# R&D Subsistence Network

/ Published July 26, 2023

                Subsistence Network                            Subsistence Network                            Subsistence Network information paper            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Amber McSherryVIRIN: 200924-D-HW629-074

DLA Research & Development's Subsistence Network program is an industrial preparedness manufacturing technology program that promotes manufacturing and logistics improvements in the subsistence supply chain. The SUBNET program focuses on leveraging the latest technologies, encouraging innovation and modernization to maximize capability and capacity in subsistence. The goals of SUBNET projects include reducing costs, enhancing quality, increasing efficiencies, and improving surge demand capabilities. The SUBNET Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)-0004-21 focus areas are:

**Field Feeding Solutions**​      **Combat Rations**​      **Food Safety & Defense**​     **Nutrition & Health      Food Equipment**

**Food Footprint**​      **Garrison Feeding      Storage Packaging Solutions      Food Innovations      Surge & Sustainment Support**

## Innovation & Technology

      - Identification of solutions that improve current field feeding procedures and operations
      - Development of initiatives that reduce food waste, reduce size, optimize storage capacity, and reduce cost such as lowering current food footprint levels
      - Conducting projects supporting quality and process improvements of operational rations, in subsistence products, processes, or equipment

## Strategic Thrusts

      - Deployable Group Rations (DGR) Platform for Unitized Group Ration (UGR)
      - Improving Subsistence Visibility by Enhancing Automated Receiving and Ordering
      - Automation Robotics in Dining Facilities

## Program Challenge

The SUBNET program must stay abreast of current and emerging trends, technological advancements, and innovations in the subsistence supply chain to be viable to the warfighters in the future. This includes improving subsistence processes and products; and researching, identifying, developing, and testing low-risk, high-impact technologies; and transitioning improved technologies and processes into the subsistence supply chain.

## Benefits

      - Transform and modernize subsistence capabilities to sustain warfighter readiness and lethality
      - Improve technology and innovate processes to sustain the industrial base
      - Leverage emerging technologies in order to remain competitive and better serve our customers long term

## Partners

      - DLA Troop Support Subsistence
      - Military Services
      - U.S. Coast Guard
      - U.S. Department of Agriculture
      - Meals Ready to Eat Assemblers
      - Joint Defense Manufacturing Panel
      - Academia

## Accomplishments & Ongoing Efforts

      - Identification of Critical Performance Properties for Barrier Materials in Hot Sauce Packaging for MREs
      - Biodegradable Cellulosic Bio-Polymer to replace plastics for Military Food Packaging and Food Service
      - Modernization and Readiness Analysis of Joint Food Management Systems(JFMS) Piloting Phase
      - Novel Radio Frequency Sterilization processing to improve the quality of rations for the warfighter
      - Heating, Hydrating Combat Rations (HHYCOR) to heat and purify water for Meal Cold Weather rations
      - Examine the origin of PFAS Compounds in Packing Material used to assemble MREs with the suppliers
      - Separation, Composting, Recycling and Repurposing System to recycle or repurpose plastics waste

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