The US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center is seeking industry and academic partners to develop alternative protein technologies for military field rations. The focus areas include fermentation-based protein production, meat-alternative product development, consumer research, and prototype demonstrations, with a deadline of May 15, 2026. US-sourced and produced ingredients are required under the Berry Amendment, and products must have GRAS status for evaluation.

While no funding is committed at this stage, interested parties can submit a preproposal to DEVCOM-SC by the deadline. The Army is looking to create lighter, nutrient-dense rations to support warfighters and explore biomanufacturing food closer to combat environments. Shelf stability and consumer acceptability are key factors in the evaluation process, with the potential for follow-on studies to further test products' shelf life and nutritional standards.