SOURCES SOUGHT
A -- Preservation/Stabilization of selected Amino Acids by Encapsulation
- Notice Date
- 2/24/2014
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541712
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Contracting Office
- ACC-APG - Natick (SPS), ATTN: AMSRD-ACC-N, Natick Contracting Division (R and BaseOPS), Building 1, Kansas Street, Natick, MA 01760-5011
- ZIP Code
- 01760-5011
- Solicitation Number
- SAP02242014
- Response Due
- 3/14/2014
- Archive Date
- 4/25/2014
- Point of Contact
- Steven Streeter, 508-233-6180
- E-Mail Address
-
ACC-APG - Natick (SPS)
(steven.e.streeter4.civ@mail.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Request for information: Sources Sought/Quotes Sought NAICS Code: 541 -Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services/541712 -Research and Development in the physical, engineering, and Life Sciences Preservation/Stabilization of selected Amino Acids by Encapsulation BACKGROUND: The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC), Combat Feeding Directorate, is actively developing ration components fortified with free amino acids. Free amino acids possess less than desirable flavor profiles which can oxidize and readily react with reducing sugars in the non-enzymatic Maillard reaction to form browning products. This reaction degrades amino acids and decreases availability for absorption. Therefore, this research seeks to stabilize amino acids through encapsulation techniques, investigating viable approaches for encapsulating amino acids, acquiring and testing samples, and then down selecting for incorporation into rations. Encapsulated amino acids will be incorporated into selected ration components with storage requirements of 6 months at 100oF and 3 years at 80oF. Free amino acids such as glutamine, tyrosine and arginine are being considered for encapsulation. Potential ration components include powdered beverages (Aw ~0.3), energy bars (Aw 0.4-0.53) or other unidentified but similarly suitable specialty items. SOURCES SOUGHT: The NSRDEC is hereby soliciting information about potential sources for research and development of (1-3) encapsulation systems to preserve and stabilize the three individual amino acids mentioned above. The NSRDEC plans to issue a request for proposal for Science and Engineering Services and is hereby soliciting information about potential sources and is seeking capability statements from all interested parties. Encapsulated amino acids must meet performance requirements such as: 1) be nearly stable and functional (demonstrate less than a 10-15% loss, as shown with analytical recovery tests) at the end of the two required storage periods, 2) the encapsulate must breakdown in the body for adequate absorption of amino acids within the GI tract (as shown using in vitro digestion model/analytical recovery tests), and 3) sensory characteristics such as, color, flavor and texture must be acceptable within a food matrix during the storage period. A specific example, would be, that the encapsulated amino acids have acceptable mouth-feel/texture characteristics while providing the necessary protection for long term storage. For established or proven encapsulation systems please provide a description of materials, processes, functionality/properties and successful applications. For untested ideas please provide proposed materials, processes and expected functionality/properties and applications. The level of technical risk, level of experience and previous success will be taken into consideration. Qualified vendors shall demonstrate experience and capability in performing encapsulation techniques required for the aforementioned amino acids. They shall have all required equipment (must be processed under food grade conditions) to successfully encapsulate chosen amino acids. QUOTES SOUGHT: To summarize, the project will most likely involve several small test batches to determine optimal coating levels and types followed by 1-3 larger productions for more involved product R&D and storage studies to determine if the items meet military shelf life requirements. For established or proven encapsulation systems please provide a quote for producing several small ( less than 5 lbs.) batches for analysis and pre-testing, and a quote for producing larger ( greater than 10 lbs.) batch(es) for ration development. For unproven ideas please provide an estimated cost for each individual amino acid test production. ______________________________________________________________________________ The North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) for this is notice is 541712, Other Research and Development in Physical Engineering, and Life Sciences (Except Biotechnology) with a size standard of 500 employees. For any anticipated subcontractors, provide an estimate of the percentage of subcontractor efforts anticipated. The Government will retain comments and information received in response to this notice. Proprietary information should be identified as Company Proprietary. Any information provided to the U.S. Government in response to this sources sought notice is for planning purposes only. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government nor will the Government pay for any information solicited. No solicitation document exists nor is a solicitation guaranteed to be issued as a result of this notice. All written responses to this notice must be received by close of business on March 14, 2014. Please address responses to Danielle Anderson at danielle.j.anderson.civ@mail.mil and Dr. Karen R. Conca at karen.r.conca.civ@mail.mil.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/452799680b1d9ffccaa5be87f7f16d9f)
- Place of Performance
- Address: ACC-APG - Natick (SPS) ATTN: AMSRD-ACC-N, Natick Contracting Division (R and BaseOPS), Building 1, Kansas Street Natick MA
- Zip Code: 01760-5011
- Zip Code: 01760-5011
- Record
- SN03295576-W 20140226/140224235004-452799680b1d9ffccaa5be87f7f16d9f (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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