MIL-STD-2073.pdf

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

The guide provides comprehensive instructions on military packaging standards, preservation methods, and marking requirements applicable to DoD contracts. Key packaging standards referenced include MIL-STD-2073-1E for military packaging, ASTM D-3951 for commercial packaging, and modal 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). It includes specific technical illustrations and requirements for Methods 31-52, explaining container types, cushioning materials, wrapping specifications, and heat-sealing procedures. The guide covers packaging requirement codes (PRC), marking standards per MIL-STD-129, identification markings, bar code applications, address markings using Military Shipping Labels (MSL), and special markings for hazardous materials, shelf-life items, fragile goods, and electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive devices. Additional requirements address Wood Packaging Material (WPM) heat-treatment marking, RFID tag specifications, palletization per MIL-STD-147, quality assurance inspection provisions, and visual examination procedures for preservation and packing compliance. The document serves as an educational resource rather than a contractually binding requirement.