MIL-STD-2073.pdf

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

The guide provides comprehensive instructions for contractors on packaging and preservation requirements found in federal solicitations and contracts, with detailed references to relevant military standards and specifications. Key standards addressed include MIL-STD-2073-1E (military packaging standard with appendices on preservation methods, containers, and quality assurance), ASTM D3951 (commercial packaging for items like depot consumption and non-mission capable supplies), and MIL-STD-129 (military marking standards). The document outlines five basic preservation methods: Method 10 (physical protection), Method 20 (preservative coating), Method 30 (waterproof protection), Method 40 (watervaporproof protection), and Method 50 (watervaporproof with desiccant). It specifies packing levels (Level A for severe conditions, Level B for moderate conditions) and provides detailed visual examples of Methods 31-33, 41-43, 44-45, 51-52, and minimal packing requirements. Additionally, the guide covers identification markings, bar coding requirements, special markings for shelf-life and hazardous materials, wood packaging material heat-treatment requirements, palletization standards per MIL-STD-147, RFID tag specifications, and inspection provisions including preservation and heat-sealed seam tests. The guide includes sample worksheets for translating packaging requirement codes and references applicable modal regulations for hazardous materials shipment.