Computer Vision Inference Engine & Model Training for UMS

Submissions Closed 13 October 2025 11:59 PM ET
ITAR Restricted

Purpose
SOFWERX, in collaboration with the USSOCOM PEO-SOF Digital Applications (SDA) Unmanned Systems Autonomy and Interoperability (UxSAI) Program, will host an Assessment Event (AE) to identify technology providers capable of delivering cutting-edge computer vision capabilities for detection and classification for all USSOCOM unmanned systems. This event aims to evaluate whitepaper responses and down-select innovative solutions for a computer vision inference engine and model training solution that can autonomously detect, classify, and adapt to new targets and environments ultimately enhancing the operational effectiveness of UxS in resource-constrained and communication-denied environments to align with the goals and objectives of the UxSAI Program.

Background/Synopsis
Computer vision rarely performs as intended and results in missed detections or improperly classified objects. Challenges exist with obtaining training data, utilizing the models on constrained resources, and deploying models over the air. UxSAI requests computer vision developers to improve our artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities and develop highly effective computer vision inference engines and pretrained models as part of an Enterprise machine learning operations (MLOPS) pipeline. Providers selected for participation will receive additional information and funding to prepare for the AE upon selection. The UxSAI Program intends to evaluate solutions through their Enterprise MLOPS pipeline as part of this event.

Objective
The UxSAI Program seeks a computer vision inference engine and model retraining solution that:

• Demonstrates robust object detection and classification capabilities.

• Optimizes Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) for deployment on a variety of UxS platforms.

• Enables training and adaptation to new objects and environments.

• Offers a modular architecture suitable for seamless integration with existing architectures.

• Enhances the autonomous capabilities of unmanned systems operating in challenging environments.

• Informs the necessary interfaces, protocols, and data formats for integration, contributing to the development of an Interface Control Document (ICD).

The intent from this event is for UxSAI to work with providers selected from the AE to further develop their model through collaboration with the UxSAI Program.

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 USSOCOM PEO-SOF Digital Applications (SDA) Unmanned Systems Autonomy and Interoperability (UxSAI) Program 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

COMPLETED Phase 1 - 25 September 2025 to 13 October 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 the webpage. 

Phase 1a - 03 October 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 03 October from 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET. RSVP at the bottom of the webpage. 

COMPLETED Phase 2 - 14 October 2025 to 20 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 21 October.

COMPLETED Phase 3 - 29 October 2025 Assessment Event (AE): During the AE, selected participants will be allotted a one-on-one session with the USSOCOM evaluation panel where providers will demonstrate their capability based on additional information provided by UxSAI.

This event will be held Virtually.

Phase 4 - 03 November 2025 to 05 November 2025 Downselect for Vendor Modeling: The USSOCOM UxSAI evaluation panel will provide additional information to further tailor models for evaluation in the UxSAI Test and Evaluation Pipeline. The forum will include instruction on delivery of models and supporting data for testing the model as well as requested model format and naming. This forum will include a Q&A portion, and discussions may continue outside of the event.

Phase 5 - 02 December 2025 to 04 December 2025 Test and Evaluation Pipeline Assessment Event (AE): The USSOCOM UxSAI evaluation team will run models and associated data through the process of Test and Evaluation in their associated pipeline. Performance metrics from this evaluation and associated information will be recorded by the evaluation team for follow-on discussions with providers.

This event will be held Virtually.

Phase 6 - 09 December 2025 to 11 December 2025 Debrief: The USSOCOM UxSAI evaluation team will present findings from model Test and Evaluation through their pipeline directly with vendors through one-on-one discussions with them. This forum will facilitate another opportunity for Q&A with the evaluation team.

This event will be held Virtually. 

Phase 7 - 12 December 2025 to 05 January 2026 Final Downselect for Further Development of Model Deliverable: Favorably evaluated submissions will receive a notification of selection on/around 06 January 2026. If USSOCOM UxSAI evaluation panel favorably evaluates a solution, negotiations for Phase 8 may immediately begin. 

Phase 8 - 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