How to bid on chemical nutrient analysis for the Army’s Combat Feeding Division

What the Army is buying

The Army is seeking an accredited laboratory to analyze food samples for nutrient content for its Combat Feeding Division in Natick, Massachusetts. The main expected analyses are selenium, vitamin B12, and total dietary fiber; the lab must also be able to test other analytes listed in the statement of work.

The solicitation calls for in-house testing capacity, ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, and results within 14 calendar days after samples arrive. The Army estimates at least 25 samples, with no more than 25 projected to be sent at one time. The IDIQ contract has a $5,000 minimum guarantee and a $25,000 ceiling.

Deadline and award approach

The RFP was published October 16, 2026. Proposals are due October 29, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. The notice says all timely offers will be considered; plan to submit before the deadline.

The Army intends to make a single award using a lowest-price-technically-acceptable approach, considering technical capability, price, and past performance. It may award without discussions.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity suits testing laboratories that can perform the required nutrient analyses in-house, meet the accreditation requirement, and deliver reports within 14 calendar days. The relevant category is NAICS 541380, Testing Laboratories and Services.

The competition is full and open, not set aside for small businesses. Offerors must be registered in SAM to be eligible for award.

How to access and submit a proposal

Open the opportunity through the portal by clicking “View original source.” If the first click takes you to the portal homepage, click it again to go to the bid. A free account may be needed to view documents.

Submit two clearly labeled sections: Section I – Technical Proposal and Section II – Pricing Proposal. Do not include pricing information in Section I. The notice identifies the RFP as W911QY-26-R-NUTRIENT-ANALYSIS and says proposals must follow its submission instructions.

Prepare a clear, compliant response

In the technical section, explain how your in-house capability covers the listed analytes and the required turnaround. For each proposed method, state the method and its limit of quantification. If you propose a method other than a preferred method, identify it and provide its LOQ; attach a copy if it is not an industry-standard, publicly available method.

In the pricing section, show the cost per test and the proposed method with its LOQ. The notice says a cost per test may fall outside the market-research ranges in the statement of work, but the evaluation will consider technical compliance, methods and LOQs, and cost per test.

Describe how each sample set will be reported. Required report details include sample name or ID, method used, results, units of measure, limit of quantification, and date of analysis. Check that both proposal sections are complete and consistent before submitting.