SOCOM’s Technology Wish List

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Special Operations Command (SOCOM) recently released a Broad Agency Announcement soliciting proposals for several types of technologies that they are looking for in cooperation with the private sector. Here at Crucial Point LLC, we are interested in all forms of disrupted technologies and after looking at why we are calling SOCOM’s ‘wish list’, we believe SOCOM is in the market for disruptive techs as well. Below is a breakdown of what they are looking for. If your company can help in any of these fields, and likely some of you readers work for a company that does, you can check to the BAA here.

AREAS OF TECHNOLOGICAL AND SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCE FOR SRSE (SPECIAL RECONNAISSANCE, SURVEILLANCE, & EXPLOITATION)

Tags – Tagging, Tracking, and Locating technologies. SOCOM is looking for lightweight, low cost, and low energy GPS and non-GPS trackers, biological and chemical taggers, various beacons, audio and video recorders, and improvements in energy use.

Sensors – All types of activity sensors (magnetic, seismic, passive infrared, acoustic, fiber optic and break wire), small radars, through wall imaging, and about any type of other sensor you can think of. Sensors are going to be huge in the future with reductions in manpower and “boots on the ground”.

Biometrics – Facial and Iris recognition, finger print collection, detection and analysis of behavior patterns, voice print analysis, dynamic signature recognition, and DNA collection and processing.

Forensics – Document and electronic media exploitation (computers/cell phones), Trace evidence collection, identification and processing (Explosive/Chemical/Biological/Radiological), and detection of hidden rooms/chambers.

SIGINT– Signals Intelligence. SOCOM is looking for better radios and antennas, and better ways to intercept these types of transmissions. Also improved graphic user interfaces, training system, and network capabilities.

Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED) – All source data discovery, advanced algorithms for data fusion/analysis, tasking and synchronization, receipt and processing of multiple intelligence ISR sensor data, Open Service Oriented Architecture, Common Interactive Broadcast (CIB) technologies.

Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (TENCAP) – This area concentrates on technologies, processing and capabilities to extend National Technical Means investments and capabilities to the lowest tactical echelon user possible. Includes data infix/exfil, force tracking, SIGINT, HUMINT, GEOINT, MASINT, targeting, and Command and control (C2).

Technical Support Systems (TSS) – Virtual Training, camouflage, advanced antenna designs, high efficiency electronics and communications.

Military Information Support Operations (MISO)

Information Management – All types.

Broadcast Technologies- transmitters and antennas, enhanced Bluetooth technologies.

Simulation and Modeling Tools for MISO capabilities

Air Droppable, Scatterable Electronic Media – This media will be used to disseminate information and could take the form of a large variety of broadcast electronic media receivers including miniaturized loudspeakers; entertainment devices; game device technologies, greeting cards; telephony technologies; text messaging; or other media capable of receiving and/or transmitting Internet broadcast or commercial radio frequency signals, or pre-programmed audio/audio-visual data.

Scatterable Media – Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) Production Technology, Short Message Service (SMS) Production Technology, and Internet Production Technology.

Scatterable Media Integrated Radio, Cellular, Web, and MOP/MOE Requirements – The requirement is a user-generated social media radio application powered by the human voice, available on the PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, and Nokia smart phones, that lets users share their thoughts and experiences.

The list of items and ideas that SOCOM is looking for is exhaustive, but at the same time I would love to be the one getting to evaluate these products as proposals come in. SOCOM has always led the way in military acquisition by taking risks on new technologies and implementing disruptive ones to its smaller and more flexible force. It is likely that these technologies will help keep the United States military, specifically its Special Operations Forces, at the tip of the spear in any conflict in this world.

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