PEO-M Undersea Test Shape and Cradle Assessment Event (AE)

PEO-M Undersea Test Shape and Cradle Assessment Event (AE)

Submit NLT 17 November 2026 11:59 PM ET U.S. Citizens/Persons Only

Purpose
SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM Program Executive Office-Maritime Undersea (PEO-M Undersea), will host an Assessment Event (AE) to design and manufacture one (1) test shape and cradle to Joint Expeditionary Base (JEB) Little Creek, VA.

Background/Synopsis 
USSOCOM desires a durable, representative maritime test shape and supporting deck cradle to enable controlled handling, transport, lifting, launch/recovery, and submergence activities from vessels and barges. The capability is intended to address the need for a test article that can safely operate in a harsh marine environment while maintaining defined weight, buoyancy, stability, handling, and interface characteristics. 

The solution will be used to support at-sea and pier-side testing involving vessel or barge deck stowage, lifting operations, seawater submergence, towing, and stabilization. The test shape and cradle must be engineered for repeatable use, compatibility with Government-provided drawings and rigging equipment, and verification through Government-reviewed design and test activities. Detailed performance, dimensional, interface, material, and test requirements are provided in the Assessment Criteria.

Objective
USSOCOM seeks an industry partner to design, manufacture, test, and deliver one marine-capable test shape and associated deck cradle to JEB Little Creek, Virginia. The desired solution should focus on a robust cylindrical test article with controlled buoyancy and stability characteristics, safe vessel/barge handling and securement features, compatibility with Government-furnished interfaces, and a cradle that supports deck transport and lifting operations.

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-M Undersea Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). As such, the 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 5.101.

Event Timeline
Phase 1 - 20 October 2026 to 17 November 2026 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 - 03 November 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 03 November from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET. RSVP at the bottom of this webpage.

Phase 2 - 17 November 2026 to 24 November 2026 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 01 December.

Phase 3 - 15 December 2026 to 17 December 2026 Virtual Assessment Event (AE): During the AE, selected participants will be allotted a virtual 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 virtually.

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 03 November Virtual Q&A Telecon: Click Here to RSVP (NLT 02 November 11:59 PM ET)
2. Review Assessment Criteria:Click Here to Review
3. Download the White Paper Template:Click Here to Review
4. Download the Quad Chart Template: Click Here to Review
5. Complete the Submission Form: Click Here to Submit  (NLT 17 November 11:59 PM ET)

Questions?

For event-related questions, please contact Claire Harmon