Packaging and Marking Guide for DoD

This document is an informational guide prepared by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) to assist contractors with packaging and marking requirements for Department of Defense contracts and solicitations. The guide is not officially adopted by DoD and serves instructional purposes only, derived from current government packaging documents, pamphlets, and technical manuals.

The guide addresses packaging requirements typically found in contract sections including Solicitation/Contract Form (Section A), Supplies & Services (Section B), Description/Specs/Statement of Work (Section C), Packaging & Marking (Section D), Inspection & Acceptance (Section E), Deliveries or Performance (Section F), Contract Clauses (Section I), and Attachments (Section J). Key standards referenced include MIL-STD-2073-1E for military packaging, ASTM D3951 for commercial packaging, MIL-STD-129 for military marking, and MIL-DTL-117 for heat-sealable bags. The document provides detailed guidance on five basic preservation methods (Methods 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50), two military packing levels (Level A for severe conditions and Level B for moderate conditions), and minimal packing options when logistics paths indicate lower environmental exposure. Special attention is given to hazardous materials packaging requirements under Title 49 CFR (land), IMO/IMDG (water), ICAO/IATA (commercial air), and AFMAN 24-204_IP (military air). The guide includes specific instructions for marking identification, bar codes, addresses, and special handling designations, along with quality assurance provisions for preservation and packing inspections per MIL-STD-2073-1E Appendix G.