STRIKE AC-130J: Delivered the final production AC-130J, completing AFSOC’s 30-aircraft Gunship fleet, executing 4 Block 20+ to Block 30 retrofits. 

ARMED OVERWATCH: Began production on Lot 1 of the Armed Overwatch platform, now designated OA-1K. The first five aircraft are in assembly for delivery to AFSOC. PEO-FW also awarded the second Armed Overwatch delivery order to L3Harris for Lot 2, 9 aircraft, bringing the total number of aircraft on contract to 16. L3Harris successfully completed maximum loads testing on a re-designed wing. 

MOBILITY 

MC-130J: Delivered four MC-130J Capability Release 2 aircraft with SOF-Peculiar Terrain Following Radar and Airborne Mission Networking systems improving networked communications, and situational awareness during low-level flight. 

RADIO FREQUENCY COUNTERMEASURES (RFCM): Delivered two MC-130J aircraft modified with the RFCM system, began Developmental Flight Test on both AC-130J and MC-130J test aircraft, and began first development spiral for software-enabled capability upgrades. 

AC/MC-130J INTEGRATED TACTICAL MISSION SYSTEMS: Successfully conducted two live-fire demonstrations of Dahlgren’s Battle Management System Killchain Automation capability on the AC-130J enhancing find, target, and engage operations. 

FW TRAINING DEVICES: Delivered first-ever Block 30 configured AC-130J cockpit simulator, three AC-130J Mission Operator Pallet training devices, and two AC-130J aerial gunner training devices. 

SILENT KNIGHT RADAR / CV-22 

SILENT KNIGHT RADAR: Completed Qualification Flight Tests with the 160th SOAR and final delivery of Enhanced Weather Penetration software, increasing the radar’s performance significantly in heavy precipitation. 

CV-22: Modified second aircraft with the AN/APQ-187 Silent Knight Radar for developmental Terrain Following/ Terrain Avoidance flight testing. Ushered 11 CV-22s through Link 16 modifications.

AIRBORNE ISR AND NON-STANDARD AVIATION SYSTEMS 

MQ-9: Fielded automated takeoff/landing providing users the ability to launch and recover OCONUS aircraft from a CONUS location and reduce logistical footprint. 

MQ-1C: Completed initial operational testing of Gray Eagle Miniaturized Mission Interface increasing capabilities and significantly reducing logistical footprint. 

LONG ENDURANCE AIRCRAFT: Provided 7200 hours of 24/7, multi-sensor, no-blink airborne ISR capability flying up to 30 hours/sortie. Upgraded precision navigation capability improving mission performance in degraded GPS environments. 

NON-STANDARD AVIATION: While transporting SOF operators and equipment, the 20 aircraft fleet flew over 500 missions moving over 3000 personnel and over 1.5M pounds of cargo in support of operations.

C-27J: Awarded the Cockpit upgrade contract removing obsolescent parts delivering new capabilities and extending the life cycle of the aircraft. 

ADAPTIVE AIRBORNE ENTERPRISE (A2E): Completed detailed planning and contract actions supporting three A2E demonstrations planned for FY24 supporting COMAFSOC-priority accelerated capability development. 

EMERGING TECHNOLOGY 

AC-130J HIGH ENERGY LASER: Integration and Test activities with the laser, beam control system, thermal, and power systems continued through FY23 in preparation for FY24 system testing. 

MC-130J AMPHIBIOUS CAPABILITY: To meet FY24 Critical Design Review, conducted hydrodynamic, ground vibration, and wind tunnel testing of float/attachment structures. 

HIGH SPEED VERTICAL TAKEOFF/LANDING: Partnered with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for a 50/50 cost share. Awarded multiple contracts for initial phase concept design phase based on source selection utilizing data received from DARPA BAA. 

COLLABORATIVE AUTONOMY: Conducted incremental flight tests demonstrating increasing collaborative autonomy functionality/capabilities of Golden Horde Autonomy Software integrated on Elanus Engineering Testbed uncrewed aircraft in support of A2E. 

KEY DELIVERIES IN FY23: 

• 4 MC-130J CR-2 Modified aircraft 

• 2 Radio Frequency Countermeasure equipped MC-130J aircraft

• 1 AC-130J cockpit simulator

• 3 AC-130J Mission Operator Pallet training devices

• 2 AC-130J aerial gunner training devices

• 27 Silent Knight Radar Systems 

• 1 AC-130J aircraft 

• 4 AC-130J Block 30 upgrades 

• 96 Hellfire Missiles 

• 570 GBU-69/B Small Glide Munitions 

• 107 AGM-176A Griffin Missiles 

PEO-M leads six PMOs: Surface Systems, Undersea Systems, NSW (PMS340), Undersea Special Mission Systems (PMS390), SOF Combat Diving (SOF CD), and Maritime Technology Office (MTO). The portfolio develops, provides, and sustains surface and undersea, crewed and uncrewed, maritime mobility solutions. Maritime’s success includes the delivery of one Small Class Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) System, three SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) MK 11s, and the Dry Combat Submersible (DCS) achieving IOC and reaching FOC on SOF CD Hands-Free equipment.

SURFACE PORTFOLIO: This portfolio consists of the Combatant Craft Assault (CCA), Combatant Craft Medium (CCM), Combatant Craft Heavy (CCH), Special Operations Craft Riverine (SOCR), Combatant Craft Mission Equipment (CCME), Maritime Precision Engagement (MPE), and Command, Control, Computers, Communication, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) programs. The CCA became FOC. The CCM completed nine craft overhauls and continued C5ISR integration. The CCH awarded the C-17 Transporter production contract, delivering transportation capability enabling FOC. The SOCR completed five craft overhauls. The MPE successfully tested the munition, launcher, and Battle Management System (BMS). The Combatant Craft Forward Looking Infra-Red (CCFLIR) is now installed on CCMs, CCH, and planned for CCA craft.

UNDERSEA PORTFOLIO: This portfolio consists of the Dry Deck Shelter (DDS), DCS, SDV, UUV, SOF CD, and the Undersea Craft Mission Equipment (UCME) programs. The DDS is a joint USSOCOM-Navy modernization effort for one DDS to increase the payload capacity. The Undersea Systems achieved a CF&DR and IOC. The SDV MK 8 is in sustainment with a phased replacement by SDV MK 11 continuing production. Six MK 18 Mod 1 UUV vehicles completed SOF-Peculiar mods and two UUV systems delivered with SOF-Peculiar mods in FY23. To date, six long endurance (LE) Uncrewed Surface Vehicles (USVs) delivered. The SOF CD completed five Operational Testing of Individual and collective propulsion systems, prototyping efforts of Excursion-Underwater Breathing Apparatuses and a Closed-Circuit Oxygen Rebreather system, and a final Development Testing on divers’ communication system.

MTO: The CCME delivered five CCM Aft Bimini Covers, two Systems, one CCM Universal Launch and Recovery System, one CCM Arresting System, and a Graphic Unit Interface supporting Command, Control Communications, Computers, Cyber Defense and Combat Systems, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Silver Surfer effort. 

The UCME continues to study future capabilities and enhancements supporting Undersea Systems PMO, PMS340, and SOF CD. FY24 projects includes the Critical Battery Management System, Maritime Sled, and multiple situational awareness and system upgrades for the MK8 and MK11 SDV.

KEY DELIVERIES/FIELDINGS IN FY23

• 2 DCS

• FOC Hands Free Propulsion

• 15 CCFLIR 2

• 5 CCA

• 1 MPE launcher and BMS

• 8 MK 11

• 6 LE USV

RW provides the Army Special Operations Aviation Command and 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (SOAR (A)) with the most advanced RW aircraft, mission equipment, and training systems available. To accomplish this critical mission, RW focuses on readiness, advanced technologies, and life-cycle logistics ensuring the 160th SOAR (A) maintains a comparative advantage against all potential threats. Along with the Technology Applications Program Office (TAPO) and Product Manager SOF Training Systems, RW supports a three-part acquisition strategy: Technology recapitalization; lethality and survivability upgrades; and planning for the future of SOF vertical lift. These strategies resulted in PEO-RW successfully executing more than $475M to develop, deliver, and sustain the SOF helicopter fleet in FY23. 

MOBILITY: 

RW mobility includes the light assault/attack A/MH-6 Mission Enhanced Little Bird (MELB), medium assault MH-60M Blackhawk, and heavy assault MH-47G Chinook. The MELB PMO began the airworthiness and flight characteristic testing efforts on the A/MH-6R, including airframe shells induction and cockpit upgrades with expected Block 6R deliveries. The MH-60M PMO continued aircraft deliveries of the Block 1 modification, providing aircrew improved situational awareness along with increased payload availability and reliability for SOF Operators. Additionally, the MH-60 PMO initiated engineering and planning efforts for the Block 2 modification beginning in FY29. This includes the replacement of a SOF-Peculiar YT706 engine with an Army-Common T901 Improved Turbine Engine reducing P11 Flying Hour Costs. The MH-47G PMO awarded several major contracts supporting the MH-47G Block II program, including negotiating a ~$600 million contract to procure up to 12x MH-47G Block II aircraft. 

MISSION EQUIPMENT (ME): 

ME provides SOF-unique capabilities through various development, modification, and upgrade efforts supporting aircraft survivability, avionics, navigation, sensors, and weapons. The efforts include the Degraded Visual Environment Pilotage System (DVEPS), Improved Rotary-wing Electro-Optical Sensor, Mission Processor Upgrades, Infrared Countermeasures, Aircraft Survivability Equipment, and Tactical Mission Networking. The ME PMO completed the development of DVEPS capability and began operational fielding. In collaboration with PEO-Tactical Information Systems, the ME PMO also completed the development 

of the Next Generation Tactical Communications suite of radios and began its operational fielding. This fielding supported the development and fielding of Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS) version 9.0 and other aircraft nhancements. Furthermore, the ME team continued its efforts aiming to reduce pilot cognitive workload. 

SIMULATORS: 

PM Special Operations Forces Training Systems delivered multiple improvements to the A/MH-6, MH-60, and MH-47 Combat Mission Simulators (CMS). These improvements supported the 160th SOAR (A) and key avionics testing events. Key improvements included the DVEPS integration in all MH-47 and MH-60 simulators. The CMS DVEPS installation supported development of pilot training curriculum ahead of DVEPS fielding. The PMO team replaced one mylar display screen for the MH-47 Simulator and five obsolete motion system computers. The CMS also supported testing the latest CAAS operational flight program software prior to fielding release. 

SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES: 

Fielded 9 Block 1.0 MH-60Ms (increases aircraft control rotor capability). Funded various A/MH-6 hardware (Modifications to lightweight planks & antennas) and software solutions to improve reliability and maintainability, correct deficiencies, address obsolescence, and incorporate mission critical capabilities. 

Fielded 12 MH-47G Block II aircraft to the 160th SOAR (A) ramp. 

Negotiated Lot 6 & 7 production contract for up to 12 MH-47G BLK II with significant performance upgrades. 

Fielded 21 Small Tactical Terminal radios (in collaboration w/PEO-Tactical Information Systems). 

PEO-SV utilizes innovative and strategic processes ensuring rapid, focused, and cost-effective methods administering professional acquisition services and manpower augmentation processes. The team efficiently ensures stability, agility, and reach are cost-effective supporting the diverse requirements for the USSOCOM Enterprise. In 2023, PEO-SV worked through the continued inclusion of our base of small businesses and alignment of large business offerings enabling USSOCOM to gain efficiencies, expand the reach, increase our agility and further stabilize the services supporting the entire Command. The SV PMs led the planning and execution of over $3.1B in service contracts, emphasizing workforce stability, management agility, and global reach aligning with the AE’s four lines of effort. In addition, the PEO increased the full utilization of strategic sourcing and Category Management. Through enterprise contracts similar to the $950M SOF Core Support vehicle which includes $725M in current contracts, task orders, and modifications supporting a vast amount of enterprise services and training requirements. PEO-SV also continued utilizing external (Non-SOCOM) contract award efforts without degradation of services including GSA Acquisition Assist and GSA FEDSIM, Army ITES 3, as well as other Service contracts. Other program highlights follow below for the Year in Review.

HQ/SOCS: The Enterprise SOF Core Support vehicle continues supporting USSOCOM, through decentralized ordering and maintains targeted flexibility, meeting the Service imperatives: Stability, agility, and reach. The Services and Contracting Directorate duo executed multiple complex service actions and task orders. It included multiple awards for MARSOC training, USASOC training and technical support, congressional testimony, People Culture Cell, classified service support activities, and numerous other option year awards and follow-on efforts. The team employed a range of best value evaluation schemes at the contract and task order level. The evaluation schemes ranged from Traditional Technical/Past Performance/Cost Trade Off, GSA Enterprise-Wide best in class contracts, increased use of oral proposals, and highest rated technical offer. 

PEO-SV and Contracting teammates awarded multiple task orders across the HQs, Special Staff, and USSOCOM enterprise including sustaining SOF unique services contract support adding new task orders for USSOCOM Commander’s congressional testimony, posture statement preparations, organizational climate assessment, and executing impactful task orders supporting “What Winning Looks Like” with subject matter expertise.

• Task Orders for traditional service support through manpower augmentation and professional services continued throughout the year with options years executed supporting the POTFF, JSOU, J-DIRs, Special Staff, etc. 
• J5 Decision Support Center Advanced Audio Visual (AV) Support and Maintenance will provide support services, maintenance services, and extended hardware warranty for all AV equipment contained within the Decision Support Center. 
• Awarded the Health of Special Operations Cell task order supporting concurrent USSOCOM initiatives including Comprehensive Review, Diversity & Inclusion, and Combatting Extremism.
• Awarded the Brain Health Contractor effort supporting SOCS-SG Comprehensive Assessment and Symptom History program providing health history and data analyst manpower augmentation.
• Awarded a USSOCOM Commander Posture Preparation contract providing congressional testimony preparation services support to USSOCOM senior leaders and USCENTCOM Commander ensuring a successful congressional engagement. 
• Awarded multiple contracts supporting the Language, Regional Expertise and Culture program providing associate language instructors for both, the Long and Short Basic Language Courses.
• Awarded contract supporting the Special Operations Financial Management Office providing support assisting USSOCOM achieving and maintaining auditable financial statements.
• Awarded the USSOCOM Organizational Climate Assessment contract conducting a climate assessment of USSOCOM valued at approximately 326K.
• Task order awarded under the Enterprise POTFF contract providing human performance support for NSW reducing the injury backlog in the BUDS pipeline.
• Awarded the Senior Military Engagement Program contract enabling synchronized and targeted media products supporting USSOCOM transregional and theater objectives.

TSOC & COMPONENT COMMANDS: 

Continuously providing support to 13 Component and TSOC contracts and task orders through Option Year exercises or extensions retaining uninterrupted mission and training support. 

• Competed and awarded two contracts for AFSOC providing Student Support Services and Instructors. 
• MARSOC: Re-competed three MARSOC training and support contracts with new 5-year periods.
• USASOC: Assisted USASOC with a POTFF recompete.
• NSW: Preparing for a re-compete of the NSW Contractor Specialist Support and Acquisition Support.
• SOCCENT: Executed OY3 for Intel Contract platform. 

PROGRAM SUPPORT: Provided 3,379 CONUS and 271 OCONUS support contractors, facilitating maintenance, sustainment, modification, integration, installation, and lifecycle logistics efforts across USSOCOM platforms. 

Delivered unprecedented support to SOF AT&L PEOs, Component Commands, National Mission Force, and TSOCs, leveraging an agile workforce of over 3,000 contractors. Significant activities include AC-130J, MC-130J, MH-60M Block 1.0, MELB 3.0, MH-47G Block II, MQ-9, AFSOC Collocated Maintenance Training, and CV-22 lifecycle sustainment. 

Additional programs include 160th SOAR (A) Maintenance, USASOC Flight Company Maintenance, SPIKE missile integration, Family of Special Operations Vehicles, Combatant Craft Heavy, SPEAR, C4, Maritime Surface Ship, undersea sustainment activities, and 12XX. 

PM EXPEDITIONARY SUPPORT: Provided rapid, tailorable, support and capability development for logistics systems at SOFs' points of need. 

The Mobile Technology Repair Complex (MTRC) deployed six OCONUS MTRC teams, executing $4.8M performing 2,103 individual projects. Joint Operational Stocks (JOS) program supported 282 loans with 30,796 items valued at $84.7M; two JOS Review Boards informed the loan program of necessary policy and inventory updates as required. 

Foreign/Non-standard Weapons Materiel Munitions Program (F/NWMMP) began transitioning to PEO SOFSA-ES. The first F/NWMMP Review Board provided guidance for training capability sets and cataloging efforts; F/NWMMP established 15 loans with 1,249 items valued at $1.1M. 

LOGISTICS: Continued to work with the Acquisition Logistics Directorate; transitioned over 1M units of property valued more than $1B into the Defense Priorities Allocation System. Facilitated the Accountable Inventory Officer Team meeting mandated annual inventory requirements. Conducted market research automating the document control process for improved auditability across the SOFSA Enterprise. 

FACILITIES: The new PEO-SOFSA weapons vault ribbon cutting event was officiated by the former AE, Mr. Smith, with presence of State dignitaries and government officials. This world-class facility postures SOFSA with increased capabilities and capacity supporting the USSOCOM mission. Developed and initiated Phase One Go-Green Solutions including gas energy audit and installation of motion activated light sensors and LED lighting resulting in significant energy savings. 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Successfully re-accredited the SOFSANet for another 3 years through the DISA Risk Management Framework. Worked with DISA and HQ USSOCOM accommodating recent policy changes for procuring circuits and services. Began exploring options with HQ USSOCOM J6 for future SOFSA network operations as the re-compete of the contract approaches. 

SECURITY: Conducted a Threat Preparedness Active Shooter Tabletop exercise evaluating response capabilities of Blue Grass Station officials, SOFSA staff, contractor personnel, and first responders. The exercise assigned clear roles and responsibilities, eliminating duplication of effort and identifying security gaps. The exercise prepared for a real-time/hands-on event and increased our overall security posture. 

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: The Financial Management Division (FMD) Team provided consistent, dependable business operations to SOFSA, executing a $27M budget and processing over $747M in obligations from 82 discreet customers. FMD successfully completed its SOMARDS Divestiture. Cleared 1,972 open financial transactions totaling over $599M across 524 contracts. FMD maintained 100% accountability of funds. Realigned all funding on active contracts from SOMARDS to General Fund Enterprise Business System, avoiding stop-work issues for private vendors and incurring no Prompt Payment Act violations. FMD transitioned to modern business systems by adopting the DISA’s TIBI system and the new GSA “Wallet” system. FMD received the “2022 Contributions to End-To-End Business Environment Optimization” Award for the “Headquarters and Major Command” team category for USSOCOM. 

CONTRACT MANAGEMENT: The Business Management Division (BMD) performed 1,388 contract actions, valued at over $780M in FY23, including 1,256 contract actions for over $771M on the Contractor Logistics Support Services IDIQ contract. The team awarded 134 new task orders, closed 133, and returned over $32M to requiring activities. BMD efforts delivered four MC130J aircraft and began retrofitting AC130J aircraft, increased support to SOF Maritime combatant craft, and expanded support to UAS platforms. BMD contracting efforts supported nearly every PEO, TSOC, and National Mission Force.

SDA fields operational software to multiple networks to automate complex workflows and deliver value. Partnered with USSOCOM S&T, SDA matures promising technologies to address capability gaps and fast-track transition into programs of record. SDA partners with others to share best practices and leverage external investments increasing SOF buying power. SDA participates in exercises/experiments to understand complex operational environments. SDA established two new program teams: Unmanned Systems Autonomy and Interoperability (USAI) and Platform. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR EACH PROGRAM: 

DISTRIBUTED COMMON GROUND/SURFACE SYSTEM (DCGS)-SOF: Deployed several new capabilities in FY23 including ATHENA, a one-stop web portal to find/share intel tools, data sets, and workflows, and Chariot, a machine learning ops app applying low/no code algorithms to large data sets reducing labor-intensive processes. Operationalized the Pedestal capability for AFSOC enhancing AI support to mission operations and cross domain solutions for processing, exploitation, and dissemination operations allowing secure file transfer from Unclassified to Classified networks. 

INTEGRATED SURVEY PROGRAM (ISP): Conducted agile development and testing of a prototype mobile application tool at two OCONUS locations. Enabled the transformation of ISP collection workflows providing end-to-end collection, processing, and dissemination workflows in a geospatial-enabled software environment supporting crisis response. 

SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES DIGITAL ECOSYSTEMS (SOF DE): In partnership with the USSOCOM Command Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, provided USSOCOM with 108 Technical Talent personnel across the USSOCOM Enterprise including Data Analysts, Data Scientists, Data Engineers, Software Developers, DevSecOps engineers, and Database Administrators. 

GLOBAL ANALYTICS PLATFORM (GAP): GAP leveraged its Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with a proven capability provider developing and delivering software capabilities covering the entire range of GAP requirements. This OTA enables development, enhancement, and sustainment of software capabilities, enabling JSOC data to be accessible, understandable, and insightful. 

MISSION COMMAND SYSTEMS / COMMON OPERATIONAL PICTURE (MCS/COP): Enhanced its diverse ecosystem of vendors implementing a government controlled Modular Open Systems Approach architecture. MCS/COP fielded numerous cloud-based capabilities to the SOF Enterprise including Ops/Intel Fusion, Campaign Management, and the SOF Data Layer. MCS/COP transitioned multiple Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) efforts. Lastly, MCS/COP supported multiple operational INDOPACOM exercises throughout the FY. 

SPECIAL OPERATIONS MISSION PLANNING AND EXECUTION (SOMPE): SOMPE made great progress developing next gen air mission planning software, called Nyx, in support of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (160th SOAR) and AFSOC. SOMPE down selected a single vendor from four prototype OTAs to award a long-term production OTA. SOMPE conducted several user-centered design events for Minimum Viable Produce deliveries with operational pilots. SOMPE remains on track to deliver the Minimum Viable Capability Release to the 160th SOAR by March 2024. 

TACTICAL ASSAULT KIT (TAK): The TAK ecosystem consists of 350K+ users including 15K users of TAK.gov and 3K developers. Three TAK core software releases occurred in 2023 (4.6, 4.8, and 4.9). SOMPE updated 20 special operations-peculiar plug-ins and delivered 5 new plug-ins: Spot Plot Single-Gun, Photo Import, Weapons Engagement, Digital Surface Model, and UAS Tool. 

USAI: USAI is developing collaborative autonomy software and utilizing AI, machine learning, and enterprise architecture to significantly improve SOF manned / unmanned teaming at the tactical edge. 

PLATFORM: The Platform team (code-named Asgard) provides a centralized development environment, deployment pipeline, cloud services, and data access providing SDA software development teams a “Path to Production.”

PEO-SW develops and fields a large portfolio of capabilities for current and future fights. We employ a talented acquisition workforce collaborating with industry, government, and foreign partners acquiring capabilities for SOF operators. The quality of systems developed and the continual technological advancement of the capabilities delivered, upholds the integrity of PEO-SW’s mission. PEO-SW has 10 PMOs: PM Special Programs, PM Maritime Special Programs, PM SOF Lethality, PM Counterproliferation/Counter Uncrewed Systems, PM Communications and Intelligence Support Systems, PM Sensitive Activities (PM-SA), PM Aviation Assessment Activity, PM Protection and Integration, PM Family of Special Operations Vehicles (PM-FOSOV), and PM Big Safari. Our team collaborates closely with our customer, partners, and an array of other key stakeholders. The team delivers the best technologies and equipment placing critical capabilities in the hands of SOF operators. 

PEO-SW enhanced operator protection and survivability with acquisition of 200,991 operator survival equipment items; and 6,015 medical kits and tactical combat casualty care sets. The team developed and tested 67% lighter clandestine body armor and fielded a new operator spectacle as the future platform for the first ballistic prescription lens. In 2023, the team saw continued advancement of enemy tactics and technologies in use of uncrewed systems as weapons. In response, we fielded 372 Multi Mission Electronic Countermeasures systems; 502 Counter Uncrewed Systems devices; and 8,692 various operator protection kits. We supported fielded systems with mechanics and field service representatives, PEO-SW managed over 3,000 light, medium, heavy, and non-standard commercial vehicles (NSCV). The team continued to modernize the ground mobility fleet delivering 21 new Ground Mobility Vehicles, 23 NSCVs, 171 Light Tactical All-Terrain life cycle replacement vehicles, and 15 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) All-Terrain Vehicles. Seeking to align ground mobility portfolio with advanced automotive technology, PEO-SW completed testing on a new NSCV and began testing on diesel hybrid-electric Ground Mobility Vehicles. 

PEO-SW continue to rapidly acquire unique and advanced intelligence and special communications capabilities. The team leveraged Science & Technology and strategic partner opportunities advancing the ability to operate reducing risk to SOF personnel. The team continued to expertly oversee unique intelligence, digital, communications, and enabling capabilities providing the best Intelligence Analysts, Linguists, and Systems Engineering and Technical support to the most elite SOF operators. 

PEO-SW excels delivering target acquisition and lethality capabilities. The team delivered 12,967 weapons accessories and visual augmentation systems fielding the new Ranging Variable Power Scope and Precision Aiming Laser. Additionally, we continued our outreach promoting collaboration outside of SOF by co-hosting the International SOF Lethality Week at ranges/facilities in Nevada. The team supports 5,066 weapons focusing on weapons modernization to include completion of Mid-Range Gas Gun-Sniper test with initial procurement completion of four launched effects test events. 

In summary, the PEO-SW team expertly oversaw and managed a diverse $1.5B portfolio of combat capability.

PEO-TIS continued high performance and made significant accomplishments across the portfolio while serving as technical experts in ISR, tactical communications, and specialized communication systems.

IDENTITY INTELLIGENCE AND EXPLOITATION (I2E): Transitioned program management responsibilities to the Naval Information Warfare Center-Atlantic increasing collaboration across SOF and conventional services’ forensics and biometrics communities. I2E developed Next-Generation Multimodal Handheld Biometric Systems with contactless biometric capture technologies. I2E received four fielding and deployment releases for new technologies increasing chemical exploitation capabilities of the Exploitation Analysis Capability. 

INTEGRATED SENSOR SYSTEMS (ISS): Developed and tested a variety of state-of-the-art capabilities for integration into the Joint Threat Warning System (JTWS) and the SOF Signals Intelligence Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (SILENTDAGGER) System. This included operational testing of Maritime carry-on/carry-off ELINT system, a first for SOF Maritime, and fielding of Next-Generation Airborne Sensor and Antenna providing longer stand-off ranges after a successful Combat Evaluation.

REMOTE CAPABILITIES (RC): Launched two cube satellites enabling initial testing on signals of interest and detection of unattended sensors. Delivered capabilities leveraging National Technical Means. Continued development of MQ-35A V-BAT enabling Next-Generation SOF ISR. Completed testing, procurement, and/or delivery of over 1000 small unmanned systems. Finally, provided contract services for sustainment of Group 3 UAS ISR supporting SOF operations across four geographic sites. 

TACTICAL COMMUNICATIONS: Successfully completed operational test for two new Radio Integration System variants, Specialized Mobile Radio Transit System – Amplifier and Base Station, while integrating next generation tactical radios to 

further improve the linkage between SOF Operators to USSOCOM and support elements. Obtained a F&DR for the AN/PRC-163 radio, continued development of the Next-Generation HF platform. Partnered with NSA to obtain a certified crypto modernization solution. Additionally, the Next- Generation Loudspeaker System and the Fly-Away Broadcast System team worked with the capability sponsor to solidify the Key Performance Parameter requirements. 

TECHNICAL COLLECTION AND COMMUNICATIONS (TCC): Developed and tested a variety of capabilities for integration into the Hostile Forces-Tagging, Tracking, and Locating; Tactical Video Systems/Reconnaissance Surveillance Target Acquisition; Blue Force Tracking; and Remote Advise and Assist Virtual Accompany Kit Programs of Record. Technology focus areas included Next-Generation unattended sensors, alternative position navigation and timing tracking solutions, non-traditional sensor emplacement techniques, collaborative special reconnaissance, space-based collection, and data exfiltration.

TRANSPORT SYSTEMS (TS): Successfully completed four Evolutionary Technology Insertions resulting in approval to procure and field in one Tactical LAN and three new Satellite Deployable Node (SDN) capabilities for the SOF Warfighter. These new systems provided a significant increase to processing and computing improved bandwidth, improved security while reducing the size, weight, and power of previously fielded systems.

KEY PROCUREMENTS IN FY23:

I2E Delivered:

• 70 Forensic Operator Advance Kits
• 149 Forensic Enabler Kits
• 1310 Forensic Software Licenses

ISS Delivered:

• 792 JTWS Sensors
• 38 SILENTDAGGER Deployable Nodes/Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination Systems

RC Delivered:

• 90 sUAS procured/554 sUAS delivered
• 39 sUAS payloads procured
• 538 Small Uncrewed Ground Systems procured
• 8 Rogue Radios

Tactical Comms Delivered: 

• 1,193 Next-Generation Tactical Communications Radios
• 14 Radio Integration Systems 
• 10 Digital Aided Close Air Support-Gateway for SOF(DACAS-G-S) Systems

TCC Delivered: 

• 11 HF-TTL Mission Set Kits & 15 Quick Reaction Capabilities
• 476 Blue Force Tracking Devices 
• 20 Tactical Video System/Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition Kits
• 79 Remote Advise and Assist-Virtual Accompany Kits (includes 40 CMNS Systems) 

TS Delivered: 

• 10,288 TACLAN Systems and End User Devices 
• 207 SDN systems

In FY23, the EIS Team executed over $535M, delivering more than 62,509 communications, Information Technology (IT) assets, and 1,664,817 MISO print articles to SOF worldwide. 

EIS: 

The Directorate fielded: 

• 6 Installation Service Nodes 
• 62,123 IT devices/systems 
• 9 SOCRATES Installation Processing Nodes 
• 1 Site Installation Gateway 
• 10 Installation Gateways 
• 360 Media Production Center (MPC)/MISO-Print Components 

In FY23, the SOF Ready team consolidated nine Component and TSOC data sets customizing Defense Ready into one authoritative database. This effort enabled the integration of SOF Readiness data supporting the Commander’s Enterprise Alignment Dashboard requirement. 

Supporting the J6/CIO Data Strategy Implementation Plan, the EIS team executed an Infrastructure as Code (IaC) assessment with a Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery pipeline follow-on buildout project. This effort serves as the foundation for agile, self-service, on demand, and commercial cloud deployments. 

SOCRATES upgraded the SOF Geospatial Environment on SOFNET U/S and SOCRATES moving the capability from enterprise to a dedicated computing resource. This enabled the use of situational awareness tools leveraged by the Global Mission Support Center during Hurricane Idalia. SOCRATES continues work with Air Force Research Labs fielding the X-domain Agile Rules-Based Information Transfer Orchestrator as a life cycle replacement and “raise the bar” compliant Cross-Domain Solution. 

Airborne ISR-T Awarded a $20M+ SATCOM Remote Video Terminal v3.0 life cycle replacement contract. The contract ensured interoperability with the Air Force MQ-9A and Army MQ-1C system Data Link construct supporting NSA's Crypto Modernization Directive, TRANSEC compliance, Diminishing Manufacturing Sources, and Joint Urgent Operational Need. SCAMPI, in collaboration with the Unified Capabilities (UC) service owner, evaluated and procured a call blocking capability empowering the UC team the ability to create policy rules. The policy rule listed known fraudulent callers decreasing cyber threats, associated with spoofing campaigns, against MacDill AFB telephones numbers. 

The Media Production Center (MPC) completed the 4K upgrade enhancing media production capabilities to ultra-high definition, aligning the quality of video production to high end commercial broadcasting. Additionally, 

accepted the SmileML, an Edge Based Emotion Recognition application. The SmileML enables the PSYSOP soldier real time interview recordings, view live sentiment data, and log sentiment over time. It also imports data collected at the edge to a desktop application for more complex analysis. 

In response to Hurricane Ian After Action Report, the Command Control, Communication & Computer Information Automation System executed a cloud readiness assessment. They assessed over 500 virtual machines within the HQ USSOCOM data center resulting in an interactive CIO dashboard. The assessment included follow-on activities from assessing and defining critical applications as well as the preemptive migration of SharePoint and Exchange services to a Commercial Cloud environment. The migration of key collaboration and messaging services aligns the CIO’s hybrid, multi-vendor cloud vision, posturing the Command for success. Lastly, the Commercial Cloud Management Office held 30 Discovery Sessions and on-boarded 30 mission owner cloud related requirements to a commercial cloud. 

The SOF Information Environment Integration Facility (SIF) was instrumental in the integration and deployment of several “data analytical tools” supporting the CDAO’s Data Strategy Implementation Plan (DSIP). The SIF engineers integrated and transitioned an Impact Layer (IL) 2 and 5 cloud based data engineering tool in support of the DSIP. Additionally, the SIF led the charge on the integration of a SOF data catalog on IL 2 and 5, providing SOF a single, centralized data source for searching, discovery, and understanding SOF data. The SOF data catalog is crucial for leveraging data as a strategic asset and illuminating data in support of data driven decisions. As a trusted partner, the SIF was assigned one of the CIO’s number one priorities, an enterprise-wide, SOF Enterprise Mission Environment requirement (SEME). SEME will serve as an enterprise-wide tactical mission network operating on all domains supporting left of conflict operations. Lastly, the SIF supported the DOD’s Zero Trust initiatives, by leading the charge on a pilot deployment of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE). MDE serves as a DOD-wide Zero Trust end-point client capability. The SIF’s MDE pilot ensures SOF’s success in the timely deployment and transition from Trellix to MDE in FY24.

STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT:

Strategic Engagement strengthened and developed relationships with DOD and DOE laboratories, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), academia, and industry leveraging and influencing larger efforts supporting USSOCOM S&T priorities. Strategic Engagement’s processes seek to uncover new technologies, limit redundancies, gain efficiencies, and synchronize long range future planning enabling SOF to maintain the operational advantage. 

FUTURES: 

S&T Futures executed three Innovation Foundry (design thinking) and three Rapid Capability Assessment (RCA) (capability decomposition) events. The outputs of the RCAs culminated in one Integrated Tech Sprint Demonstration in October 2023. These events enabled the development of disruptive capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), man-machine teaming, communications, and next-generation effects. All events paired SOF Warfighters with non-traditional engineers and scientists in government, industry, and academia across the U.S. to identify potential opportunities for disruption and overmatch. Concept Capability Packages, white papers, experimental prototypes, and videos are available for key stakeholders. 

CAPABILITY FOCUS AREAS (CFAs): 

Biotechnologies/Human Performance 

Completed multi-year development efforts for the creation of coagulation fluids combatting hemorrhaging and ReBlast-2, a high-fidelity imaging effort correlating blast exposure and measurable physiological changes in the brain. 

Continued focused efforts on optimizing brain health by mitigating posttraumatic stress disorder, limiting impacts of blast exposure in SOF, optimizing operator nutrition and stress, and an intranasal treatment for mild traumatic brain injury. 

The USSOCOM Surgeon’s Office in conjunction with S&T conducted a Medical Simulation training Technical Experimentation (TE) event at the University of South Florida, Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation in Tampa from 6-10 February 2023. The event produced a comprehensive report to assist with identifying best practices in medical training, the use of simulators, AR\VR technologies, and potentially guide future SOF medical training requirements development. 

Next Generation ISR & Tactically Relevant Situational Awareness (ISR/SA) 

Continued to advance ISR/SA systems across all domains air, ground, maritime, cyber and space advantage. FY23 efforts worked to develop and refine advances in technology areas of Machine Learning (ML) within the AI domain for detection, recognition, and identification. Additionally, augmented Reality demonstrations from mobile sensors of Heads-Up Display headsets integrating multiple sensors and data sets, multiple communications efforts, and multi-sensor data fusion projects for mapping purposes. 

Efforts starting in FY23 included improving CBRNE threat detection with prototype development for automating analytics acting on sensor, contextual, and intel data sources providing a holistic threat detection of CBRNE threats. Additional improvements were made in prototyping AI-enabled data management software to ingest, store, analyze and disseminate ISR and targeting data horizontally within a team or vertically to higher echelons and national agencies. 

Efforts completing in FY23 with planned transitions in FY24 include work on compact wide band antennas and remote audio servers. The radio frequency convergence differential segmented aperture development program was a four-year effort developing a compact wide band antenna replacement for multiple narrow band antennas improving SOF operations in contested environments. The SOLVENT effort was a three-year effort developing a remote over the horizon audio server for real-time monitoring, data storage, and analysis of tactical audio collection sensors. This effort enables SOF forces to maintain a persistent and global ground surveillance capability in multiple areas of interest. 

Network and Data Management (NDM) 

Supported the Commander, AE, and S&T Director RDT&E priorities for contested communications, cyber operations, and alternative navigation technologies. NDM incorporated AI/ML and edge computing technologies in support of these objectives. 

Awarded four new contracts to address USSOCOM RDT&E priorities and SOF technology opportunities. One contract included a new Congressional Plus Ups addressing global and SOF data analytics. 

Engaged with private industry, UARCs, DOE National Laboratories, and DOD Research Laboratories in 12 on-going projects. 

Developed an internship supporting research and understanding USSOCOM interest areas such as large language models. New collaborations include DHS, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, and U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Center. 

Next Generation Effects (NGE)/Precision Strike 

Transitioned to focus on the future fight and pacing challenge. NGE directed this year’s attention on non-kinetic effects of MISO, EW, Directed Energy, and Offensive Cyber Operations. 

Maintained multiple precision strike projects. With most of the kinetic efforts entering the closeout phase, it presented the opportunity to refocus the effects meeting Command prioritization. Eight new non-kinetic projects introduced because of this new direction. 

Next Generation Mobility 

Continued multiple signature management efforts aimed at reduction of acoustic, visual, infrared/thermal, and electromagnetic signatures of various SOF systems. 

Increased focus on digital signature management assisting the SOF Warfighter operate in a world of ubiquitous technical surveillance. 

Funded MITRE to complete a study investigating digital signature management and its effects on the SOF Warfighter. This study will be used to guide future developmental efforts in this area. 

Awarded new efforts to Notch, Inc, to develop a signature management shield for use by the dismounted soldier and to Jetpack Aviation to develop a small vertical takeoff and landing UAS for unmanned logistics delivery and future manned mobility. 

JOINT ACQUISITION TASK FORCE (JATF), HYPER ENABLED OPERATOR (HEO): 

The JATF develops, advances, and integrates technologies significantly improving the quality and speed of SOF Operator decision making at the edge. HEO’s goal is achieving situational understanding and decision-making dominance across multiple domains, gaining and maintaining the initiative. The JATF core development areas are Sensing and Edge Compute, Architecture and Analysis, and Language Translation. 

Language Translation-JATF, with mission partners, advanced a Voice-to-Voice (V2V) language translation device for core, high data languages disconnected from the cloud. JATF successfully demonstrated Russian, Chinese Mandarin, and Ukrainian languages, developed a lower profile system, and sparked interest from DOD entities outside of USSOCOM. JATF, with mission partners, spun-off a visual environment translation technology from the V2V. 

JATF, with mission partners, initiated the development of a computer vision analytics tool for translating writing found in full motion video and pictures. The intent is to integrate this into the V2V system-of-systems. 

Selected a vehicle surveillance detection solution to provide SOF Warfighters awareness of vehicular surveillance using vendor loan agreements and the subsequent purchase of 10 Vehicle Recognition Module prototypes from Percipient.AI. 

The prototypes have been shared with four SOF Components to utilize in three AORs for further refinement and analysis. 

JATF, along with 7th SFG(A), DEVCOM, and in coordination with local authorities conducted Project Empire 23 in Lower Manhattan, New York City and Eglin AFB, FL. This was the second iteration of this testing event in NYC with the purpose of employing SOF Operators in field testing emerging JATF technologies in a dense urban environment saturated with signals. 

TE: 

Conducted four TE events focused on S&T capability focus areas, medical training, special reconnaissance, and information advantage/information dominance. These events featured a combined total of 201 experiments and demonstrations. Over 1,280 personnel from USSOCOM, other Services, other Government agencies, and FVEY partners attended these events expanding Command technology domain awareness, while SOF SME assessments informed industry participant design and business planning activities. 

SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH/ SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (SBIR/STTR): 

In FY23 the SBIR team awarded 33 SBIR/STTR contracts totaling almost $26 million. Utilizing the existing Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) with DEFENSEWERX (local entity SOFWERX) the team awarded $24.7M ($20M in SBIR funding and $4.7M in non-SBIR funding), a nearly 50% increase over FY22. There were 27 individual PIA contract awards supporting 14 SBIR topics, evenly split between Phase I and II. 

FY23 USSOCOM SBIR/STTR projects were funded by DOD, Navy, Missile Defense Agency, and Space Development Agency. Technology focus areas included AI/ML enabled Mission Command, maritime/undersea energy storage, microchip development, low-light sensors, autonomous weather sensors, and satellite communications. 

Defense Innovation Accelerator (DIA) Concepts and Capabilities (C&C) and Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) (includes the formerly designated Emerging Capability & Prototyping - Joint Capability Technology Demonstration program): 

Supported initiation and execution of the first year of a 2-year USSOCOM sponsored DIA C&C project culminating in FY24. USSOCOM will monitor several FY24 approved projects of interest to SOF stakeholders. 

Initiated planning activities for two USSOCOM sponsored FY24 RDER projects and coordinated the development and submission of FY25 RDER projects, resulting in one USSOCOM sponsored project scheduled for final review and approval.