The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for an Automated and Modular Forward Deployed Biomanufacturing Unit for Warfighter Field Feeding at Point of Need. The objective is to advance research in biotechnology to safely produce nutritious food at the point of need, overcoming contested logistics and ensuring food security. The research aims to utilize synthetic biology to yield fermented foods that meet warfighter nutrition standards. The goal is to develop a fully integrated system capable of producing enough biomass to meet the nutritional needs of 14 male warfighters for 24 hours within a maximum 5-day startup period. The system should be scalable, tunable, and capable of semi-continuous operation while maintaining food safety and security. The technology will provide high-quality nutrition, decrease logistical burden, reduce the risk of food and water contamination, and provide palatable foodstuffs. The project will be conducted in three phases, starting with a proof-of-concept prototype in Phase I, advancing to an optimized design and full-scale prototype in Phase II, and transitioning to military and commercial applications in Phase III. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation link.