Be sure your packaging and shipping methods meet government specifications.
As we have already mentioned, packaging requirements are a big deal when you do business with the government. They need to be carefully considered and analyzed, not only in pricing out a bid, but also in implementing a QA program. To aid your understanding, we think it would be helpful to define the terms "packaging" and "packing" the way the government defines them.
Packaging is defined in the Governments Contract Dictionary as:
Packing is: "the assembling of items into a unit, intermediate, or exterior pack with necessary blocking, bracing, cushioning, weatherproofing and reinforcement."
The reason that we defined these terms is that some companies might think that if they produce a quality part, all they need to do when they ship is drop it in a box with some of those "peanuts" and send for UPS. As the definitions imply, there is more to it; a lot more. To further illustrate, let's look at what might be required in the packaging of a part that might be used by the Army.
Assume that your company was contracted by the Army to manufacture a simple, inexpensive item, specifically a "block" consisting of a metal piece approximately 2x4 inches made of a specified material that will withstand high pressure.
So how would you have to package this little block? Under typical government packaging requirements for such a product, the block must first be packed into a plastic package. The plastic package must then be put into another pack that is cushioned and reinforced. A water/vapor seal is then put over the entire package. The sealed package is then packed into a shipping container.
Sounds like a lot for just one item, right? Well, that little block is part of a 155 mm howitzer cannon and is used to fire rounds (those big pointy things that explode when they land). And although this may seem a somewhat roundabout and melodramatic way to show the importance of packaging, the typical civilian usually does not realize how the part he or she is working on will be used or delivered to its ultimate destination. The little block might be headed for a 10,000-mile flight, dropped out of a plane at 5,000 feet, and must be ready to work the first time, and every time, when it lands.
In addition, as electronic technology becomes more complex, expensive and sensitive to damage, protecting electronic products and the work environment is a key government goal. And one place this is reflected is in packaging standards.
So although packaging requirements on a government contract can sometimes seem complex and difficult, if you're smart and do your homework, you can be successful at meeting the challenge.
Packaging Levels and Specs
The government uses 3 levels of packing and protection:
To give you an overview of what is involved in "packaging," we are listing three packaging specifications, below. But because this area is so complex, we recommend that you get an expert to help you.
You can contact the government office administering your contract and request help from a government packaging specialist. Or, better yet, you can find a packager that has experience in working with the government and form a partnership with that company. Then you, the packager, and the government will all come out fine.