As promised, it is time to learn which abbreviations correlate to which entry fields on the websites provided by ALI and Leido’s.
If you missed the blog post about the super easy and time-saving sites used to decipher the MIL-STD-2073 codes, then I would suggest you read that blog post first. You may find it here: Do you need help deciphering your MIL-STD-2073 codes?
Depending on which agency you are supplying, the MIL-STD-2073 codes may be shown in a different format in the purchase order then what you see here, but the abbreviations will still apply.
This is an example of how the MIL-STD-2073 codes show in a US Navy order:
What you see here in the first line is the “1HM” COG (Cognizant Symbol) code and the 13 digit NSN number “5330-XX-XXX-7703”.
The second line lists out the item’s nomenclature (i.e. name), which here has been redacted, and the Shelf Life codes.
The third line is a notation line that tells you to reference to other sections of the purchase order/contract for the technical requirements.
The fourth row lists MIL-STD-2073 category abbreviations.
And, the fifth row contains the actual codes that tell you how your item should be packaged. All of the codes in the fifth row correlate to the abbreviations right above them.
In this example, the HM (Hazardous Material) code is “N”. In your ALI or Leidos websites you would place an “N” under the category titled Hazardous Material.
Here is quick rundown of what the abbreviations mean:
HM = Hazardous Material; it gives an general indication of the product’s hazardous status based on the FSC group that it falls under, but you always want to refer to your product’s SDS (or MSDS).
QUP = Quantity Unit Pack; you will not find an entry for QUP on the ALI or Leidos websites. This number represents how many products/items should be packed in the unit container. In this example, it is one (1). It doesn’t matter how small or cheap the item is, if the QUP is “001”, then you can only put one item in the unit container. If the QUP was “005”, then the buying activity wants you to pack five items/products per unit container.
ICQ = Intermediate Container Quantity; this means the number of unit packs (unit containers) that can go into the intermediate container. Again, there isn’t a spot for this code on the ALI or Leidos websites; however, a quick ctrl-F function on a pdf version of the MIL-STD-2073, using the search term “AAA”, will lead you to the information that you need. However, since we are already here, this is the information provided for “AAA”
- Maximum of 100 unit packs to the intermediate container. [or]
- Maximum net load of 40 pounds. [or]
- Maximum size of 1.5 cubic feet with at least two dimensions not exceeding 16 inches.
PMT = Preservation Method or Method of Preservation.
CD = Cleaning & Drying
PM = Preservative Material
WM = Wrapping Material
CUD = Cushioning & Dunnage or Cushioning Material
CT = Cushioning Thickness
UC = Unit Container
LP = Packing Level: Due to changes in the MIL-STD-2073-1, this code is no longer used. The “UCL” code will or “PACK” codes will tell you if level A or B are specified. If level A or B aren’t specifically called out, then minimal packaging (standard commercial) is acceptable.
IC = Intermediate Container
UCL = Unit Container Level
SP MK = Special Marking
PACK = Packing Code (EQQ in this area is an old reference and represents to levels A, B, and Minimal Packing. Refer to UCL to determine what level is needed, if A or B aren’t specified then standard commercial is acceptable).
UNIT PKWT = Unit Package Weight (an estimate of what the unit package will weigh)
UNIT PKCU = Unit Package Cubed (an estimate of the cubic size of a unit package)
OPI = Optional Procedure Indicator
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
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