Insulated Food Container – Improved and Insulated Beverage Container - Improved
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) has issued a Sources Sought Announcement to identify potential sources for next-generation Insulated Food Containers (IFC-i) and Insulated Beverage Containers (IBC-i). This initiative aims to improve thermal performance, reduce logistics footprint through collapsible designs, and potentially integrate active thermal management. This is for military expeditionary feeding operations, replacing current IFCs/IBCs. Preproposals are due May 8, 2026, by 5 PM EDT.
Purpose & Scope
DEVCOM-SC seeks information on technologies and capabilities for highly mobile, scalable, and modular insulated food and beverage storage and transport solutions for austere environments. The IFC-i/IBC-i must be collapsible, lightweight, energy-efficient, and maintain food safety temperatures (≥140°F hot hold, ≤41°F cold hold). This effort supports the Army's modernization goals for a smaller, lighter, more mobile force.
Key Requirements
Respondents should demonstrate capabilities addressing one or more of the following areas:
- Passive Thermal Performance: Meet specific thresholds for hot hold (e.g., ≤40°F loss over 4 hours at -20°F ambient) and cold hold (e.g., ≤8°F rise over 4 hours at +120°F ambient), with extreme cold stretch goals.
- Insulation: Achieve effective R-values ≥7.0 (objective ≥12.0) with total wall thickness ≤1.5" (objective ≤1.25"). Technologies like aerogel, MLI, VIPs, and PCM-embedded materials are of interest.
- Serving-Line Performance: Maintain contents ≥140°F for ≥90 minutes after 25 open/close cycles over 30 minutes.
- Collapsibility: Reduce stowed volume by ≥25% (objective ≥30%) with durable collapse/deploy mechanisms (≥200 cycles). Design must be mechanical, not compressible insulation.
- PCM Integration: Accept removable PCM modules (145–160°F for hot, -20–35°F for cold) for extended thermal hold.
- Physical & Weight: Empty weight ≤25 lbs (objective ≤20 lbs), loaded weight ≤75 lbs. Must accommodate 25-50 personnel capacity and allow two-person carry with integrated handles.
- Insert Pan Configuration: Accommodate three 1/3-size, 6" deep pans; one full-size, 6" deep pan; or three to four tray pack cans.
- Cleanability: NSF-certified, non-porous, corrosion-resistant materials; smooth surfaces; accessible for cleaning; self-draining.
- Technical Data Package: Deliver a Product Level TDP per MIL-STD-31000C, including 3D CAD, BOM, and material/process specifications.
- Active Thermal Management (Optional): Capabilities for 50W-350W heating/cooling, ≥2 hours battery runtime, and 12V DC/120V AC power interfaces. Dual-function capability is desired.
- Durability & Environmental: Withstand 36" drop onto concrete, MIL-STD-810H vibration, ≥500 latch cycles, ≥200 collapse/deploy cycles, and operate from -20°F to +120°F.
- Regulatory & Safety: NSF/ANSI Standard 2, FDA 21 CFR compliant, HACCP/ServSafe temperature guidelines.
Technologies of Interest
DEVCOM-SC is particularly interested in advanced insulation materials, collapsible frame/structure technologies, Phase Change Materials (PCM), active thermal systems, surface treatments, alternative power sources, and water heating capabilities.
Submission Details
Interested parties should submit a Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement (BOTAA) preproposal as outlined in DEVCOM-SC BOTAA 22-01 (available at https://sam.gov/opp/126eaf3a78d847f69b7c94b606877f92/view), specifically referring to Topic Area of Interest “A. SOLDIER SUSTAINMENT DIRECTORATE (SSD)” starting on page 19. Submissions must be emailed to james.d.nelson196.civ@army.mil and jean.m.trumpis.civ@army.mil.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Preproposal Due: May 8, 2026, by 5 PM EDT
- Questions Due: May 5, 2026, by 5 PM EDT
- Published: April 30, 2026
Important Notes
This is a Sources Sought Announcement ONLY for information and planning purposes; it is NOT a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded. Responses are voluntary, and no reimbursement will be provided for costs incurred. Respondents should include business size (socioeconomic status), applicable NAICS code (7360), and CAGE code.