I’ve often talked about the importance of correct packaging in government contract work, and the release of the new Revision D for MIL-DTL-55330 gives me another chance to make my case! The specification, titled “Connectors, Electrical and Fiber Optic, Packaging of,” was originally numbered MIL-C-55330 when it was issued in 1971. Due to Mil Spec reform in the 1990’s, the document was renumbered MIL-DTL-55330 with the release of Revision C in 2001. This is the first update of the document since then.
MIL-DTL-55330 covers the requirements for packaging both electronic and fiber optic connectors for delivery to the U.S. government, particularly the U.S. military. It describes how you will package connectors, mark those packages, and what tests you may be required to put the packages through in order to assure your government customer that the goods received will be in good working order. You’ll also be given instructions on how to inspect your packages for quality control.
In addition, guidance is given to the government purchasing agent who will be referencing this document in contracts. It is often helpful to understand what kind of requirements you may be responsible for. So knowing the level of detail that should appear in your contract will be very useful to you.
You can expect to see the following information when reviewing acquisition requirements for delivery to your government customer:
- Reference to a defined edition of this specification.
- The levels of preservation and packaging required.
- Quantity of unit pack if that quantity differs from this document.
- The method of preservation if it is different than specified in this spec.
- Whether or not a unitized load is required for shipment to a destination when the total quantities are equal to or greater than 40 cubic feet.
- If any additional or special markings are required.
- If it is necessary to include FED-STD-123 markings (for civil agencies).
- If you’ll need to do special rough handling tests.
- If you’ll need to do connector functional tests.
- If there’s going to be any limitations on your responsibilities regarding the inspection requirements.
- If first article inspection is NOT required.
The changes from the previous issue are extensive and not marked. Of course, referenced documents MIL-STD-129 and MIL-STD-147 have recently been updated as well (see my blogs on the new issues of MIL-STD-129 and MIL-STD-147). So this reflects the implementation of new processes throughout the logistics chain.
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