Sources Sought MCW Halal and Kosher.docx

This is a Sources Sought Notice. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support Philadelphia, Operational Rations Program Office, is interested in your feedback regarding the Meal, Cold Weather (MCW) Halal & Meal, Cold Weather (MCW) Kosher Ration. DLA Troop Support continually evaluates the current industrial base, acquisition approaches, supply chain management alternatives and industry interest in this program.

The Meal, Cold Weather (MCW) Halal & Meal, Cold Weather (MCW) Kosher Ration is intended to feed those individuals in the Military Services who maintain a strict religious diet that withstands cold weather feeding as it will not freeze and supplies extra drink mixes for countering dehydration during cold weather activities. Each meal includes one Halal or Kosher certified entrée along with complementary items that meet the same religious certification standards. Each case of Halal or Kosher rations contains twelve meals, featuring at least six different entrée varieties—six meat-based and six vegetarian options. All components and accessory items within the case shall also be Halal or Kosher certified. Each meal will provide a minimum of 1,500 calories. The minimum shelf life of the meal, including the shelf life of all components of the meal, shall be twenty-four months at 80°F from the date of package.

This is not a solicitation for proposals, and there is no solicitation available currently. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this notification, nor will the Government compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing the information provided to the Government. This notification does not constitute a commitment from the Government, and any information provided in response to this notification will be used for informational purposes only. Any proprietary information submitted will be protected if appropriately marked. Vendor participation is not a promise for future business with the Government. The sole purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to conduct Market Research.

Please respond to the following:

1. Provide a brief description of your company (name, address, type of business; CAGE Code if applicable).

2. Business Size: Large_____ Small______ Number of Employees: _____

3. Primary point of contact’s phone number and email address.

4. Secondary point of contact (if any).

5. Has your organization previously performed on government contracts(s)

6. Do you currently have Halal and/or Kosher certification for your production facilities? If so, please provide details on the certifying authority and validity period.

7. What is your company’s minimum order quantity for a single order as well as your minimum annual order requirement.

8. What is a realistic delivery schedule after receipt of award? Subsequent delivery orders?

9. What is your current capability to provide at least six different entrée varieties (including six meat-based and six vegetarian options) per case? Are there any limitations or challenges in meeting this requirement? Additionally, list potential entrée options you can offer.

10. Do you have experience producing shelf-stable meals with a minimum 24-month shelf life at 80°F? If yes, please describe your process for achieving this requirement.

11. What packaging methods do you use to prevent freezing and maintain product integrity in extreme cold weather conditions? Have you tested your products in non-freeze or cold‑weather usability?

12. Considering the increase in prices, market volatility, and supply chain disruptions, are there any concerns that your capabilities for producing, assembling, and shipping the MCW Halal or MCW Kosher Ration? How has your business been affected over the last couple years and what factors will affect this MCW Halal or MCW Kosher procurement?

Additional Comments/Concerns:

We encourage and appreciate your participation. Please respond via e-mail to Tran.Nguyen@dla.mil and Tiendung.Nguyen@dla.mill.