Subsistence Network (SUBNET) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA-0004-21)

The Subsistence Network (SUBNET) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA-0004-21) is a research and development funding opportunity issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Department of Defense (DoD). This BAA aims to support research in the subsistence supply chain to enhance food production, packaging, nutrition, safety, and logistics for military personnel. It is a successor to the Combat Rations Network (CORANET) R&D program, expanding its focus beyond combat rations to the entire subsistence supply chain. The program is designed to foster innovation in food technology, storage, logistics, and water security, with an emphasis on increasing efficiency and reducing costs. This BAA is structured as a three-step process: White Paper Submission – An initial concept document to gauge interest. Technical Proposal Submission (by Invitation Only) – A detailed plan requested for selected white papers. Cost Proposal Submission (by Invitation Only) – A financial breakdown requested for selected technical proposals. The funding scope is expected to be approximately $35 million from Fiscal Years 2022-2027. However, each individual project should range from 6 months to 3 years in duration and have a total cost not exceeding $1 million. The awards will be granted based on technical merit, alignment with DLA objectives, and funding availability. Eligible applicants include industry, educational institutions, small businesses, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), minority institutions (MIs), and other research organizations. The program encourages small business participation, though no portion of the BAA is set aside specifically for small businesses. Organizations must be registered in SAM.gov to be considered. The areas of interest for funding include: Combat Rations (innovations in military food supply) Food Equipment (technology improvements for food preparation and logistics) Field Feeding Solutions (efficiency in troop food delivery) Food Footprint Reduction (sustainability and waste reduction) Food Innovations (advancements in military food technology) Food Safety and Defense (preventing contamination and tampering) Garrison Feeding (nutrition in military installations) Nutrition and Health (enhancing the nutritional value of rations) Storage and Packaging Solutions (extending shelf life and food quality) Surge and Sustainment Support (scalability in food production) Water Security (improvements in bottled water and hydration) Subsistence Supplies Condition Monitoring (tracking food conditions during shipping) Submission Process White papers are required and limited to 7 pages, addressing a specific area of interest. Proposals exceeding $1 million will not be considered. If selected, a technical proposal (up to 20 pages) will be requested. If the technical proposal is approved, a cost proposal will be requested. Awards will be evaluated based on scientific merit, feasibility, past performance, and relevance to DLA objectives. Contact Information for Submission Inquiries: Andrea Nicolucci (Contracting Officer) – andrea.nicolucci@dla.mil Gary Carson (Contract Specialist) – gary.carson@dla.mil DCSO R&D Mailbox – RandD.DCSO@dla.mil Office Address: 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA The BAA remains open until 2027, allowing for ongoing white paper submissions. However, selection and funding availability will determine the number of awards granted.