The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) will host the 17th Rapid Capability Assessment (RCA17) from April 20–24 in Chantilly, Virginia.  

This year’s event will center on the theme, “Field-Forward Operations – Future Challenges for SOF and the IC in Data-Dense Environments.” 

Participants are expected to develop, describe, and evaluate capabilities aimed at meeting the projected needs of SOF and CIA operators and analysts in the 2035 timeframe, with a focus on operations in global forward areas that may be austere.

In the notice, officials defined field-forward operations as “the real-time or near real-time collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence information in the field or at the source to support mission planning and tactical decision making.”

Officials emphasized that such efforts frequently rely on advanced technologies, ranging from diverse sensors and smart systems to distributed networks, communication platforms, and AI tools. 

Focus areas include advanced analytics, building mapping, novel energy sources, and secure data exfiltration. The event will also explore how AI could assist with intelligence analysis. 

The event is open to developers, technologists, engineers, and other experts from industry, academia, government, and national laboratories, as well as those with specialized experience in SOF or CIA missions. 

Interested participants are invited to join RCA17 by submitting an application that includes a CV (Curriculum Vitae) no later than 26 February 2026.