DLA Research & Development's Subsistence Network program drives manufacturing and logistics improvements across the subsistence supply chain. The program leverages emerging technologies and fosters innovation to modernize and enhance the full spectrum of subsistence operations. By engaging with industry, academia, and government partners, SUBNET aims to reduce costs, enhance food quality and safety, increase industrial base efficiency, and maximize capability to support the Warfighter, especially in contested environments. The SUBNET Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)-0004-21 focus areas are:
- Supply Chain Modernization
- Field/Garrison Feeding Solutions
- Food Quality & Safety
- Nutrition & Health
- Food Equipment
- Food Footprint
- Process Automation
- Storage & Packaging Solutions
- Food Innovations
- Surge, Contingency, &Sustainment Support
Innovation & Technology
- Solutions to improve field and garrison/installation feeding procedures and operations.
- Initiatives that reduce food waste, minimize logistics footprint, optimize storage capacity, modernize the supply chain, and reduce cost.
Strategic Initiatives
- Future R&D initiatives will focus on the challenges of subsistence in contested environments by pivoting from a total reliance on "pull-based" resupply to a hybrid "push-pull" model.
- Agile & Predictive Acquisition: Developing rapid acquisition pathways for innovative commercial solutions, such as nutritionally optimized rations with extended shelf lives (5-7+ years).
- Smart Packaging & Strategic Pre-Positioning: Co-developing next-generation intelligent packaging with embedded sensors to provide real-time data on the viability, safety, and quality of pre-positioned subsistence.
- Autonomous & Resilient Distribution: Integrating autonomous platforms (e.g., unmanned vehicles) to execute the "last tactical mile" of logistics, ensuring supplies reach dispersed units while reducing risk to personnel.
Program Challenge
The modern battlefield is defined by evolving global threats, particularly in contested logistics and anti-access/area denial environments. To ensure Warfighter readiness and lethality, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) requires a more resilient, agile, and technologically advanced Class I (Subsistence) supply chain. The SUBNET program is tasked with researching, developing, and transitioning novel technologies and processes to meet this critical need.
Benefits
- Sustain Warfighter Readiness: Transform and modernize subsistence capabilities to sustain Warfighter readiness and lethality in any environment.
- Strengthen the Industrial Base: Improve technology and innovate processes to sustain and strengthen the Defense industrial base.
- Drive Innovation: Leverage emerging technologies to solve critical logistics challenges and remain competitive.
- Enhance Partnerships: Foster collaboration across the Whole of Government, industry, and academia to deliver the best solutions.
Partners
- DLA Troop Support Subsistence
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Navy
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Marines
- U.S. Coast Guard
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Federal Drug Administration
- Meals, Ready-to-Eat Assemblers
- Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel
- Academia
- Other Industry Partners
Accomplishments & Ongoing Efforts
- Improving Subsistence Visibility through Standardized Labeling and Barcoding
- Sustainable Packaging for Operational Rations and Military Food Service
- Heating, Hydrating Combat Rations (HHYCOR) to heat and purify water for Meals Cold Weather Ration
- Robotic Automation of Food Preparation
- Deployable Unitized Group Ration (DUGR) Kitting/Assembly Platform
- Separation, Composting, Recycling and Repurposing System for Food Waste
- Extending Fresh Produce Shelf-Life
- Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) Pallet Optimization
- PFAS-Free Firefighting Foam