agreement without additional competition based on successful prototype completion. The Government may make this follow-on production award even if all successful prototype criteria are not fully met during the prototype project. Procurement for experimental purposes (10 U.S. Code Section 4023) Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (15 U.S. Code Section 3710a) Prizes for advanced technology achievements (10 U. S. Code Section 4025) and/or prize competitions (15 U.S. Code 3719) FAR-based procurement contract Awardees may need to be compliant with NIST SP 800-171, Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in Non-Federal Systems and Organizations How You Can Participate Industry, Academia, National Labs, and Non-Traditional Attendees RSVP to Attend the 29 July Q&A Telecon: https://sofwerx.wufoo.com/forms/x4h51wi18gwctb/ (NLT 28 July) Review Assessment Criteria : https://events.sofwerx.org/wp-content/uploads/Low-Light-Camera-Assessment-Criteria_07192022-1.pdf Download the White Paper Template: https://events.sofwerx.org/wp-content/uploads/Low-Light-Camera-Prototype-White-Paper-Template-7202022.docx Complete the Submission Form : https://sofwerx.submittable.com/submit/ff05ca75-7c38-4fa1-ae2d-67e66a49ce37/low-light-camera-prototype-assessment-event-ae (NLT 12 August) Questions? For event-related questions, please contact Gabby Robles,
[email protected]