U.S. ARMY SOLDIER SYSTEMS COMMAND, ACQUISITION DIRECTORATE, ATTN AMSSC-AD, NATICK MA 01760-5011

R -- BARRIER POST-COATING OF FOOD PACKAGES SOL DAAK60-96-R-9039 DUE 102596 POC Contract Specialist RITA M. MURPHY (508) 233-5029 (Site Code DAAK60) The U.S. Army Soldier Systems Command (SSCOM), Acquisition Directorate, intends to award a two phase contract to develop a post-coating system which will allow commercially prepared and packaged food items with limited inherent shelf life to be spray or otherwise coated with an agent to increase the package's barrier properties so as to achieve the military required three year shelf life. Development of such a system will promote the increased use of commercially packaged foods in military rations, thus reducing the cost of procuring ration components in specialty packages, and maximizing the acceptance of rations to Soldiers. Under Phase I (6 months) the contractor shall refine/develop a suitable post-coat material and technique for application onto packaged items and fabricate and deliver fifty (50) each of two preliminary prototype barrier post-coated commercial food packages (to be selected by the Government) and similar uncoated controls to the Government. Under Phase II (2 months) 500 each of three post-coated food packages (to be selected by the Government) and an equivalent number of uncoated controls, shall be delivered to the Government. Government-furnished property (Meals Ready to Eat (MRE)) will be furnished for use under Phase II. Technical data will be required. Delivery will be F.O.B. destination Natick, MA. Firms desiring a copy of the solicitation package must submit their request in writing, facsimile (508) 233-5286, or by E-Mail rmurphy@natick-emh2.army.mil. Firms responding shall indicate whether or not they are a small or small disadvantaged business concern on their response hereto. The size standard for small business is 500 employees.(0255)

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