Request for Information (RFI) - Ration Supplement, Frameless Heater, for Meal, Ready-to-Eat - NSN 8970-01-321-9153

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support, Subsistence Supply Chain, to gather information on the current state of the art in individual ration heater technology and performance. The government is seeking to update the existing specification MIL-R-44398B (RATION SUPPLEMENT, FLAMELESS HEATER, FOR MEAL, READY TO EAT), which is provided as an attachment. The goal is to foster innovation and competition by incorporating current, innovative, and future technologies into a performance-based specification.

Interested parties are requested to review the attached MIL-R-44398B specification and:

• Annotate language that is considered out of date.

• Propose new language that reflects the current state of the art for individual ration heaters across their entire lifecycle (components, manufacture, packaging, storage, shipping, safety, disposal).

• Address issues on a global basis, considering the worldwide use of MREs.

• Provide supporting documentation for proposed changes in a format of their choice.

• Shelf Life: Expressing shelf life as a performance specification based on current or projected state-of-the-art (e.g., "no loss of heating capacity when stored for 5-years at 88°F and 88% relative humidity").

• Waterless Heating: Exploring technologies that can heat MREs without the use of added water and their potential inclusion in a performance specification.

• Responses, questions, or concerns are requested by the close of business on June 22nd, 2026.

• Respond via email to Joseph.Venuto@dla.mil and Jacob.slotnick@dla.mil.

• Interested parties must return the annotated document and separately supply supporting documentation.

• This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to procure.

• The government will not pay for any information received or costs incurred by respondents.

• Vendor participation does not guarantee future business.

• Proprietary information will be protected if appropriately marked.

• Company information requested includes: Company Name, Cage Code (if available), Point of Contact, and E-Mail.

• Company Name:

• Cage Code (if available):

• Point of Contact:

• E-Mail:

Other / Unclassified

This document is a military specification (MIL-R-44398B) for a "Ration Supplement, Flameless Heater, For Meal, Ready-to-Eat." It details the requirements for a water-activated exothermic-chemical heater packaged in a plastic heating bag, designed to heat individual MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) pouches.

This specification outlines the technical requirements, materials, construction, performance standards, testing procedures, and packaging for the flameless ration heater. Bidders interested in manufacturing or supplying these heaters would need to adhere to these detailed specifications, including requirements for:

• Materials: Specific alloy composition (Mg-5atomic%Fe), protective cover materials, and plastic bag specifications.
• Performance: Minimum temperature rise in a specified time, and limitations on by-products and residual water.
• Construction: Dimensions, sealing methods, and labeling requirements (including a "DO NOT EAT" pictograph).
• Testing: Procedures for leakage, heating performance, by-products, and material certification.
• Packaging: Preservation, packing (Level A, B, or C), and marking requirements.

It also references numerous applicable government and non-government documents, standards, and drawings that must be consulted.