MIL-STD-2073.pdf

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

The guide provides comprehensive instruction on military packaging and preservation standards applicable to DoD solicitations and contracts. It covers five basic preservation methods (Methods 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50) ranging from physical protection only to watervaporproof protection with desiccant. Method 10 applies physical protection through cushioning and blocking; Method 20 adds preservative coating; Methods 30 and 40 provide waterproof and watervaporproof protection respectively; and Method 50 combines watervaporproof protection with desiccant and humidity indicators. The guide details specific packing techniques for each method, including required containers, wrapping materials, and cushioning specifications. For hazardous materials, packaging must comply with Title 49 CFR for land transport, IMO/IMDG for water, ICAO/IATA for commercial air, and AFMAN 24-204_IP for military air, with markings per MIL-STD-129. Commercial packaging under ASTM D-3951 may be used for items intended for immediate use, depot consumption, or not-for-stock shipments.

The document also establishes marking requirements across identification markings, bar codes, address markings, and special markings including hazardous material labels, shelf-life information, and project codes. It references MIL-STD-2073-1E for military packaging standards and MIL-STD-129 for marking shipments and storage. Additional specifications include MIL-DTL-117 for heat-sealable bags, MIL-STD-147 for palletized unit loads, and RFID requirements per DFARS Clause 252.211-7006. The guide includes sample worksheets, packaging requirement codes, inspection provisions, and practical examples of container labeling with linear and 2D bar codes for unit, intermediate, and exterior containers destined for Defense Transportation System distribution.