MIL-STD-2073.pdf

This is an informational guide on packaging and marking requirements for Department of Defense (DoD) contracts, published by the Defense Contract Management Agency in March 2014.

The guide provides comprehensive instruction on military packaging standards, preservation methods, and marking requirements applicable to DoD solicitations and contracts. Key packaging standards referenced include MIL-STD-2073-1E (military packaging), ASTM D-3951 (commercial packaging), and hazardous materials regulations (Title 49 CFR for land, IMO/IMDG for water, ICAO/IATA for commercial air, and AFMAN 24-204_IP for military air). The document details five basic military preservation methods: Method 10 (physical protection), Method 20 (preservative coating), Method 30 (waterproof protection), Method 40 (watervaporproof protection), and Method 50 (watervaporproof with desiccant). Military packing levels are classified as Level A (severe worldwide conditions) and Level B (moderate conditions), with specific container and material requirements for each. The guide covers packaging requirement codes (PRC) used in contracts, unit pack dimensions, cushioning specifications, container types, and identification marking standards. Special markings requirements address shelf-life, project codes, fragile items, Method 50 labels, expedited handling, hazardous materials labels, heat-treated wood packaging material compliance, palletization standards per MIL-STD-147, RFID tag application, and Military Shipping Label (MSL) requirements. Quality assurance provisions include preservation inspections, leakage testing, and heat-sealed seam tests per MIL-STD-3010. The document includes sample worksheets, packaging code lookup tools, and references to applicable military standards and ASTM specifications.