Alternative Protein Technologies for Military Field Feeding
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC) is conducting a Sources Sought to identify potential sources for Alternative Protein Technologies for Military Field Feeding. This effort seeks innovative product development, consumer research, and/or demonstration food samples in alternative proteins. Responders are requested to submit a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) preproposal by May 15, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
DEVCOM-SC aims to integrate current and emerging alternative protein technologies into military rations to enhance food supply chain resilience, enable biomanufacturing in combat environments, and provide tailored nutrition to Warfighters. The focus is on reducing Soldier load and improving nutritional value. Solutions related to cell-cultured, lab-grown meat, or insect protein are specifically excluded.
Areas of Interest include:
- Innovative Technologies for Alternative Protein Development: Advanced technologies (e.g., fermentation, precision fermentation, novel biomanufacturing) to produce lightweight, nutrient-dense alternative proteins.
- Innovative Product Development: Creating meat-alternative products for military rations, meeting stringent requirements for nutrition, shelf stability, and palatability.
- Consumer Research and Acceptability: Conducting comprehensive research (focus groups, sensory panels, field testing) to improve the acceptability of alternative proteins within a military population.
- Food Sample Demonstration: Providing food samples with Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status to demonstrate manufacturing technology maturation for sensory and performance evaluation.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Preproposal
- Agency: US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC)
- Set-Aside: None specified (Market Research)
- Response Due: May 15, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT
- Published: April 28, 2026
- BAA Reference: W911QY-25-R-0023
Submission Requirements
Interested parties (companies or academic institutions) must submit a BAA preproposal detailing capabilities in one or more areas of interest. Submissions should include:
- Whether proposing product development, consumer research, and/or prototype demonstration.
- A detailed technical approach.
- Relevant past performance or corporate experience.
- A rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate.
- Business size (socioeconomic status), applicable NAICS code (preferred 541714 - R&D in Biotechnology), and CAGE code.
Additional Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only; it is not a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded from this announcement. Funding is not available at this time. Domestic sourcing is an absolute requirement due to the Berry Amendment. Questions for clarification are due by May 11, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT, via email to the contacts provided.