ONHS Report: SP4701-26-B-0003

Subnet BAA

Solicitation ID: SP4701-26-B-0003

Agency: DLA/SUBNET

Type: Solicitation

Deadline: 2031-07-14T17:00:00 ET

Eligibility: Yes (Unrestricted)

Funding: Up to $35 million ceiling for 5 years

Doc Type: BAA

Clearance: CUI

Program Manager: Andrea.Nicolucci@dla.mil

Last Updated: 2026-07-14 16:03

Analyzed File: SUBNET BAA 2026_Version8_2026 clean - Copy.pdf

Eligibility Reasoning

This is an unrestricted acquisition. All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government’s needs may submit a white paper, which will be considered by DLA.

Note: This is an AI-generated summary...

Summary

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) seeks Research and Development (R&D) proposals for its Subsistence Network (SUBNET) program under BAA SP4701-26-B-0003, with a total planned ceiling of $35 million over five years (FY2026-2030). The program's primary focus is the 'Advanced Logistics Initiative for Contested Environments' (ALICE), aimed at enhancing the Class I (subsistence) supply chain. The BAA is structured around three core pillars: 1) Agile & Predictive Acquisition for novel, long-shelf-life rations (5-7+ years); 2) Smart Packaging & Strategic Pre-Positioning using intelligent packaging with embedded sensors for real-time quality and location monitoring; and 3) Autonomous & Resilient Distribution for last-mile delivery using unmanned platforms. Other areas of interest include robotics in ration assembly, AI-driven supply chain optimization, sustainable food production, additive manufacturing for food, and enhanced food safety. The acquisition process is a two-stage approach, starting with a mandatory Stage I Feasibility Study (up to 12 months), followed by an invitation-only Stage II for prototype/conceptual solution development (up to 24 months). Initial submissions are made via a 6-page white paper.

Overall Technical Areas

Food Preservation TechnologyNutritional Science & OptimizationSmart Packaging & SensorsAdvanced Packaging MaterialsAutonomous Logistics SystemsRobotics and AutomationAI/ML for Supply ChainsFood Additive ManufacturingSustainable Food ProductionCircular Economy SystemsFood Safety & DefenseField Feeding EquipmentWater Security TechnologyEmbedded Sensor Systems

Probable LBNL Areas

BSACSAETAPSA

Focus Areas

Example Priorities:

Develop rapid acquisition pathways for innovative commercial solutions, such as nutritionally optimized, vacuum-sealed, freeze-dried, and/or ultra-high-temperature (UHT) processed rations with shelf lives exceeding 5-7 years.
Innovations in individual or group rations, including packaged, pre-cooked, shelf-stable food items or unitized group modules.
Research into eco-friendly production methods, such as vertical farming, plant-based protein alternatives, or lab-grown nutrients, to reduce environmental impact and ensure sustainable sourcing for military rations.
Exploration of 3D food printing technologies to produce customized, nutrient-dense rations on-demand in field environments, reducing logistical footprints and enabling tailored nutrition.
Advancements increasing nutritional value and accessibility of healthy food options for troops in field or garrison settings.

Specific Technical Skills:

Food ScienceNutrition ScienceFood Processing TechnologyAdditive ManufacturingSustainable AgricultureBiotechnologyAcquisition LogisticsMaterials ScienceShelf-Life ExtensionFood Engineering

Potential PIs for this Area:

Name	Score	Organization
Tyler Backman	0.72	BSA \| Biological Systems & Engineering \| Process Engr & Analytics
Ramkrishna Singh	0.72	BSA \| Biological Systems & Engineering \| Process Engr & Analytics
Ning Sun	0.70	BSA \| Biological Systems & Engineering \| Process Engr & Analytics
Deepanwita Banerjee	0.70	BSA \| Biological Systems & Engineering \| Department of BioEngineering and BioMedical Sciences
Matthew Hamilton	0.69	BSA \| DOE Joint Genome Institute \| JGI Technology Dept
Manasa Gadde	0.69	BSA \| Biological Systems & Engineering \| Department of BioEngineering and BioMedical Sciences
Daniel Udwary	0.69	BSA \| DOE Joint Genome Institute \| Data Science & Informatics
Eric Hoek	0.69	ETA \| ESDR \| Energy Storage & Dist Dpt
Deepti Tanjore	0.69	BSA \| Biological Systems & Engineering \| Process Engr & Analytics
Thomas Schutzius	0.68	ETA \| ESDR \| Energy Storage & Dist Dpt

Example Priorities:

R&D efforts will focus on acquiring and co-developing next-generation packaging that is not only durable but also intelligent.
Packaging with embedded real-time tracking capability, environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, shock), chemical indicators that provide real-time data on the viability, safety, and quality of the food items.
Development of intelligent packaging with embedded sensors or IoT-enabled devices to monitor food quality, freshness, and safety in real-time during storage and transport, enhancing traceability and reducing spoilage.
Improvements in materials or packaging to extend shelf life or enhance food quality.
Risk assessment, prevention, and monitoring to protect the food supply from incidental or intentional contamination.

Specific Technical Skills:

IoT/Embedded SystemsSensor DevelopmentPackaging EngineeringMaterials ScienceFood Safety and DefenseData AnalyticsCybersecuritySupply Chain ManagementChemical EngineeringCondition Monitoring

Potential PIs for this Area:

Name	Score	Organization
Dre Helmns	0.71	ETA \| Building Tech. & Urban Sys.
Tyler Backman	0.71	BSA \| Biological Systems & Engineering \| Process Engr & Analytics
Aditi Krishnapriyan	0.70	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science
Ramkrishna Singh	0.70	BSA \| Biological Systems & Engineering \| Process Engr & Analytics
Deepanwita Banerjee	0.70	BSA \| Biological Systems & Engineering \| Department of BioEngineering and BioMedical Sciences
Eric Hoek	0.70	ETA \| ESDR \| Energy Storage & Dist Dpt
Daniel Udwary	0.70	BSA \| DOE Joint Genome Institute \| Data Science & Informatics
Amy Herr	0.70	BSA \| Biological Systems & Engineering \| Process Engr & Analytics
Deepti Tanjore	0.70	BSA \| Biological Systems & Engineering \| Process Engr & Analytics
Yuan Gao	0.70	ETA \| Building Tech. & Urban Sys. \| Bldg Technologies Dept

Example Priorities:

Development and integration of logistics systems for moving pre-positioned Class I assets from secure caches to dispersed units using autonomous platforms (e.g., unmanned ground vehicles, cargo drones).
Integration of autonomous vehicles, drones, or robotic systems for last-mile delivery of subsistence supplies to remote or contested areas, improving speed and reducing logistical risks.
Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict demand, optimize inventory, and streamline distribution processes in the subsistence supply chain, enhancing responsiveness and efficiency.
Applying robotics to the complex task of assembling individual and group rations, such as MREs and Unitized Group Rations (UGRs) to enhance speed, accuracy, and safety in the ration assembly process.

Specific Technical Skills:

RoboticsAutonomous SystemsAI/Machine LearningUnmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV)Logistics OptimizationSystems IntegrationMechatronicsSupply Chain AutomationPredictive Analytics

Potential PIs for this Area:

Name	Score	Organization
Omer Savas	0.70	PSA \| Engineering \| Engineering Division Office
Randy Louie	0.70	BSA \| Biological Systems & Engineering \| Biodesign Dept
Kameshwar Poolla	0.69	ETA \| ESDR \| Energy Storage & Dist Dpt
Changho Kim	0.68	CSA \| AMCR \| Applied Mathematics
Dre Helmns	0.68	ETA \| Building Tech. & Urban Sys.
Scott Moura	0.68	ETA \| ESDR \| Energy Storage & Dist Dpt
Douglas Black	0.68	ETA \| ESDR \| Energy Storage & Dist Dpt
Scott Moura	0.68	ETA \| ESDR \| Energy Storage & Dist Dpt
Bin Wang	0.68	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis
Cristian Poliziani	0.68	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis

Example Priorities:

Solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from food production, processing, transportation, storage, cooking, and disposal, including waste reduction, storage optimization, and lowering costs.
Technology-based solutions improving energy efficiency, mobility, maintainability, or usability of field feeding equipment.
Systems to enhance efficiencies and reduce production and transportation lead times for feeding troops in training or combat.
Innovations in production to increase output and support Warfighters during surge events.
Technology innovations in bottled water or hydration alternatives.

Specific Technical Skills:

Circular Economy PrinciplesLife Cycle AssessmentSystems EngineeringEnergy SystemsIndustrial EngineeringProcess OptimizationWaste ManagementWater SecurityManufacturing EngineeringSustainable Operations

Potential PIs for this Area:

Name	Score	Organization
Sabbie Miller	0.73	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis
Nihan Karali	0.73	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis
Peng Peng	0.72	ETA \| Energy Analysis & Env. Impacts \| Sustainable Energy Dept
Unique Karki	0.72	ETA \| Building Tech. & Urban Sys. \| Bldg & Industrial App Dpt
Tao Dai	0.71	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis
Joshua Apte	0.71	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis
Oluwamayowa Amusat	0.71	CSA \| SciData \| Data Science Applications
Helcio Blum	0.71	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Energy Efficiency Studies
Eric Masanet	0.71	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis
Prakash Rao	0.71	ETA \| Building Tech. & Urban Sys. \| Bldg & Industrial App Dpt

Potential LBNL PIs (Overall)

Note on PI Matching: These suggestions are generated through an AI-driven semantic analysis of LBNL staff profiles.

Name	Score	Organization
Nihan Karali	0.77	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis · Circular Economy Systems
Amelie Gaudin	0.76	BSA \| Env. Genomics & Sys. Biology \| Molecular Ecosystems Bio · Sustainable Food Production
Prabal Dutta	0.75	ETA \| Building Tech. & Urban Sys. \| Bldg Technologies Dept · Embedded Sensor Systems
Thomas Hendrickson	0.75	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis · AI/ML for Supply Chains
Abigayle Hodson	0.75	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis · Water Security Technology
Zakaria Al Balushi	0.75	ESA \| MSD \| Material Physics · Advanced Packaging Materials
Eric Masanet	0.74	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis · Robotics and Automation
Minliang Yang	0.74	ETA \| Energy Analysis \| Systems & Energy Tech Analysis · Field Feeding Equipment
Ramkrishna Singh	0.73	BSA \| Biological Systems & Engineering \| Process Engr & Analytics · Food Additive Manufacturing
Dongwoo Paeng	0.73	ETA \| ESDR \| Energy Storage & Dist Dpt · Smart Packaging & Sensors

Fundamental Research Exemption (FRE)

Critical technology means– (1) Defense articles or defense services included on the United States Munitions List set forth in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations under subchapter M of chapter I of title 22, Code of Federal Regulations; (2) Items included on the Commerce Control List set forth in Supplement No. 1 to part 774 of the Export Administration Regulations under subchapter C of chapter VII of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, and controlled-