The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support Subsistence is seeking innovative research and technologies to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables (FF&V) during storage and transportation within military supply chains. The primary objectives include developing ethylene-absorbing materials, ripening inhibitors, and operationally compatible solutions that enhance food security by reducing spoilage and the frequency of resupply. This initiative is critical as up to 30% of FF&V can be lost during transit, impacting the quality and availability of food for military dining facilities. Interested technology companies must comply with ITAR regulations and submit proposals by May 21, 2025, following the opening of the solicitation on April 23, 2025. For more information, please visit the DOD SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support Subsistence seeks research into storage, transportation, packaging, and coating technologies to address spoilage in military supply chains, where up to 30% of FF&amp;V is lost during transit and storage. The focus is on technologies such as ethylene-absorbing materials, controlled-atmosphere packaging or transport mechanisms, edible coatings, and inhibitors that target climacteric produce (e.g., bananas, tomatoes, avocados). The goals are to decrease spoilage, reduce resupply frequency, and enhance food security/availability.Key focus areas include:<ul><li>Ethylene Absorption: Development of materials capable of effectively capturing or mitigating ethylene gas within storage and transportation units.</li><li>Ripening Inhibition: Technologies or additives that slow metabolic processes in climacteric produce to increase shelf-life.</li><li>Operational Compatibility: Safe and effective solutions compatible with existing refrigerated containers and subsistence supply chain processes.</li><li>Cost-Effectiveness: Economic viability and scalability for widespread use across military and commercial supply chains.</li></ul>The desired outcome is to increase the freshness and usability of fruits and vegetables delivered to military dining facilities and forward operating bases, reducing dependency on frequent resupply. This research initiative invites technology companies to submit proposals and innovations that align with the outlined areas of interest. Respondents must be ITAR-compliant to qualify for submission of a proposal and receive any subsequent data for this project.

## Objective

Develop innovative, safe, and scalable technologies to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables (FF&amp;V) in military supply chains. These safe, effective, and practical solutions should reduce spoilage, enhance quality, and improve logistical efficiency.

## Phase I

Conduct a feasibility study to develop and demonstrate ethylene mitigation technologies in controlled environments. Deliverables include:<ul><li>A comprehensive report on the technology's potential, including cost analysis, scalability, and integration with existing military logistics systems.</li><li>Prototype materials or methods for FF&amp;V shelf-life extension.</li><li>Experimental data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of the proposed solution in extending FF&amp;V shelf life.</li></ul>

## Phase II

<ul><li>Refine and optimize the Phase I technology for deployment in military supply chains. Activities include:</li><li>Testing the technology in operational conditions, such as refrigerated containers used for transporting produce.</li><li>Collaborating with DLA Troop Support to identify critical supply routes and storage facilities for pilot implementation.</li><li>Producing a detailed concept of operations (CONOPs) and cost-benefit analysis.</li></ul>

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Currently, no specific funding is associated with PHASE III. Progress documented from PHASE I and PHASE II may result in vendor&rsquo;s qualification as an approved source for future procurements for operational integration and use. The vendor will pursue the commercialization of the storage, transportation, packaging, or edible coating technology, targeting dual-use applications in military and civilian supply chains. Emphasis will be placed on partnerships with produce suppliers, logistics companies, and packaging manufacturers to scale the solution. Demonstrating compliance with regulatory standards for food safety and transportation will be critical to market adoption.

Topic

Agency

Program

Topic Link

Additional Information