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Arcane Thunder 23 (AT23) Request for Information (RFI), Assess Technology to Create Effects in All Domains A. INTRODUCTION This is a Request for Information (RFI). This is NOT a solicitation for propo... Arcane Thunder 23 (AT23) Request for Information (RFI), Assess Technology to Create Effects in All Domains A. INTRODUCTION This is a Request for Information (RFI). This is NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this RFI is to gain information leading to Government/Industry collaboration at Arcane Thunder 23 (AT23) to accelerate the development of technologies that will enable the 2nd Multi-Domain Task Force (2d MDTF) to build capability in reconnaissance, target development, and precision targeting operations in support of theater contingency and operational plans. 2d MDTF invites industry, academia, individuals, and laboratories to submit technology white papers addressing innovative technologies and capabilities in multiple categories that can be used in challenging peer and near-peer environments: Category 1 Space Category 2 Emit Category 3 Fires Category 4 Sense Category 5 Cyber Category 6 Mission CMD 2d MDTF focuses on maintaining domain superiority by synchronizing precision effects in time and space to create a compounding effect against adversaries in multiple domains simultaneously to enable Joint freedom of action. In order to synchronize its efforts, 2d MDTF requires a complex network architecture with the ability to receive and distill raw data from multiple sensors. This architecture must also have edge computing capabilities, data transport and storage capabilities, and the ability to transfer unclassified data to higher classification domains virtually. This will prepare 2d MDTF to adjust domain superiority throughout a conflict so that they remain ready, balanced, and lethal. 2d MDTF assessments will aid tactical units in understanding how and when to employ and maximize their superiority across multiple domains. Specifically, 2d MDTF will focus on air and land domains. This experiment will allow units to compete against and disrupt increasingly adaptive enemy forces. After reviewing the technology submissions, the Government may invite select candidates to participate in the AT23 field assessment venue in which the Government will evaluate the capability as applied to the Warfighter, and its technical limitations and vulnerabilities through an enemy perspective. These assessments will provide the submitter an opportunity to interact with the Warfighter, the DoD Science and Technology community, academia, Combatant Commands (COCOMS), Theater Commands, and other federal agencies for the purpose of assessing potential impact of emerging technology solutions on missions and capabilities. Submissions and Verification of Submission will be made through the Vulcan SOF website. B. OBJECTIVE: Support the 2d MDTF Mission: Increase situational awareness and real-time intelligence & support multi-domain operations (MDO). (1) Background: The Army’s C5ISR Center Unique Mission Cell (UMC) conducts field experiments/assessments to support the vulnerability identification and system limitation in contested environments for emerging capabilities in an operationally relevant venue. These assessments are conducted with representatives from Government Research and Development (R&D) organizations, academia, and industry. These events provide an opportunity for technology developers to interact with operational personnel and determine how their efforts might support military capability gaps and high priority mission deficiencies. The environment facilitates a collaborative working relationship between academia, Government, and industry and supports identification, assessment, and dissemination of emerging and mature technology information and the acceleration of delivering capabilities to the Warfighters and those they support. The assessment results are reported back to the 2d MDTF. (2) Assessment Focus and Submission Timeline: AT23 assessment will be conducted: 28 Aug – 08 Sep 2023 in the European Theater of Operations (Germany, Poland, and Romania). RFI Submission Deadline: 10 March 2023 – All respondents to the submission will be notified by the Government of initial down-select decisions NLT 10 April 2023. A final down-select for participation in AT23 will be conducted at a CONUS-based location (e.g., Fort Knox, KY) on 22 to 26 May 2023. This down-select will include risk reduction, integration, and training; participants will be notified of selection to participate in AT23 NLT 15 June 2023. RFI Schedule 10 March 2023 – RFI Closes 10 April 2023 – Respondents notified of acceptance to CONUS-based risk-reduction event 22-26 MAY 2023 – Risk Reduction, Integration, and Training event with 2d MDTF 15 June 2023 – Participants notified of acceptance to Arcane Thunder 23 Focus Details: During this experiment, small unit teams will conduct Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) in several environments and locations while an increasingly adaptive enemy disrupts and denies specific capabilities such as open maneuver, communications, and resupply. The Warfighters will use the technologies in a realistic, austere environment where factors regarding technological performance, systems integration, logistics, training, and adaptability are examined. The experiment will incorporate red team adversaries (when applicable) and stress the dominance of the technologies in air and on land to force the Warfighters to innovatively identify solutions. (3) Field Experiment/Assessment Focus: The following technical areas are of particular interest: Overall 2d MDTF focus areas (considered after primary focus technologies selected): Operations Sensor Information Signal Technology areas of interest Technologies that increase situational awareness Technologies that can passively detect enemy movements and actions Technologies that can actively disrupt enemy movements and communications AI/ML technologies that reduce decision making, reduce Soldier cognitive burden and increase mission effectiveness Technologies that can be used to hide in plain sight (4) Security Requirements: The submittal process under this RFI is intended to be as streamlined as possible in order to allow the Government to leverage technology solutions capable of meeting urgent Warfighter needs. Respondents should not submit classified information in the technology assessment papers. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions, Export Administration Regulation (EAR) restrictions, and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) restrictions should be clearly listed. (5) Other Special Requirements: DO NOT SUBMIT PROPOSALS. SUBMIT TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT PAPERS ONLY. Instructions and templates can be found at the Vulcan submission (link below). No contracts will be awarded based on this announcement. C. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Submission Deadline: 10 March 2023 If you wish to submit a technology for consideration for AT23, Respondent must be registered with the Vulcan website: https://www.vulcan-sof.com. A complete submission includes a Scout Card and Quad Chart for each technology. Respondents are required to submit all information prior to the submission deadline to be considered for the event. Should Respondent wish to submit multiple technologies for consideration, separate submissions are required for each technology. Required Documents Vulcan Scout Card Quad Chart (template provided on submission page) Planning Input Form (PIF) (template provided on submission page) Vulcan Registration Instructions -- please give yourself enough time to create account and be verified for a Vulcan account before creating your Scout Card. Visit https://www.vulcan-sof.com and click Request Access Follow the on-screen instructions Vulcan access questions, please email contact@vulcan-sof.com AT23 Submission Instructions (Scout Card can be created on the submissions) Navigate to the AT23 Submission Page: https://vulcan-sof.com/login/ng2/collection/24403eed-6fc7-4d69-b30d-7129c6693c72 For new Scout Cards: Fill in all areas of the card and include as much detail as possible. At the bottom of the page, select Tab 3 (Submit a New Card). Follow the instructions to include watching the video to complete your Scout Card submission. The aforementioned Quad Chart should be attached to the last page of the Scout Card submission. For existing Scout Cards: At the bottom of the page, select Tab 2 (Submit Existing Card). You will see a list of your organizations previously submitted Scout Cards for inclusion in this submission. The aforementioned Quad Chart should be attached to the last page of the Scout Card submission. For already submitted Scout Cards: At the bottom of the page, select Tab 1 (Already Submitted) to see a list of Scout Cards your organization has previously submitted to this call. If you experience issues with the Vulcan website, contact the Vulcan Help Desk at contact@vulcan-sof.com. You will receive on screen confirmation of a successful submission. Vulcan Submission Tips: If your organization has already submitted to this RFI, you will be able to see it under "Submitted". If your technology already has a Scout Card in Vulcan but has not yet submitted to AT23, you may click "Select Existing" to quickly add it. If you are submitting a new technology into Vulcan, then click "Create New Scout Card". Please watch the tutorial video and proceed. D. SELECTION TO PARTICIPATE: Selection of Respondents to participate will be based on the extent to which the technology represents a particular category, class, or level of capability that can be provided to the forces. Other considerations include: Relevance of or adaptability to military operations/missions Relevance to current operational needs Breadth of application Technical maturity Available time Selected Respondents will be notified in writing prior to event execution for the selected Technology Assessment events specified in paragraph B.(2). E. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: All Respondents shall clearly identify and mark in writing all proprietary information provided on all documents. Technical lessons learned by AT23 assessments may be broadly disseminated within the Government and Government support contractors. Respondents must provide information that clearly asserts rights in technical data if developed exclusively or partially at private expense in order to claim any restrictions. Developed exclusively at private expense means development was accomplished entirely with costs charged to indirect cost pools, cost not allocated to a government contract, or any combination thereof. Identification of the data or software must have enough specificity to support the respondent's assertion is important for the parties to avoid misunderstanding during the information gathering assessment activities. F. USE OF INFORMATION: The purpose of this notice is to gain information on technologies for possible inclusion in AT23. All proprietary information contained in the response shall be separately identified and marked. Any proprietary information contained in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. G. DATA OWNERSHIP: All data transmitted, received, and stored during the conduct of AT23 is the property of the US Government. All press releases and public announcements based on AT23 attendance are not permitted unless permission is obtained in writing from 2d MDTF. H. INTENT: The Government does NOT intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI Notice or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. H. POINTS OF CONTACT: Questions on the objectives or preparation of technical documents should be addressed to: Todd.j.fruehauf.civ@army.mil, and the Subject Line must be titled: QUESTION(s) for AT23. Contracting Office Address: 800 Park Office Drive Frontier Building RTP Durham, North Carolina 27709-3048 United States