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The U.S. Army has launched the Dining Excellence Initiative (DINEX) to modernize food service operations at training installations. This initiative, a collaboration between the Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) and the Army Sustainment Command (ASC), aims to leverage commercial innovation to provide Soldiers with healthy and convenient food options.

The initiative is essential for supporting the well-being and performance of Soldiers during training. The MICC will manage DINEX through a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) awarded as an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), facilitating collaboration with industry partners.

Initial prototypes will be tested at Fort Lee, Virginia, and Fort Rucker, Alabama. A draft CSO was issued on December 11, 2025, with feedback due by January 12, 2026, and a final CSO expected around January 26, 2026.