MIL-STD-2073.pdf

This is an informational guide published by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) in March 2014 that provides comprehensive instruction on packaging and marking requirements for Department of Defense contracts and solicitations. The guide is not officially adopted by DoD but serves as a familiarization resource for contractors and procurement personnel.

The guide details packaging requirements located across multiple contract sections (A through J), with primary focus on Section D (Packaging & Marking). Key standards addressed include ASTM D-3951 for commercial packaging, MIL-STD-2073-1E for military packaging, and hazardous materials regulations (Title 49 CFR for land transport, IMO/IMDG for water, ICAO/IATA for commercial air, and AFMAN 24-204_IP for military air). The document provides detailed descriptions of five basic military preservation methods (Method 10 through Method 50), each with specific applications ranging from physical protection only to watervaporproof protection with desiccant. Military packing levels are categorized as Level A (severe worldwide conditions) and Level B (moderate conditions), with minimal packing options available for domestic commercial distribution. The guide includes extensive information on packaging requirement codes (PRC), marking standards per MIL-STD-129, special markings for shelf-life and hazardous materials, palletization per MIL-STD-147, heat-treated wood packaging material requirements, RFID tag specifications per DFARS 252.211-7006, quality assurance provisions, and inspection procedures for preservation and packing compliance. Examples of unit pack labels, exterior container markings, military shipping labels, and special handling markings are provided throughout to illustrate proper application of requirements.