R&DA is a non-profit organization for coordinating research and development activities in food, food service, foodservice equipment and packaging systems between agencies, academic institutions and private industry.

R&DA MISSION

The mission of the Research and Development Associates for Military Food and Packaging is to Provide the safest and highest quality food and food service to the U.S. Armed Forces. R&DA serves as a focal point to foster communications and cooperation relating to research and development, supply and procurement of food, packaging, foodservice equipment and food service/feeding systems between private industry, government, academic institutions, consultants and technical/trade/professional associations. In pursuit of this mission it shall:

1. Publish and distribute selected pertinent studies and information.

2. Serve as a forum for maintaining effective communications between its membership and appropriate agencies of the U.S. federal, state, municipal and foreign governments.

3. Assist in the development and maintenance of a mobilization base that will, in the event of an emergency, utilize food, packaging, food service and foodservice equipment, R&D, and manufacturing resources in the most effective manner.

4. Assist in programs of study covering food, packaging, food service, foods service equipment and feeding systems, R&D, problems and technology transfer and commercialization programs.

5. Assist Natick in developing communications with private industry in the development of cooperative R&D, standards, and commercialization programs.

6. Assist appropriate federal, state, and local government agencies in developing effective procurement programs, yielding the highest quality food, packaging, foodservice equipment, food service and feeding systems.

7. Monitor the food and feeding requirements of the U.S. Armed Forces and match them with the capabilities of industry and promote the coordination of available research and development information to prevent costly duplication.

R&DA is a nonprofit professional association linking industry, academia, and the federal government in coordinating research and development activities in the areas of food, food packaging, food service operations and equipment. Since 1946 R&DA has maintained a continuous and effective working relationship with U.S. Government personnel who are responsible for the supply procurement, quality and adequacy of food, containers, equipment and related food items. R&DA has been recognized by the government on numerous occasions for its service and contributions to the national defense. R&DA is the ideal association for marketing, technical, government, academia, prime vendor, quality, packaging, and related personnel.

At the onset of World War II, rations to support our soldiers in combat were urgently needed by the federal government. The military services were not current with the capabilities of industry nor was industry aware of the requirements of the military in the food areas. As a result, the procurement and delivery of food and containers was often insufficient and adversely affected the soldier and the war effort. In 1946, with the intent to prevent recurrence of this situation, Colonel Rohland A. Isker formed R&DA. With the full cooperation of the military and industry, R&DA grew to be the major force it is today. R&DA members share a proud heritage of assisting the United States in a meaningful manner.

Introduces its members to key personnel of the federal government concerned with food, and related areas.

Advises members on the most effective methods to bring their products and services to the attention of the government.

Ensures that members are up to date on research projects, government requirements, and information that may affect industry, academia, and the government.

Provides to members R&DA=s newsletter, scholarly publications, and periodic information on an annual basis.

Includes attendees from major and small industrial firms, university, and college professors knowledgeable in the subsistence arena, and representatives from all military services, Department of Defense and various regulatory agencies.

Provide you an opportunity to compete for the twenty billion dollar government food purchases.

Assist you in coordinating your R&DA activities with those of the Department of Defense.

Enable you to comment on proposed government specifications in our area of expertise.

Allow you to publish and to present information and studies to the representatives of government, academia, and industry.

Give you the opportunity to make a difference in the direction the government will take in its future activities.