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 to identify potential sources for Alternative Protein Technologies for Military Field Feeding. This initiative seeks innovative product development, consumer research, and/or demonstration food samples to enhance military rations. Responses are requested in the form of a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) preproposal by May 15, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
DEVCOM-SC is seeking capabilities in the following areas, 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, shelf-stable ration solutions.
- Innovative Product Development: Designing meat-alternative products specifically for military rations, meeting stringent nutritional, shelf stability, and palatability requirements.
- Consumer Research and Acceptability: Conducting comprehensive research (e.g., focus groups, sensory panels, field testing) to improve the acceptability of alternative proteins within a military population.
- Food Sample Demonstration: Providing prototypes with Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status (requiring an FDA No-Questions-Letter) for sensory and performance evaluation.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (for market research and planning purposes only)
- BAA Reference: DEVCOM-SC BAA W911QY-25-R-0023 (Section VI - Scientific and Technical Areas of Interest, A. Combat Ration Research and Development)
- Set-Aside: None specified (Sources Sought)
- Preproposal Due: May 15, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT
- Questions Due: May 11, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT
- Published: May 12, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested parties (companies or academic institutions) must submit a BAA preproposal via email to michael.s.wiederoder.civ@army.mil, richard.j.green.civ@army.mil, and jean.m.trumpis.civ@army.mil. Submissions should include:
- Indication of proposing product development, consumer research, and/or prototype demonstration.
- A detailed description of the 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.
Additional Notes
This is not a solicitation and does not guarantee a future contract. Domestic sourcing is an absolute requirement due to the Berry Amendment, meaning ingredients and processing must be within the United States. For Area 4 food sample demonstrations, a granted FDA No-Questions-Letter for GRAS status is required; self-affirmed GRAS is not sufficient. Offerors may propose novel ready-to-eat formats and include stability/sensory evaluation at their discretion. A single, integrated preproposal is preferred if addressing multiple areas of interest.