Food Adv Development
This project provides for the advanced component development and prototyping of Joint Service combat ration components/platforms and field feeding equipment designed to improve warfighter performance and reduce the logistics burden of subsistence support. Efforts funded in this project support all four Services, the Special Operations Command, and the Defense Logistics Agency. The Army serves as the Executive Agent for this Department of War (DoW) program, with oversight and coordination provided by the DoW Combat Feeding Research and Engineering Board as required by DoD Directive (DoDD) 3235.02E. Centralized execution of the DoW Combat Feeding Research and Engineering Program (CFREP) with Joint Service review and approval eliminates unnecessary duplication of efforts across the Services and maximizes use of common materiel solutions. Prototypes validated within this effort transition to Army Program Element 0604713A (Combat Feeding, Clothing and Equipment) / project 548 (Mil Subsistence Sys) for System Development and Demonstration. Work in this project is performed by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Soldier Center (SC).
FY2027 planned work Evaluate and integrate innovations and Commercial Off The Shelf Non-Developmental Item (COTS/NDI) candidate items into operational ration platforms; will conduct Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) on new menu components, including shelf-stable, lightweight breakfast options within (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) MRE 50; will modernize the United Group Ration-Heat & Serve/Express (UGR H&S/E) with improved components and nutritional content; will perform demonstration and validation of foodservice sanitation technologies, in support of reduced costs and logistical footprint.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Increase due to changes based on an increase of RDT&E activities to support ration development, in FY27 the funding towards ration development was increased due to higher required developmental test and evaluation costs associated with the MRE, CCAR, and UGR H&S/E.
FY2026 plans — current year Will validate and integrate S&T innovations and Commercial Off The Shelf Non-Developmental Item (COTS/NDI) candidate items into operational ration platforms; Will conduct Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) on new menu components within (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) MRE 49; Will perform developmental studies for use of proven non-foil based packaging technologies within operations ration systems; Will conduct accelerated storage to verify shelf life, and evaluate Warfighter acceptability; Will conduct market research on new components for all Modular Operational Ration Enhancement (MORE) Pack designs and identify new components for IOT&E.
FY2025 accomplishments Validated and integrated S&T innovations and Commercial Off The Shelf Non-Developmental Item (COTS/NDI) candidate items into operational ration platforms; identified alternate products for discontinued commercial products in the Modular Operational Ration Enhancement (MORE) Performance Pack; performed MORE component testing to support muscle recovery; conducted accelerated storage to verify shelf life, and evaluated Warfighter acceptability; performed Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) to establish baseline menus to meet religious menu requirements in arctic environments.
FY2027 planned work Will optimize menus and galley techniques through the Navy Standard Core Menu (NSCM) continuous product improvement effort, to improve acceptance and reduce labor for the Navy ship and shore galleys, reducing reliance on refrigerated equipment assets, by maximizing ingredient versatility through innovative menu development strategically aligned with the master load list to enhance logistical efficiency and increase vessel endurance; will begin DT&E for expeditionary modular combat feeding platforms for future Marine Corps forces supporting Expeditionary Advance Base Operations (EABO) initiatives and compile test reports for customer review and system down select.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Decrease due to changes based on a decrease in RDT&E activities to support field feeding equipment, in FY27 the funding towards field feeding development was decreased due to higher required developmental test and evaluation costs associated with the ration development
FY2026 plans — current year Will procure and integrate components into a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) trailer-based field feeding prototype for USMC Expeditionary Advance Base Operations (EABO) initiatives, incorporating true multi-fuel capability, man-transportability, power independence, and the capability to feed at the company level; Will complete the fabrication of modular, scalable field feeding platforms in support of USMC EABO, will conduct Contractor Testing, Developmental Testing, and begin Limited User Evaluations; Will initiate validation and re-assessment of life cycle expectancy for Navy Food Service Equipment items and provide overall phased replacement schedules; Will develop and test…
FY2025 accomplishments Conducted DT&E to modernize fleet-wide foodservice operations aboard submarines, by optimizing refrigeration/storage, modernizing foodservice equipment assets, and reducing Sailor workload; initiate prototype fabrication of modular, scalable field feeding platforms in support of USMC Expeditionary Advance Base Operations (EABO), addressing the needs of platoon through battalion field feeding requirements; delivered standardized Food Service Management (FSM) ready menu items in support of Navy Standard Core Menu (NSCM).