SOFWERX

SOFWERX is an organization offering a platform for solving warfighters' challenges through rapid prototyping, networking events, ideation, and collaboration. It was created in 2015 through a Partnership Intermediary Agreement between the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and DEFENSEWERX. The organization's name is an acronym roughly translating to Special Operations Forces Works. SOFWERX's stated goal is "to create and maintain a platform to accelerate delivery of innovative capabilities to US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and facilitate capability refinement through exploration, experimentation, and assessment of promising technology."

Within the SOFWERX organization, there are participating members of private industry, academia, and the government, and these members are not charged a fee to be part of the SOFWERX ecosystem.

Brad Chedister, The Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of DEFENSEWERX, describes SOFWERX.

SOFWERX runs a rapid prototyping workshop called the SOFWERX Foundry that offers the following capabilities:

• Welding
• Grinders
• Iron-workers
• Manual lathe/mill
• CNC lathe/mill
• Plasma cutter
• Horizontal bandsaw
• Drill press
• Hydraulic compress break
• 3D printers

SOFWERX also hosts events showcasing ideas, technologies, and/or companies that show promise for being accomplished by participating or being awarded FAR-based contract instruments, Other Transaction Authority (OTA) for Prototype Projects 10 USC 2371b support, prizes for technology achievements through 10 USC 2374a, and/or opportunities to participate in prize competitions supported by 15 USC 3719.