Collective Autonomy Integration (Build – Measure – Learn) – USSOCOM JATF
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
USSOCOM’s Joint Acquisitions Task Force (JATF) is seeking industry capabilities to enable Collective Autonomy for heterogeneous unmanned systems (UxS). The goal is to allow a single SOF operator to command multiple air, ground, and maritime systems through unified C2, autonomous collaboration, shared situational awareness, and resilient networking. Submissions are due May 15, 2026.
How much funding would I receive?
Specific award size will depend on scope and proposed effort. $500K to $5 million is a common range for these types of opportunities.
What could I use the funding for?
The Overburdened Operator - A small Special Operations Forces (SOF) team is deployed to a complex, contested environment to conduct a time-sensitive mission. The team employs a mix of organic Unmanned Systems (UxS)—including aerial drones for surveillance and a ground robot for reconnaissance—but each system operates on its own proprietary controller and data feed.
The team's operator is overwhelmed. They are forced to manage multiple systems independently, consuming immense cognitive bandwidth to de-conflict flight paths, monitor separate video feeds, and manually relay information. The UxS assets cannot directly communicate or collaborate. The result is a fragmented operational picture, delayed decision-making, and an increased risk to the mission and the force.
USSOCOM Joint Acquisitions Task Force (JATF) is initiating a "Build, Measure, and Learn" cycle to identify and integrate capabilities that enable Collective Autonomy. We are requesting capabilities from the Vulcan ecosystem to help us answer the following questions:
Unified Command & Control (C2): How can a single operator effectively command a team of heterogeneous UxS (air, ground, maritime) from a single, intuitive interface that is hardware-agnostic?
Autonomous Collaboration: How can a group of disparate UxS autonomously collaborate to perform complex, multi-step tasks based on a high-level commander's intent (e.g., “Find and maintain custody of all moving vehicles in this sector”)?
Shared Situational Awareness: What solutions can automatically fuse sensor data from multiple UxS into a single, real-time Common Operational Picture (COP) that is shared among all human and machine agents?
Resilient Network: How can this autonomous collective maintain C2 and data-sharing in a communications-contested or denied environment?
Open Architecture: How do your capabilities leverage a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to ensure we can rapidly integrate new platforms, sensors, and algorithms in the future?
Desired End State: Operator as Mission Commander, Not System Manager
The goal is to enable a single SOF operator to effectively command a swarm of autonomous systems. In this end state, the operator issues a mission-level command, and the UxS "pack" autonomously collaborates to plan and execute the task, dynamically adapting to the changing environment.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Government Validation and Credibility:
Engagement with USSOCOM JATF signals strong alignment with Special Operations mission priorities, which can significantly enhance credibility with primes, investors, and defense partners.
Pathway to Non-Dilutive Capital:
If transitioned into SBIR, OTA, or CRADA mechanisms, companies may access non-dilutive development funding to mature and validate their technology.
Operational Feedback from SOF Users:
Direct interaction with operators and subject matter experts provides invaluable real-world feedback that accelerates product-market fit for defense applications.
Ecosystem Access:
Participation can open doors to integration opportunities across the broader USSOCOM and DoD autonomy ecosystem.
Enhanced Exit and Valuation Potential:
Demonstrated integration into SOF missions and government-backed validation can materially increase enterprise value, particularly for dual-use autonomy and AI companies.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Deadline: May 15, 2026 (23:59 CDT)
This solicitation does not guarantee funding. If selected for follow-on engagement, timelines would depend on the chosen contracting mechanism (e.g., SBIR, OTA, CRADA).selection and award are expected shortly after down-select.
Where does this funding come from?
United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), via the Joint Acquisitions Task Force (JATF).
Who is eligible to apply?
Industry partners within the Vulcan ecosystem capable of providing solutions aligned to Collective Autonomy requirements.
No geographic restrictions are stated.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Solutions most aligned with the following priorities will be strongest:
Demonstrated capability to unify heterogeneous UxS under a single hardware-agnostic C2 interface.
Proven autonomous collaboration enabling execution of mission-level intent without manual micro-management.
Real-time sensor fusion into a shared Common Operational Picture.
Resilience in communications-contested or denied environments.
Clear adherence to a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for future extensibility.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
This solicitation is for awareness and collaboration only; it is not an acquisition action.
NO classified or proprietary information should be submitted.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Companies should plan for 2–4 weeks to prepare a complete submission package, including:
Company profile
Product whitepaper
Pitch deck
System blueprint/architecture
Technology development plan with TRL and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM)
Preparation time depends on existing documentation maturity.
How can BW&CO help?
Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:
Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development
Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations
Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
Fractional support is $300 per hour.
For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.
Additional Resources
Review the opportunity here.