MIL-STD-2073.pdf

This is an informational guide prepared by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) regarding packaging and marking requirements for Department of Defense contracts and solicitations. It is not an officially adopted DoD policy document but serves as an instructional resource for familiarization purposes only.

The guide provides comprehensive guidance on military packaging standards, preservation methods, and marking requirements applicable to federal defense contracts. Key specifications covered include MIL-STD-2073-1E (Standard Practice for Military Packaging with Change 1 dated January 7, 2011), which addresses military preservation and packing for items requiring protection during shipment and storage. The standard outlines five basic preservation methods: Method 10 (Physical Protection), Method 20 (Preservative Coating Only), Method 30 (Waterproof Protection), Method 40 (Watervaporproof Protection), and Method 50 (Watervaporproof Protection with Desiccant). The guide details Level A and Level B packing requirements, with Level A providing protection for severe worldwide conditions and Level B for moderate conditions. Additionally, it specifies requirements for hazardous materials packaging in accordance with Title 49 CFR, IMO/IMDG, ICAO/IATA, and AFMAN 24-204 regulations. The document includes detailed illustrations of various packing methods (Methods 31-52), packaging code requirements per MIL-STD-207331E(1), quality assurance provisions, inspection procedures, and marking standards including identification markings, bar codes, address markings, and special markings for shelf-life, project codes, fragile items, expedited handling, and hazardous materials. References to key specifications such as MIL-STD-129 (Military Marking for Shipments), MIL-DTL-117 (Heat-Sealable Bags), and ASTM D3951 (Commercial Packaging) are provided throughout.