SOFWERX, in collaboration with U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Program Executive Office–Maritime (PEO-M), will host an assessment event 2-20 November, 2026, that provides Special Operations Forces operators and Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) vendors opportunities for collaboration, hands-on experimentation, and assessment. Data collected during these events will inform development of the USV Mission-Aligned Reference Architecture (MARA).
This effort seeks technologically mature USV platforms aligned to contemporary Design Reference Missions (DRMs) while also gathering data on common platform features, technical trade-offs, and integration opportunities. The data collected will inform MARA with the goal of improving interoperability, accelerating capability integration, and reducing unnecessary cost and redundant platform development across Government and Industry efforts.
The primary desirement is to assess USV solutions aligned to two DRMs through collaboration and hands-on experimentation with SOF operators and USV vendors:
Escort: A USV able to accompany and support a manned vessel during maritime transit and maneuver, maintain relative position, and contribute to awareness, tracking, response, and defense of a supported vessel. The USV should be configurable for US Navy Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) cradle and davit launch/recovery and modular to accept a wide variety of Government-furnished payloads.
Interceptor: A USV capable of rapid launch and high-speed transit toward a desired area. The USV should be modular to accept a wide variety of Government-furnished payloads. Compatibility with the USSOCOM Universal Launch and Recovery System (ULRS) is desired but not required.
A secondary desirement is to collect technical and operational insight that will inform MARA development, including, but not limited to, payload integration, power, cooling, topside design, communications, autonomy, and supportability.
The Government is also interested in Electronic Support/Electronic Attack (ES/EA)-enabling platform characteristics for future mission applications. ES/EA considerations are enhancing only and are not the primary basis for Escort or Interceptor selection.
ES/EA Considerations: The Government is interested in ES/EA-enabling platform characteristics for future mission applications. ES/EA considerations are enhancing only. They are not a separate DRM, are not primary Escort or Interceptor selection criteria, and will not offset failure to meet applicable Escort or Interceptor minimum criteria. Vendors may identify demonstrated or readily integrable ES/EA-enabling characteristics, limitations, required modifications, and tradeoffs.
In addition to assessing specific vendor solutions, USSOCOM will collect technical and operational insight that will inform MARA development. This includes identifying common approaches to payload integration, command and control, supportability, and other platform features that could improve interoperability and reduce redundant USV development.
Vendors may submit platforms that do not meet one or more minimum criteria. Vendors should identify each unmet minimum, provide current demonstrated performance, and describe any planned path to minimum performance. The Government will consider overall DRM alignment, technical maturity, operational suitability, and assessment value when evaluating submissions. Vendors should anticipate that USV with a proven history of seaworthiness and reliability will score highly.
Offerors may submit a solution aligned to Escort, Interceptor, or both.
Submit NLT 07 October 2026 11:59 PM ET
Details at events.sofwerx.org/peo-m-unmanned-surface-vehicle-usv.
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
Read the full article here
