PHILADELPHIA –
Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Subsistence has awarded an $871 million contract to support warfighters in the Indo-Pacific Command, including Australia.
Coastal Pacific Food Distributors, who are based in Stockton, Calif. was awarded the five-year contract on Sept. 26. In addition to Australia, the contract supports U.S. military personnel stationed in Japan, Singapore, the Philippines and Diego Garcia, an island in the Indian Ocean.
According to the contracting team, the process to support Australia took approximately five years due to world events, the COVID pandemic and import restrictions for the continent.
“This was our first time solicitating this area, and we encountered some challenges and lessons learned that we would know for future acquisitions,” said Contracting Officer Meghan Freda. “We had to get a Domestic Non-Availability Determination drafted approved and put in place to be able to import chicken and beef into Australia, and it was a learning experience for the entire team.”
The contract will include establishing two warehouses to support the increase in stock requirements: one in Darwin and the second in Brisbane.
“It is important to note the amount of work that goes into the evaluation of proposals and documenting the award decision to ensure the contracting team is making a best value award that will fully support customer requirements,” said Division Chief Sean Gemmell. “The addition of Subsistence Prime Vendor warehouses in Australia is a historical first that will strengthen Agency global resilience in support of the warfighter.”
Warfighters in that region will see reduced order lead time and increase stock requirements that will reduce supply chain risk and ensure we are better postured to support surges in demand.
Before, the process took up to 14 days for smaller ships and 45 days for larger vessels. Now, smaller ships will get their food in about a week, and large vessels will get theirs in about 30 days.
“The warfighter will continue to have superior Class I support in this area of responsibility for the foreseeable future,” said Freda. “Japan is the largest contract our team manages, with the most platforms and customers to support. Japan is a main location for all customers especially the Navy, that we strive to support to the fullest.”
Japan, Singapore, Philippines and Diego Garcia platforms will reach Full Operational Capability by the end of January 2026, Freda added. Australia will reach it by the end of March 2026.
“Working on the Japan, Singapore, Philippines, Australia acquisition was an extremely rewarding experience,” added Source Selection Advisory Counsel Jacob Slotnick. “It was a privilege to be part of establishing such an important Subsistence Prime Vendor support structure.”
“Being on this team has been a rewarding experience not only because we get to support our warfighters and their mission, but also because we get to learn every day from unique and challenging experiences.” said Contract Specialist Megan Mcgonigle.
In the coming weeks, Subsistence will host a face-to-face Post Award Conference with Coastal Pacific Food Distributors in Philadelphia. Additionally, Subsistence has scheduled site visits to Japan and Australia in March 2026. The visiting team will focus on the validation and operational readiness of Coastal Pacific Food Distributors’ Australian warehouses. The plan is to engage directly with regional customers, identify and resolve any issues related to the new location and contract.