MIL-STD-2073.pdf

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

The guide provides comprehensive guidance on military packaging and preservation standards applicable to DoD solicitations and contracts. It covers five basic preservation methods (Method 10 through Method 50) that range from physical protection only to watervaporproof protection with desiccant, each with specific applications based on item type and shipment conditions. Key standards referenced include MIL-STD-2073-1E for military packaging, MIL-STD-129 for marking and identification, ASTM D-3951 for commercial packaging, and various container specifications. The document details packaging requirement codes (PRCs) used in contracts, including quantity per unit pack (QUP), intermediate container quantity (ICQ), cleaning and drying procedures, preservative materials, wrap materials, cushioning specifications, and container types. It addresses hazardous materials packaging requirements under Title 49 CFR, IMO/IMDG, ICAO/IATA, and AFMAN 24-204_IP standards. Additionally, the guide specifies marking requirements for unit packs, intermediate containers, and exterior shipping containers, including identification markings, bar codes, address markings using Military Shipping Labels (MSL), and special markings for shelf-life, project codes, fragile items, Method 50 packaging, expedited handling, and hazardous materials. The document includes sample worksheets, packaging code lookup tools, quality assurance inspection provisions, and references to relevant military standards and ASTM specifications for compliance with DoD packaging obligations.