Sources Sought Spreads.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 Rations National Contract (RNC), Spreads Component items. The Spreads Components are utilized in the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) program. The MRE supports U.S. Military organizations, and is designed to sustain an individual engaged in military training or military operations when normal food service facilities are not available. The Assemblers in the Industrial Base purchase Spreads Components for inclusion in the end-item meals.

DLA Troop Support Philadelphia continually evaluates the current industrial base, acquisition approaches, supply chain management alternatives and industry interest in this program. Of particular interest is a supplier’s ability to meet increased quantity and or accelerated delivery requirements, in support of Department of Defense contingencies and or emergency peacetime requirements. This capability includes both the ability to ramp up to meet early delivery or increased requirements (i.e., Surge), as well as to sustain an increased production and delivery pace throughout the contingency (i.e., Sustainment). The MRE Spreads components are designated as, and meet all the criteria to be deemed, mobilization essential (i.e. warstopper) by DLA and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. A program is deemed mobilization essential when it provides an item that is essential or critical to the warfighter’s mission.

This is not a solicitation for proposals, and there is no solicitation available at this time. 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 company had previous experience producing, packaging and/or delivering Spreads Components, or similar items? If yes, indicate which type of experience and whether government and/or commercial. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. The exact items that will be included in the MRE menus has not been finalized as of the issuance of this Sources Sought Notice. The items below are examples of the type of Spreads Components that may be included in a future acquisition. Please note that these items are subject to change. For market research purposes, please indicate which of the following items your firm may be interested in supplying to DLA Troop Support:

Cheeses: Plain ______ Jalapeno _______ Bacon _______ Peanut Butter: Plain _______ Chocolate _______ Chunky _______ Jelly: Apple _______ Grape _______ Jams: Blackberry _______ Strawberry _______ Fat Free Mayonnaise _______ Imitation Maple Syrup _______ Barbecue Sauce _______

7. Are the materials for Spreads Components different from your normal production?

8. What are your capabilities for storing and delivering the above listed items?

Additional Comments/Concerns:

We encourage and appreciate your participation. Please respond via e-mail to matthew.conroy@dla.mil.