Alternative Protein Technologies for Military Field Feeding

SOL #: W911QY26_ALTERNATIVE_PROTEINSSources Sought

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE

Dept Of The Army

W6QK ACC-APG NATICK

NATICK, MA, 01760-5011, United States

Place of Performance

Natick, MA

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

PSC

General Science & Technology R&D Svcs; General Science & Technology; Experimental Development (AJ13)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/a465255f529a4b36bf118010fc356bae/view

Timeline

Posted

Apr 16, 2026

Last Updated

May 12, 2026

Response Deadline

May 15, 2026, 9:00 PM

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 innovative Alternative Protein Technologies for Military Field Feeding. This initiative aims to enhance food supply chain resilience, enable biomanufacturing, and provide high-quality nutrition for Warfighters. Responses are requested as BAA preproposals by May 15, 2026.

Scope of Work

DEVCOM-SC seeks capabilities in product development, consumer research, and prototype demonstrations of alternative protein technologies for military rations. Specifically, they are interested in:

Innovative Technologies: Advanced processes (fermentation, precision fermentation, novel biomanufacturing) for lightweight, nutrient-dense alternative proteins to reduce Soldier load.
Innovative Product Development: Meat-alternative products designed for military rations, meeting stringent requirements for nutrition, shelf stability, and palatability.
Consumer Research: Ability to conduct comprehensive consumer research (focus groups, sensory panels, field testing) to enhance acceptability within a military population.
Food Sample Demonstration: Provision of GRAS-status food samples to demonstrate maturation of alternative protein manufacturing technology for sensory evaluation.
Exclusions: Solutions related to cell-cultured/lab-grown meat or insect protein are specifically excluded.
Requirement: Domestic sourcing is mandatory due to the Berry Amendment.

Contract & Timeline

Type: Sources Sought / Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Preproposal
Set-Aside: None specified
Response Due: May 15, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT
Questions Due: May 11, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT
Published: April 29, 2026
Agency: Department of the Army, DEVCOM-SC, Combat Feeding Division
Place of Performance: Natick, MA (for DEVCOM-SC)

Submission Requirements

Interested parties (companies or academic institutions) should submit a BAA preproposal detailing capabilities in one or more areas of interest. Submissions must include:

Detailed technical approach.
Relevant past performance or corporate experience.
Rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate.
Indication of whether proposing product development, consumer research, and/or prototype demonstration.
Business size, socioeconomic status, applicable NAICS code, and CAGE code.
Submissions are for market research and planning; this is not a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded. Funding is not available at this time.