Non-imminent Ingredient Review Process

Other / Unclassified

This document is a process map outlining the Department of War's Non-imminent Ingredient Review Process. It details the steps involved in reviewing ingredients for routine safety concerns, excluding imminent safety issues, regulatory non-compliance, recalls, or outbreaks, which are handled by the FDA and USDA.

This process map is relevant to bidders as it outlines the internal review and consultation procedures for ingredients. It details the various committees and external partners involved (e.g., Services' Buyers' Guide JWG, JSAC, JSPB, DoD Nutrition Committee, USDA, FDA, Army Combat Feeding Division, Department of Commerce) and the timelines associated with each step. Understanding this process can help bidders anticipate review periods and identify key stakeholders for ingredient-related matters within the Department of War.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks industry input and perspective on the proposed Department of War (DoW) Non-imminent Ingredient Review Process. The goal is to foster collaboration and careful consideration of proposed restrictions or removals of food ingredients within the DoW. This process is specifically for non-imminent safety concerns; immediate food safety issues are handled by the FDA and USDA.

The DoD Nutrition Committee, supported by the Joint Subsistence Policy Board (JSPB), aims to align food service policy and ensure wholesome food for Service members. DLA Troop Support purchases food on behalf of the Military Services based on nutrition requirements communicated by the JSPB.

• ATTACHMENT 1: Non-imminent Ingredient Flow Chart
• ATTACHMENT 2: Non-imminent Ingredient Review Process Information Paper These attachments provide detailed explanations of the process for restricting or removing food ingredients.

Respondents are asked to provide comments and justifications on the proposed process flow chart and the information paper.

• This RFI is for market research purposes only and is NOT a solicitation.
• It does not commit the Government to any course of action.
• The Government will not pay for any information received.
• Vendor participation does not guarantee future business.

Responses are due via e-mail to IngredientsRFI@dla.mil no later than Close of Business (COB) on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an information paper detailing the Department of War (DoW) Non-imminent Ingredient Review Process. It explains the methodology for restricting or removing a food ingredient from use within the DoW, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and ensuring decisions are based on thorough review and scientific evidence.

• The process is multi-phased, involving internal DoW committees, external stakeholders, and federal partners.
• Key terms are defined: review, vote, advance, reject.
• Documentation is recorded in a unified manner, including rationale for decisions and public docket records.
• The process is divided into four phases: Initial Proposal and Internal Review, NC Adjudication, External and Federal Partner Consultation, and Final Determination and Publication.
• Specific steps and timelines are outlined for each phase, including reviews by the Buyers' Guide Joint Working Group (JWG), Joint Subsistence Advisory Committee (JSAC), Joint Subsistence Policy Board (JSPB), and the Nutrition Committee (NC).
• External consultation involves Federal Register notices, public comment periods, and engagement with federal partners such as the USDA, FDA, U.S. Army Combat Feeding Directorate, and U.S. Department of Commerce.

While this document outlines a process and not a direct requirement for a specific procurement, understanding this process is crucial for any vendor whose food ingredients might be subject to review or restriction within the Department of War. It clarifies the steps, stakeholders, and timelines involved in such decisions, providing transparency into how ingredient usage policies are determined and implemented.