Modular Payload Software Defined Radio (SDR) Assessment Event (AE)

Modular Payload Software Defined Radio (SDR), Assessment Event (AE)

Submit NLT 17 September 2025 11:59 PM ET (U.S. Citizens Only)

Purpose
SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Program Executive Office Tactical Information Systems (PEO-TIS), will host an Assessment Event (AE) to identify a currently available USSOCOM modular payload standard compliant software defined radio (SDR) with an open architecture to enable porting of Special Operations Forces-Peculiar (SOF-P) waveforms as well as the ability to undergo a development effort to align SDR capabilities with USSOCOM needs.

Background/Synopsis
USSOCOM desires a modular payload standard SDR of TRL 7 or greater in order to assess and identify capability gaps compared to the current need. The SDR must conform to USSOCOM modular payload Version 5.1 (Dated 25 May 2021) standard without requiring a developmental or engineering effort. The SDR must have an open architecture that allows a development effort to be conducted in partnership with USSOCOM to meet operational requirements. The modified SDR must have open architecture that also allows third party waveform development/ports. The operational SDR will enable efficient and effective interoperability with various maneuver platforms, antenna configurations, and Electronic Warfare systems. This is NOT an effort to develop/engineer a new SDR modular payload standard radio chassis. The SDR will have the ability to port and natively run both SOF-P and DoD communication waveforms. Software zeroization (aka “Bricking”) will be integrated into the SDR to reduce risk of critical program information loss. The SDR must have the ability to port and natively run SOF-P waveforms without additional modules while maintaining the modular payload standard.

Objective
Modify a currently available USSOCOM Modular Payload Standard Version 5.1 compliant SDR to be capable of manual and autonomous operation of numerous SOF-P and Joint communications waveforms.

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 PEO-TIS Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). 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.

Event Timeline
Phase 1 13 August 2025 to 17 September 2025 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 capability 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 - 15 August 2025 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 15 August from 1:00–2:00 PM ET. RSVP at the bottom of this webpage.

Phase 2 - 22 September 2025 to 03 October 2025 Downselect: USSOCOM will downselect those respondents/submissions they feel have the highest potential to satisfy their technology needs. Favorably evaluated submissions will receive an invitation to attend the AE on/around 06 October.

Phase 3 - 28 October 2025 to 30 October 2025 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. If the USSOCOM evaluation panel favorably evaluates a solution brief, negotiations for Phase 4 may immediately begin.

This event will be held in person at SOFWERX. 

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 based upon successful prototype criteria, which will be determined for each 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 

NOTE: 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
Government, Industry, Academia, National Labs, and Non-Traditional Attendees

1. RSVP to the 20 August Virtual Q&A Telecon: Click Here to RSVP (NLT 19 August 11:59 PM ET)
2. Review Assessment Criteria: Click Here to Review
3. Download the White Paper Template: Click Here to Review
4. Review the USSOCOM modular payload Version 5.1 standard: Click Here to Review
5. Complete the Submission Form: Click Here to Submit (NLT 17 September 11:59 PM ET)

Questions?

For event-related questions, please contact Kristen Foraker