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 US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC) is conducting a Sources Sought Announcement 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. Responders are requested to submit a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) preproposal as outlined in DEVCOM-SC BAA W911QY-25-R-0023. Preproposals are due May 15, 2026, by 5:00 PM EDT.
Purpose & Objective
DEVCOM-SC aims to integrate current and emerging alternative protein technologies into military rations to enhance food supply chain resilience, enable biomanufacturing in combat-forward environments, and provide tailored, high-quality nutrition to Warfighters. This initiative seeks to partner with commercial and academic sectors to advance technology development.
Areas of Interest
DEVCOM-SC is seeking capabilities in one or more of the following areas, specifically excluding cell-cultured/lab-grown meat or insect protein:
- Innovative Technologies for Alternative Protein Development: Focusing on fermentation, precision fermentation, or novel biomanufacturing methods to create lightweight, nutrient-dense ration solutions.
- Innovative Product Development: Designing meat-alternative products for military rations, meeting stringent requirements for nutrition, shelf stability, and palatability.
- Consumer Research and Acceptability: Conducting comprehensive consumer research (e.g., focus groups, sensory panels, field testing) to enhance acceptability within a military population.
- Food Sample Demonstration: Providing food samples with Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status to demonstrate manufacturing technology maturation for sensory acceptability and performance.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties (companies or academic institutions) must submit a BAA preproposal detailing their capabilities. 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, and CAGE code.
Note: This is a Sources Sought for information and planning purposes only; it is not a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded. Funding is not available at this time. Domestic sourcing is an absolute requirement due to the Berry Amendment.
Key Details
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / 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: May 11, 2026
- Place of Performance: Natick, MA
- Contacts: michael.s.wiederoder.civ@army.mil, richard.j.green.civ@army.mil, jean.m.trumpis.civ@army.mil
Offerors have discretion on prioritizing performance requirements and selection criteria in their concept papers, and a single integrated preproposal is preferred if addressing multiple areas.