MCW Halal & MCW Kosher - Sources Sought

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support Subsistence is conducting market research on Meal, Cold Weather (MCW) Halal and MCW Kosher ration products through this Sources Sought Notice. The government seeks to evaluate industry capability to produce religious dietary ration meals designed for military personnel requiring Halal or Kosher certified nutrition in cold weather environments. Key requirements include cases containing twelve meals with at least six different entree varieties (comprised of both meat-based and vegetarian options), all components certified Halal or Kosher, providing a minimum of 1,500 calories per meal with a 24-month shelf life at 80°F, and specialized packaging methods that prevent freezing and maintain product integrity in extreme cold conditions. Interested vendors must submit responses by March 27, 2026, via email to Tran.Nguyen@dla.mil and Tiendung.Nguyen@dla.mill, providing company information including CAGE Code, business size designation, points of contact, prior government contracting experience, current facility certifications, minimum order quantities, delivery schedules, specific entree options, shelf-life production processes, and cold-weather packaging documentation. This is explicitly a market research notification only, and the government will not compensate respondents or commit to future business based on participation.

No set-aside designations apply to this opportunity, and no incumbent contractors or current award values have been identified in this pre-solicitation phase. Respondents should provide information regarding minimum order quantities and annual production requirements to demonstrate their capability to support military ration needs. The government seeks detailed technical information on vendors' ability to achieve the specified entree variety, maintain shelf-life standards, and implement cold-weather packaging solutions, along with identification of any concerns related to pricing volatility, supply chain disruptions, or other market factors affecting production and delivery. The two-week response period from the March 12 posting date allows interested parties limited time to compile and submit comprehensive market research data that will inform the government's future solicitation strategy for this specialized ration product line.