Insulated Food Container – Improved and Insulated Beverage Container - Improved

Quick Summary

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC) is conducting a Sources Sought 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 for military expeditionary feeding operations. Interested parties are requested to submit Broad Other Transaction Authority (BOTAA) preproposals by May 8, 2026.

Purpose & Background

DEVCOM-SC seeks to replace current IFCs (CID A-A-52193G) and IBCs (CID A-A-52190C) which are heavy, inefficient in stowed volume, and have performance limitations. The goal is to develop highly mobile, scalable, and modular insulated storage and transport solutions for distributed feeding in austere environments, aligning with the Army's modernization goals for a smaller, lighter, and more mobile force. The IFC-i/IBC-i must maintain food safety temperatures (≥140°F hot, ≤41°F cold) per HACCP/ServSafe.

Scope of Interest

DEVCOM-SC is interested in technologies and capabilities that provide collapsible, lightweight, energy-efficient containers with passive and optional active hot/cold capabilities. These solutions should integrate with existing and future field feeding platforms like Tray Ration Heating Systems and Expeditionary Field Kitchens.

Key Requirements & Technologies

Respondents should demonstrate capabilities addressing one or more of the following:

• Passive Thermal Performance: Meet specific thresholds for hot (e.g., ≥140°F after 4 hours at -20°F ambient) and cold holds (e.g., ≤41°F after 4 hours at +120°F ambient), including extreme cold stretch goals.
• Insulation: Achieve high effective R-values (threshold ≥7.0, objective ≥12.0 per inch) within thin wall thicknesses (≤1.5" threshold, ≤1.25" objective), utilizing advanced materials like aerogel, MLI, or VIPs.
• Serving-Line Performance: Maintain contents ≥140°F for ≥90 minutes after a simulated 25 open/close cycles.
• Collapsibility: Reduce stowed volume by ≥25% (threshold) to ≥30% (objective) with durable collapse/deploy cycles (≥200 cycles). Designs must achieve collapsibility through mechanical means, not compressible insulation.
• PCM Integration: Accept removable Phase Change Material (PCM) modules for extended thermal hold (hot: 145–160°F melt point; cold: -20–35°F melt point).
• Physical & Weight: Empty weight ≤25 lbs (threshold), loaded weight ≤75 lbs, stackable (4-5 high), and include integrated handles for two-person carry.
• Insert Pan Configuration: Accommodate UGR-H&S tray pack configurations (e.g., three ⅓-size, 6" deep pans).
• Cleanability: Utilize NSF-certified, non-porous, non-toxic materials with smooth, accessible surfaces for easy cleaning and drainage.
• Technical Data Package (TDP): Ability to develop and deliver a TDP per MIL-STD-31000C, including 3D CAD, BOM, and specifications.
• Active Thermal Management (Optional): Capabilities for active heating (50W threshold, 350W objective) and cooling (50W threshold, 150W objective) with integrated battery runtime (≥2 hours threshold).
• Durability & Environmental: Meet standards for drop, vibration (MIL-STD-810H), latch endurance, and operating temperatures (-20°F to +120°F).
• Regulatory & Safety: Compliance with NSF/ANSI Standard 2, FDA 21 CFR, and HACCP/ServSafe guidelines.
• Technologies of Interest: Advanced insulation, collapsible frames, PCM, active thermal systems, surface treatments, alternative power sources, and water heating capabilities.

Submission Details

This is a Sources Sought Announcement ONLY for information and planning. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. Interested parties should submit a Broad Other Transaction Authority (BOTAA) preproposal as outlined in DEVCOM-SC BOTAA 22-01 (referencing Topic Area of Interest “A. SOLDIER SUSTAINMENT DIRECTORATE (SSD)” on page 19). Preproposals must be emailed to james.d.nelson196.civ@army.mil and jean.m.trumpis.civ@army.mil no later than May 8, 2026, by 5 PM EDT. Submissions should include business size (socioeconomic status), applicable NAICS code, and CAGE code. Questions are due by May 5, 2026, by 5 PM EDT to the same email addresses.

Important Notes

This is not a solicitation, and funding is not available at this time. Responses are voluntary, and no reimbursement will be made for costs incurred. Not responding does not preclude participation in any future RFP.