Overview

SAM.GOV Announcement

• Solicitation Number: International Special Operations Forces (ISOF) Range 2026
• Notice Type: Special Notice
• TYPE: A–Research and Development
• NAICS:
  • 541715 - (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences)
  • 332994 - Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing
  • 332992 - Ammunition, small arms (i.e., 30 mm. or less, 1.18 inch or less), manufacturing
  • 325920 - Explosives Manufacturing
  • 333314 - Optical Instrument and Lens Manufacturing
• Response Date:
  • 30 October 2025 for 1st Tranche consideration
  • 30 January 2026 for 2nd Tranche consideration

Synopsis:

1. EVENT: The Program Manager – SOF Lethality (PM-SL), in cooperation with the Joint Services Small Arms Program (JSSAP) and OUSD R&E, P&E, Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) Office, will conduct the International Special Operations Forces (ISOF) Range 2026, 14-15 April 2026 at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), NV. In addition, there will be an opportunity for selected novel technologies to participate in the Last Line of Defense (LLOD) rodeo on 12 April 2026 for small-unit counter-unmanned aircraft systems (cUAS) testing.
   1. This Request for Information (RFI) is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this RFI is to invite technology demonstration candidates from private industry, government Research and Development (R&D) organizations/labs, academia, and individuals (hereinafter “respondents”) to apply with an exhibitor technology application addressing innovative lethality technologies to exhibit at ISOF Range 2026. For the audience, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will provide Special Operations Forces (SOF) end users, SOF component combat developers, government technical engineers, contracting officers, the USSOCOM program management office, thirty(+) invited international SOF units, federal law enforcement special units, inter-agency special units, federal RDT&E agencies, and the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard combat development offices (hereinafter “attendees”). The attendees will use ISOF Range 2026 to conduct “hands-on” market research of technology to address lethality gaps and inform future requirements. The attendees will provide selected respondent technology applications with written feedback on their demonstrated technologies. For the ISOF Range 2026 event, technology applications will be submitted to Phoenix Defence website: https://isofrange.com/ (see section C).
   2. Technology categories for ISOF Range 2026:
      • Weapons
      • Visual Augmentation Systems
      • Demolitions/Breaching
      • Ammunition
      • Shoulder Launched Munitions
      • Precision Strike Systems
      • Other Relevant Disruptive Technologies
   3. Additional government activity:
      • Last Line of Defense (LLOD) Rodeo for counter-unmanned aircraft systems (cUAS)
2. DETAILS:
   1. Event: The range event will consist of an exhibitor range (approx. 75 x spaces) to display live fire technologies and an exhibitor alley (approx. 75 x spaces) to display non-live fire and potentially lower Technology Readiness Level demonstrations and/or briefings.
   2. Tentative ISOF Range 2026 event schedule:
      • 12 April 2026 (Sunday):
        • Afternoon: LLOD Rodeo (if exhibitor is selected to participate)
      • 13 April 2026 (Monday):
        • Afternoon: Exhibitor briefing, set-up, and test-fire (no attendees will be present)
      • 14 April 2026 (Tuesday):
        • Morning: Suppressor and laser-only open shoot
        • Afternoon: Open Shoot and 1-Off demo #1
        • Evening: Night open shoot with lasers
      • 15 April 2026 (Wednesday):
        • Morning: Open shoot
        • Afternoon: Open shoot and 1-Off demo #2
   3. Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Technology applications for Weapons, Visual Augmentation Systems, Demolitions/Breaching, Ammunition, Shoulder Launched Munitions, Precision Strike System, and LLOD Rodeo should be TRL 7 or higher. Technology applications for “Other Relevant Disruptive Technologies” can be at a lower TRL level.
   4. Notification Dates:
      • 20 November 2025: If technology applications are submitted by 30 October 2025 for the 1^st tranche of voting, then respondents will receive a notification to attend with a survey, attend without a survey, not-attend, or placed on the stand-by list. This is the main tranche of voting and is intended to fill 80% of the range. If a novel lethal technology is complicated, then it should be submitted during this tranche.
      • 12 February 2026: If nomination packets are submitted after 30 October 2025 and before 30 January 2026 for the 2^nd tranche of voting, then respondents who submitted new technology applications or had previously been placed on “stand-by” will be given final notification to attend with a survey, attend without a survey, or not-attend. This tranche of voting is intended to support novel lethal discoveries by USSOCOM's attendance at the NSSF SHOT Show. No more notifications will go out after this date.
      • Potentially immediately: If a respondent has a compelling reason for an early decision, e.g., import lead times or an exceptionally compelling technology, then an immediate invitation to attend may be rendered.
   5. Event Post-Notification Coordination: USSOCOM has an agreement with Phoenix Defence, which will be organizing respondents' participation and logistics for ISOF Range 2026. If a respondent receives an invitation from USSOCOM to attend, then that “respondent” becomes an “exhibitor” and coordinating instructions with Phoenix Defence will be provided after receipt of the invitation. Exhibitors will conduct all future correspondence, coordination, and information request with Phoenix Defence under their terms and conditions, this includes fees for shipping and attendance.
   6. Technology areas to explore during the event include the following:
      1. Weapons
         1. New or novel rifle and machine gun suppressor designs and materials in the following calibers: 5.56mm, .300 BLK (Super/Subsonic), 7.62mm, 6.5 Creedmoor, .338 Norma Magnum, and 6.8x51mm conversion kits for AR-10 patterned weapons. Exploring designs and materials that are capable of handling high rates of fire from medium machine guns, high pressure ammunition, and capable of maintaining a sound pressure level of 140db or less.
         2. Kinetic counter-UAS weapons and technologies.
         3. 5.56mm lightweight machine guns.
         4. Signature management/reduction technologies that include coatings, attachments, or covers that reduce visual, auditory, and thermal signatures.
         5. Weight reduction concepts that include weapon modifications, ergonomic carrying solutions, ammunition, and weapon accessories.
         6. Novel materials/solutions to extend weapon lifecycle parts and predictive maintenance solutions which increase lifecycle and reduce malfunctions.
         7. Pistol modification and enhancement solutions for existing USG issued pistols.
         8. Novel weapon accessories which provide significant operational improvement to SOF operators from legacy weapon accessories.
      2. Visual Augmentation Systems
         1. Low-light, reflective band sensor technologies with objective lens diameters in the range of 12mm to 80mm as a guideline.
         2. Emissive band sensor technologies with objective lens diameters in the range of 12mm to 125mm as a guideline.
         3. Single-sensor technologies for imaging in both reflective and emissive bands.
         4. Small-pixel MWIR sensor technologies with high dynamic range.
         5. Novel sensor and imaging technologies.
         6. Passive range measurement technologies.
         7. Novel display technologies to reduce size and weight of VAS devices.
         8. Direct-view and Clip-on Machine Gun Optics.
         9. Germanium-free infrared optic technologies for MWIR and LWIR imaging.
         10. Medium Range and Long-Range VAS for weapon-mounted applications to increase lethality at night. There is interest in single sensor, multi-sensor, fused, or image intensified solutions.
         11. Laser markers used for target handoff and laser designators used for terminal guidance.
         12. Displays suitable for providing digital information to users wearing analog night vision goggles. There is interest in both external displays as well as displays capable of being incorporated into the housing of the night vision goggle in-line with the image intensifier.
         13. Next generation night vision goggle concepts. Integration of digital solutions to enhance analog imaging, integrated inertial sensors.
         14. Small form factor, low-cost SWIR cameras for detection of common laser rangefinders and laser markers and designators.
         15. Handheld multi-sensor imaging and multi-domain sensing of the user's environment with a focus on increasing lethality.
         16. Color night vision technologies.
         17. Low SWaP-C laser see-spot technologies.
         18. Laser detection/warning technologies.
         19. Anti-bloom image intensifier devices.
      3. Demolition/Breaching
         1. Stand Off Breaching.
            1. 40mm Low Velocity Grenade that provides the ability to breach multiple standard door types (wood, metal, in/out opening, etc.) from stand-off ranges. Grenades must be compatible with currently fielded M320 Low Velocity Grenade Launcher module (mounted and standalone).
            2. Remote placement of breaching charge. E.g. UAV, robotics, or new/ novel ideas to emplace a variety of charges or direct engagement of entry points.
      4. Ammunition
         1. Alternate Case Material Cartridges. Small arms cartridges utilizing alternative case materials (polymer, stainless steel, multi-piece hybrid cases, etc.), especially in 6.5mm Creedmoor and .338 Norma Magnum. Benefits of the alternate material configuration shall focus on improving performance over standard cartridges, such as increased velocity, improved muzzle velocity standard deviation, etc.
         2. Signature on Target. Small arms ammunition providing signature on target effects while matching ballistic trajectory of existing cartridges as closely as possible.
         3. 5.56 frangible projectiles capable of surviving extreme chamber temperatures as seen in suppressed weapons maintaining like dispersion to POR ammo. Safely fires from suppressed POR weapons and is capable of safely functioning in standard shoot house configurations.
         4. Ballistically and accuracy improved .50cal API precision ammunition
         5. Additional event opportunity: Last Line of Defense (LLOD) Rodeo to primarily identify novel ammunition ideas for currently issued individual small arms carried by SOF operators, typically in the 5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm, low velocity 40mm, 12ga, .338NM, 6.8mm, 6.5CM, and .50CAL range, to kinetically engage/neutralize class I-III drones both static and mobile up to 100m in distance and moving up to 80 mph while approaching the operator from an oblique angle. If selected to participate in the LLOD Rodeo, exhibitors will be required to conduct new equipment training (NET) with live-fire demonstration to selected operators and provide the weapon and ammunition for the event on 12 April 2026, the Sunday before ISOF Range. Consumable targets, e.g. drones and/or clay pigeons, will be provided by PM-SOF Lethality for this event only. Although the LLOD Rodeo is primarily for ammunition solutions, other hand-held, low-encumbrance novel technologies will be considered, e.g. fire control systems which aid the user in acquiring the drone and accurately aiming their weapon prior to engagement, handheld launchers, light weight sensors, etc. If selected for this event, more details will be provided after notification.
      5. Shoulder Launched Munitions
         1. Shoulder Launched Munition systems (reloadable and/or one shot “disposable”) that can provide anti-structural, anti-personnel, bunker / light-armor defeat and/or programmable air-burst counter-defilade capabilities configured with or without fire-from-enclosure (confined-space) firing capability with a focus on reduced overall system weight.
         2. Lightweight Shoulder-Launched Guided Missiles that can provide anti-structural, anti-personnel, bunker / light-armor defeat and/or programmable air-burst counter-defilade capabilities at ranges between 1 and 4 km.
      6. Precision Strike Systems:
         1. Platform agnostic payloads to include all required subsystems for power and command of arming, releasing, and/or detonating functions. Droppable payload platforms must be able to release payload and return undamaged. Payloads should have visual safe indicators that indicate “safe” and “armed” status. The interface between payload and mobility device may incorporate familiar rails or other established mounting standards.
         2. Exhibitor is expected to provide the mobility platform, the payload system, and operators for the demonstration.
         3. For weapons with Alternative Communications and/or Navigation Capabilities, the alternative capabilities should be fully integrated and facilitate demonstration in potentially adverse environments.
         4. Universal platform/weapon interfaces, novel weapons systems, universal controllers, programmable ESADs, Family of systems, or MOSA systems are all of interest.
         5. One way attack vehicles and any other kinetic, unit organic, man-transportable weaponized unmanned system.
      7. Other Relevant Disruptive Technologies (whether directly or indirectly “lethality” oriented)
         1. 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.
         2. For this category, the technology may be lower than TRL 7 and will be able to be displayed in the “exhibitor alley” if needed or applicable.
         3. Some examples for this category are medical equipment, targetry, personal protective equipment, shooting analytic tools, etc.
         4. This is an opportunity for respondents to capitalize on the all-inclusive SOF, greater DoW/USG, and international audience by displaying interesting and emerging technologies that support USSOCOM's ability to achieve lethal overmatch in a future contested environment.
   7. Security/Classification Requirements: Respondents will only submit unclassified information to the website. Classified Nominations will not be accepted.
   8. All respondents' submission costs, travel costs, technology demonstrations, event attendance, ammunition costs, and associated costs will be at the respondents' expense. The event venue will provide access to ranges, infrastructure for conducting remote activities, and basic durable targets (note: any consumable targets must be provided by the respondent). Invited respondents/exhibitors 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.
   9. Time and space will be made available for respondents to conduct real-time modifications and updates to their technology demonstrations during the event. Respondents are advised to bring all tools and equipment necessary to present/operate their technology at the event.
   10. Other Special Requirements: DO NOT SUBMIT PROPOSALS. SUBMIT TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS. TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS FOR THIS RFI WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE FINAL CLOSING DATE OF 30 January 2026, 1700 EST. No contracts will be awarded based solely on this announcement or any subsequent supplemental RFI announcements. There is no intention on the part of USSOCOM to purchase or procure equipment based solely on participation in the event.
3. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
   1. Respondents will apply to exhibit their technology by completing an “exhibitor technology application” at: https://isofrange.com. Respondents will submit a technology application and, only if applicable, a Laser Information Worksheet, an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Worksheet, an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) Worksheet, and/or a 1-off concept of operations (CONOP) by 30 October 2025 to be considered during the first and main tranche of voting or by 30 January 2026 for the second and final tranche of voting.
   2. If your technology is or has any type of laser or if it emits electro-magnetic radiation between ultraviolet and long-wave infrared (or you plan to use a laser of any kind to enable your technology demonstration), it must be declared, have a Laser Information Worksheet, and subsequently be approved to energize on the range. To assist filling out the Laser Information Worksheet, a copy of MIL-STD-1425A “Safety Design Requirements for Military Lasers” can be found at https://isofrange.com in the exhibitor technology application resource section. If your laser/emitter gets approved to energize at the range, you will then be required to submit an FDA Compliance Form, which will be sent by Phoenix Defence.
      • This includes all lasers, regardless of FDA or IEC hazard classification (e.g., Classes I, 1, 1M, II, IIa, 2, 2M, IIIa, 3R, IIIb, 3B, IV, or 4)
      • 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 if it is there)
      • This includes a laser that is available commercially
   3. If your technology is or has any UAS/UGV component, it must be declared and have a UAS/UGV Worksheet and subsequently be approved to operate on the range. If your UAS/UGV technology is not approved to operate on the range, you may still be able to bring the technology for a static display only.
   4. If you want to be considered for the LLOD Rodeo, annotate the additional request on the ISOF Range website.
   5. Frequency Requirements: If your demonstration is radiating on a given frequency or frequency band, you must annotate this in the nomination packet. If you are invited to attend, further instructions will be sent from Phoenix Defence.
4. Safety Requirements: The ISOF Range will be conducted, managed, and controlled in accordance with the Military-Standard 882E, “Standard Practice: System Safety.” All respondents are 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. If a respondent is invited to participate in the range with unique or unfamiliar technology, then a follow-on Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet (Department of Defense Form 2977) may be requested to assess and mitigate risk. All respondents are suggested to review Military Standard 882E before attending the range. For your convenience, a copy of MIL-STD 882E is posted at https://isofrange.com in the exhibitor technology application resource section. 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.
5. BASIS FOR SELECTION TO PARTICIPATE:
   1. Selection of respondents to participate (for all but the Last Line of Defense Rodeo) shall be based on the extent to which the nominated technology to be demonstrated addresses lethality gaps and/or informs future lethality requirements as evaluated by the USSOCOM component lethality subject matter experts (SMEs).
   2. Selection of respondents to participate in the Last Line of Defense Rodeo shall be based on the extent to which the nominated technology to be demonstrated addresses small unit patrol cUAS needs.
6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
   1. All proprietary information contained in the technology application and associated documents should be appropriately marked. All efforts shall be made to protect proprietary information that is clearly marked. Lessons learned by USSOCOM from these demonstrations may be broadly disseminated, but only within the U.S. Government. If selected for participation in the event, respondents may be requested to provide additional information that will be used in preparation for the demonstration.
   2. The respondents' attention is directed to the fact that Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government Support Contractor (GSC) personnel will provide support during the review of the technology applications. The FFRDC and GSC personnel will have access to respondent technology applications and will be utilized to objectively review a submission in a particular functional area and provide comments and recommendations to the U.S. Governments' decision makers. They will not establish final assessments of risk, rate, or rank of respondent technology applications. All advisors have complied with Procurement Integrity Laws and have signed Non-Disclosure and Rules of Conduct/Conflict of Interest statements. The Government has taken into consideration requirements for avoiding conflicts of interest and ensure advisors comply with safeguarding source selection and proprietary data. Submission of technology applications in response to the RFI constitutes approval to release the technology applications to FFRDC and GSCs.
   3. 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 U.S. 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.
7. 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 the term “respondent” is 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 demonstration candidates from private industry, government Research and Development (R&D) organizations/labs, academia, and individuals to submit technology demonstration nominations addressing innovative lethality technologies.
8. Points of Contact:
   1. Contracting Office Address:
      SOF AT&L KR
      7701 Tampa Point Blvd
      MacDill AFB, Florida 33621-5323
   2. Individuals:
      • Mr. Marvin Marcia: marvin.marcia@socom.mil