In vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion and Fermentation Model System for Evaluating Military Rations

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center is seeking sources for an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fermentation model system to evaluate military rations. The work centers on a standardized in vitro digestion method for Meal, Ready-to-Eat rations, followed by batch fermentation of digestates and characterization of the resulting microbial communities. Interested parties should demonstrate capability to simulate gastric digestion and downstream fermentation for processed ration types, including a bioreactor or comparable system that can produce fermentates for further analysis at Natick, Massachusetts. This is a sources sought notice only, with no funding available and no contract award planned from the announcement; BAA preproposals are due by email to Greg Weber and Jean Trumpis by 4 June 2026 at 5 PM EDT, and questions are due by 2 June 2026 at 5 PM EDT.