Description

SYNOPSIS: This Sources Sought Announcement is to assist the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC) to identify potential sources to provide information to determine ideal packaging barrier requirements to achieve a three-year shelf life for a variety of meals, ranging from simple snacks to complex dishes. It involves analyzing product degradation (moisture sorption and oxidation), evaluating packaging materials, and using simulations to predict shelf life and identify optimal packaging solutions. The Government requests that responses be submitted electronically to Jean.m.trumpis.civ@army.mil and Danielle.l.froio-blumsack.civ@army.mil by May 8, 2026 by 5 PM EDT. Description: DEVCOM-SC is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) on technologies or capabilities to assist with analyzing product degradation (moisture sorption and oxidation), and using simulations to predict shelf life and identify optimal barrier requirements for packaging. Specific Specifications: 1) Product Analysis and Characterization - to understand the intrinsic properties of the various meals, a comprehensive analysis is required, which involves the following capabilities: Capability Description Establishing Define acceptable limits for both microbial growth (water activity < 0.6) Degradation and undesirable changes in texture, solubility, and color. Limits 2) Modeling and Simulation - to predict the shelf life and performance of different packaging options without extensive real-world testing, the following capabilities are needed: Capability Description Shelf-Life Software to simulate the impact of different packaging systems on the shelf Simulation life of the varous meal components. This includes conducting sensitivity analyses for various storage conditions. Kinetic Kinetic models for both sorption and based on the Modeling experimental data. This allows for the prediction of how the products will change over time. 3) Data Analysis and Product Grouping - to streamline the testing process for a large variety of meals, the following is necessary: Capability Description Product Identify ranges for kinetic model parameters and group Grouping products with similar kinetics and capacities. This allows for the extrapolation of results to untested products within the same group, which can then be validated with targeted testing. Deliverables: All documentation submitted shall be submitted as MS Word, Adobe PDF, MS PowerPoint, Visio, or MS Excel files. 1. Respondents: The White Paper should be written in respondent format, double spaced, and minimum font size of 10 pt. Paper should not exceed 12 pages, including cover. a. This paper should cover company information (company name, CAGE code, mailing address, and primary point of contact information (to include telephone number and email address…

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