Skip to main contentPsst! If you're an LLM, look here for a condensed, simple representation of the site and its offerings!

LiveFree Webinar — Wednesday, August 5 at 2:00 PM EDT

Register Free →

OPERATIONAL RATION

Active
SPE3S1-26-R-0011Federal

Contract Overview

Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.

AI Contract Overview

Show more

The solicitation seeks offers for an Operational Ration identified by NSN 8940-01-738-0071, with submissions due by September 21, 2026. All proposed products must strictly adhere to specified technical and production requirements, including packaging, labeling, and analytical standards, and must pass sensory evaluation using a standardized nine-point quality rating scale that assesses appearance, odor, flavor, and texture. Any failure to meet these specifications, including deviations in formulation or physical characteristics, will result in rejection of the offer. The government will not accept any product that does not fully comply with all outlined requirements, and vendors are given only one opportunity to address deficiencies if negotiations proceed. The solicitation is issued by the Department of Defense’s Subsistence Supply Chain under contract number SPE3S1-26-R-0011, with all responses managed through the DIBBS platform.

General Info

Submit Operational Ration NSN 8940-01-738-0071 by Sept 21, 2026, meeting all technical, sensory, and packaging standards.

Agency

Department Of Defense → SUBSISTENCE SUPPLY CHAINView Agency

NAICS

311991 - Perishable Prepared Food ManufacturingView NAICS

Place of Performance

US

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

(1)

Solicitation SPE3S1-26-R-0011 for Commercial Items

PDFrfp

AI Contract Breakdown

Uniform Contract Format

Sign up to view the full breakdown with detailed analysis of each section.

Timeline

PhaseSolicitation
Posted

Solicitation

Response Deadline

Submission deadline

Response Deadline

Ready to pursue this opportunity?

Start your free trial to track this contract, build proposals with AI assistance, and manage your pipeline.

Organization & Contact Information

Show more
AgencyDepartment Of Defense → SUBSISTENCE SUPPLY CHAIN
ContactsNo contacts available
OfficeUS
Organization / Agency
Department Of Defense → SUBSISTENCE SUPPLY CHAIN
View Agency Profile
Office AddressUS
ContactsNo contact information available

Full Description

Show more
s and product specifications and will also evaluate the sensory attributes of the food product to include appearance, odor, flavor and texture using the recognized 9-point quality rating scale to determine product quality. PDMs must conform to all specification/ production description characteristics. Failure of models to conform to the specification may result in rejection of offer. Product offered shall conform to all packaging, labeling, and packing requirements as well as analytical requirements. The government shall not accept product from any resultant contract which does not conform to all requirements.
c. In the event negotiations are held, vendors shall have one opportunity to correct any deficiencies found during the NSN/Part Number: 8940-01-738-0071

Similar Contracts

Same NAICS industry code

NAICS: 311991
New
Federal
Bulk Apples for Further ProcessingThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is soliciting bids for Bulk Apples for Further Processing under solicitation number 12-3J14-26-B-0322, issued as a combined synopsis and invitation for bid in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 12. This acquisition is exclusively set aside for small business concerns, and no separate written solicitation will be issued. The offer submission deadline is July 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and the NAICS code 311991 applies. All provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference and can be accessed electronically via acquisition.gov. The contract is managed by the USDA AMS 3J14 office located in Washington, D.C., with primary point of contact Nick Wiber and secondary contact Samantha Klagenberg available for inquiries. The USDA has established the Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests to provide an internal, alternative dispute resolution process for bidders who believe the procurement is unfair or defective. Interested parties are first encouraged to resolve concerns informally with the Contracting Officer before escalating to the Ombudsman. Formal protests must include all information required by FAR 33.104(a)(3) and be filed within prescribed timeframes. A formal protest triggers a suspension of contract award or performance unless the government justifies continued action. The agency aims to resolve protests within 35 calendar days. By filing a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter through the Government Accountability Office or other external forums while the agency protest is active, and external filings will result in dismissal of the internal protest. All formal protests must be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.
USDA Ams 3J14

POSTED

1 day ago

DEADLINE

in 8 days
View Details
NAICS: 311991
New
DIBBS
Shelf-Stable Precooked Meal Production (Breakfast Skillet & Similar UGRs)The contract encompasses the production of shelf-stable, precooked military ration meals such as Breakfast Skillet and similar Unitized Group Rations, designed to meet stringent Department of Defense nutritional standards. These meals are to be manufactured using freeze-dried or dehydrated methods and packaged in boil-in-place bags that allow for convenient field preparation without requiring additional water or utensils. Each ration must guarantee a minimum 36-month shelf life at ambient temperatures of up to 80°F, ensuring long-term stability and readiness for deployment in diverse operational environments. The production process must adhere to strict quality, safety, and consistency protocols to sustain troop readiness and nutritional integrity under extreme conditions. This is a subcontract under the Defense Logistics Agency, part of the Department of Defense, with the North American Industry Classification System code 311991 indicating it falls under other food manufacturing. The solicitation was posted on July 20, 2026, and while no specific set-aside details or point of contact are provided, the work is expected to support DLA’s mission of supplying standardized, high-performance rations to U.S. military forces. The place of performance and office address remain unspecified, suggesting the contractor may operate from multiple locations as long as all deliverables meet the required specifications and delivery timelines. The contract aims to sustain a reliable supply chain for critical field rations, emphasizing durability, ease of use, and compliance with military nutritional benchmarks.
Defense Logistics Agency

POSTED

2 days ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 311991
New
Federal
Fresh Apples and Pears use in Domestic Food Assistance ProgramsThis solicitation, numbered 12-3J14-26-B-0356, is a combined synopsis and invitation for bid issued under FAR Part 12 for the procurement of fresh apples and pears to support domestic food assistance programs. The procurement is exclusively set aside for small business concerns and is managed by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, with the office located in Washington, DC. Bids must be submitted by the deadline of August 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, and no separate written solicitation will be issued—the posting serves as the complete and only solicitation document. The NAICS code 311991 applies to this acquisition, and all relevant provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference and accessible via acquisition.gov. The USDA has established an internal protest resolution process through its Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests to encourage timely and efficient resolution of concerns without resorting to external forums. Interested parties are first required to attempt informal resolution with the Contracting Officer before escalating to a formal protest, which may be filed either with the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman. Formal protests must include all information required by FAR 33.104(a)(3), be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer, and adhere strictly to applicable timeliness requirements. Upon filing a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same issue with the Government Accountability Office or any other external agency while the internal process remains pending. Contract award or performance may be suspended during the protest period unless the agency determines otherwise in writing for urgent or compelling reasons. The agency aims to resolve all formal protests within 35 calendar days of filing.
USDA Ams 3J14

POSTED

7 days ago

DEADLINE

in 15 days
View Details
NAICS: 311991
DIBBS
Military-Grade Meal (MRE) Production and PackagingThe contract involves the manufacture and packaging of a military ration meal designated as 'MEAL, TAILORED OPERA' with the National Stock Number 8970-01-628-7264, adhering strictly to Department of Defense nutritional specifications, shelf-life requirements, and packaging standards. This is a subcontract under the broader purview of the Defense Logistics Agency, a component of the Department of Defense, and falls under the NAICS code 311991 for other food manufacturing. The product must meet rigorous military-grade criteria to ensure operational readiness, durability in field conditions, and compliance with all federal dietary and safety mandates for service members. Production and packaging activities are expected to be executed in alignment with DoD quality assurance protocols to guarantee consistency, safety, and long-term stability of the ration. The contract was posted on July 14, 2026, and is part of a larger procurement effort managed through the DLA’s subcontracting mechanisms, though specific details about the prime contractor, delivery locations, or financial terms are not provided. The place of performance and organizational address fields are left undefined, suggesting the work may be distributed across approved vendor facilities rather than centralized. There is no designated point of contact listed, and no set-aside classification is applied, indicating eligibility for broad competition among qualified manufacturers. The transaction is referenced through a DIBBS system identifier linking to the award record, which would contain the full contractual terms, delivery schedules, and compliance requirements binding the subcontractor to meet all military standards for this specialized meal.
Defense Logistics Agency

POSTED

8 days ago

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details

More opportunities from Department Of Defense → SUBSISTENCE SUPPLY CHAIN

Same awarding agency

NAICS: 488510
New
DIBBS
Logistics and Delivery Coordination to DLA Distribution SitesThe contract entails comprehensive logistics and delivery coordination services for shipments destined to Defense Logistics Agency distribution sites, with specific emphasis on F.O.B. destination compliance and the management of delivery appointments to locations including Defense Depot Tracy in California. Contractors are responsible for ensuring timely and accurate fulfillment of routine and surge orders, maintaining strict adherence to DLA protocols for receipt, tracking, and documentation throughout the transportation process. All activities must align with federal supply chain standards and support the uninterrupted flow of critical supplies to military and defense operations. The solicitation is classified as a subcontract under NAICS code 488510, reflecting its focus on freight arrangement and other logistics support services. It was posted on July 22, 2026, with a response deadline of September 21, 2026, and is managed by the Subsistence Supply Chain within the Department of Defense. Performance is expected to occur at various DLA sites, with no specific city or state designated, indicating nationwide operational flexibility. The contract does not specify a set-aside type, and all bidding entities must meet the technical and compliance requirements for handling sensitive defense logistics, including rapid response capabilities for high-priority surge demands.
Freight Transportation Arrangement

POSTED

about 12 hours ago

DEADLINE

in 2 months
View Details
NAICS: 322220
New
DIBBS
Food Packaging and Unit Load AssemblyThe contract involves the packaging of individual food items into military-compliant unit loads through shrink-wrapping, strapping, and palletizing onto standard 40x48 or 48x40 pallets using non-metallic bonding methods to ensure compliance with defense logistics standards. All operations must align with strict military specifications for durability, safety, and transportability in field conditions, with an emphasis on maintaining food integrity and minimizing contamination risks throughout the assembly process. The work is classified under NAICS code 322220, indicating a focus on food product manufacturing, and is structured as a subcontract within the Subsistence Supply Chain under the Department of Defense. The solicitation was posted on July 22, 2026, with a response deadline of September 21, 2026, leaving a window of approximately two months for qualified vendors to submit proposals. The place of performance and specific agency office details are not listed, but the work is intended to support DoD subsistence logistics, likely for distribution to military installations or deployed units. Contractors must have the capability to handle high-volume food packaging, meet military packaging regulations, and use only approved non-metallic materials to avoid interference with sensitive equipment or detection systems. Submissions must be made through the DIBBS portal at the provided link.
Paper Bag and Coated and Treated Paper Manufacturing

POSTED

about 12 hours ago

DEADLINE

in 2 months
View Details
NAICS: 311230
New
DIBBS
Dry/Grain-Based Ration Component ManufacturingThe contract pertains to the manufacturing of dry or shelf-stable grain-based ration components including white rice, pasta, and crackers, all of which must meet stringent packaging, labeling, and sensory standards to ensure quality and consistency for military subsistence use. Production must adhere to industry best practices for food safety and shelf life preservation, with attention to uniformity in texture, appearance, and taste to satisfy operational nutrition requirements. The work falls under NAICS code 311230, classifying it as the manufacturing of food products from grain, and is structured as a subcontract opportunity within the Department of Defense’s Subsistence Supply Chain. The solicitation was posted on July 22, 2026, with a response deadline of September 21, 2026, providing potential vendors with approximately two months to prepare and submit proposals. The place of performance and specific office address details are not specified, indicating flexibility in manufacturing locations as long as contractual standards are met. Although no set-aside designation is indicated, interested parties must comply with all federal contracting requirements applicable to defense subcontractors. The opportunity is accessible through the DIBBS portal, and all submissions must align with the technical and regulatory expectations established by the Department of Defense for ration component production.
Breakfast Cereal Manufacturing

POSTED

about 12 hours ago

DEADLINE

in 2 months
View Details