The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Technical Experimentation (TE) 26-2, seeking Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based modular capabilities for Special Operations Forces (SOF). This RFI, published on December 12, 2025, with responses due by January 12, 2026, aims to identify innovative technologies from R&D organizations, private industry, and academia. The event, scheduled for April 13-17, 2026, at Avon Park Air Force Range, FL, will focus on Agentic AI systems capable of autonomous decision-making, reasoning, and adaptation to support or enhance SOF capabilities. USSOCOM is particularly interested in solutions that integrate into existing SOF software architectures, go beyond traditional automation, and operate effectively in low-SWaP-C environments. Specific technology areas of interest include Agentic Protocols, Workflows, Human-Machine Teaming, Knowledge Representation, Low-SWaP-C Solutions, AI Agent Frameworks, Metrics and Accuracy Assessment, Optimization for Tactical Resources, Collaborative Autonomous Systems, and various exemplar applications. Submissions, which are not proposals for contracts, must be unclassified and adhere to safety, frequency, and human subjects requirements. The selection of participants will be based on the technology's potential to increase SOF capabilities, technical maturity, and relevance to military operations and the event's focus on Agentic AI.

The US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) requires participants in its Technical Experimentation 26-2 event to sign a Photograph/Media Consent and Release form. This document grants USSOCOM authorization to capture and utilize photographs, motion pictures, videotapes, audiotapes, webcasts, and other media (collectively, "Materials") of equipment and demonstrations. USSOCOM is permitted to use, reproduce, publish, display, and distribute these Materials for educational or promotional purposes across various media, including command publications, articles, magazines, websites, and social media, without prior notification or payment to the participant. By signing, individuals affirm they are at least 19 years old and an authorized representative of their organization, acknowledging their voluntary participation without financial compensation.

This guide outlines safety requirements for USSOCOM technical experimentation events, aiming to identify and mitigate risks associated with demonstrating equipment. It recommends using a Deliberate Risk Assessment (DRA) worksheet, such as DD Form 2977, and encourages integrating system safety into technology development, referencing Military-Standard 882E for methodology. The guide details specific safety data requirements for systems involving lasers (e.g., Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance, optical density), energetic materials (e.g., Interim Hazard Classification, sensitivity test results), and radio-frequency/magneto-inductive emitters (e.g., frequencies, output power, RADHAZ analyses). The goal is to ensure safe demonstrations through rigorous risk assessment and mitigation tailored to the technology and testing scenario.

The DD Form 2977, "Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet," is a comprehensive government document designed for systematic risk management in missions and tasks. It outlines a five-step process: identifying hazards, assessing them, developing controls, implementing controls, and supervising/evaluating outcomes. The form requires detailed information, including mission description, preparer details, subtask breakdowns, identified hazards, initial and residual risk levels, and specific controls with implementation plans. It also incorporates an overall supervision plan, recommended courses of action, and an approval/disapproval section for the mission or task. A critical component is the Risk Assessment Matrix, which defines risk levels based on probability and severity of potential consequences. The worksheet includes sections for risk assessment reviews, feedback, lessons learned, and additional comments, ensuring a thorough and continuous risk management process. Instructions for completing each section are provided, emphasizing clarity and comprehensive documentation.