MIL-STD-2073.pdf

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

The guide provides comprehensive guidance on military packaging standards, preservation methods, and marking requirements applicable to DoD contracts. Key packaging standards include MIL-STD-2073-1E for military packaging, ASTM D-3951 for commercial packaging, and MIL-STD-129 for marking and labeling. The document outlines five basic military preservation methods: Method 10 (physical protection), Method 20 (preservative coating only), Method 30 (waterproof protection), Method 40 (watervaporproof protection), and Method 50 (watervaporproof protection with desiccant). Specific packaging methods (31–52) are detailed with visual examples showing required preservation, wrapping, cushioning, and container configurations for different environmental conditions and operational requirements. The guide specifies that hazardous materials must be packaged per modal regulations: Title 49 CFR for land transport, IMO/IMDG for water, ICAO/IATA for commercial air, and AFMAN 24-204_IP for military air. Packaging requirements are typically located in various contract sections including the Statement of Work, Supplies & Services section, and attachments. The document includes packaging requirement codes (PRC) used in contracts, marking standards (identification, bar codes, address, and special markings), sample worksheets, inspection provisions, and references to applicable military standards and ASTM specifications. Quality assurance provisions require visual preservation examinations, leakage tests, and heat-sealed seam testing. Special markings requirements cover shelf-life, project codes, fragile/delicate items, Method 50 indicators, expedited handling, and hazardous materials labeling, including DOT requirements and RFID tag specifications for certain shipments.