Optimizing Packaging Requirements for Extended Shelf Life of Diverse Meal Components
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 issuing a Sources Sought Announcement to identify potential sources for optimizing packaging requirements for extended shelf life of diverse meal components. This effort aims to achieve a three-year shelf life for various meals by analyzing product degradation, evaluating packaging materials, and using simulations. Responses are due by May 8, 2026, at 5 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
DEVCOM-SC seeks capabilities in:
- Product Analysis and Characterization: Understanding intrinsic properties of meals, defining acceptable degradation limits (e.g., water activity < 0.6, texture, solubility, color changes).
- Modeling and Simulation: Developing software for shelf-life simulation and kinetic models for sorption and degradation to predict product changes over time under various storage conditions.
- Data Analysis and Product Grouping: Streamlining testing by identifying kinetic model parameters and grouping products with similar kinetics for extrapolation and targeted validation.
Response Requirements
Interested parties should submit a White Paper (max 12 pages, double-spaced, min 10pt font) covering:
- Company information (name, CAGE code, mailing address, POC).
- Relevant current products/services, proposed alternatives, and implementation examples.
- Proposed hardware.
- For foreign companies, how they will work with the US Government. Additional documentation (e.g., PowerPoint, spec sheets, test data) and Test, Certification and Accreditation (C&A) Documentation (safety cert, government approval, test data) are also accepted. Cost information should be included.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Product Service Code: AJ12 (General Science And Technology R&D Services; Applied Research)
- Response Due: May 8, 2026, 5 PM EDT
- Questions Due: May 4, 2026, 5 PM EDT
- Published: April 17, 2026
Additional Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only and is not a solicitation. No contract will be awarded from this announcement. Responses are voluntary, and no reimbursement will be provided for costs incurred. Submissions should include business size, socioeconomic status, NAICS code, CAGE code, and GSA contract number (if applicable).