There are many businesses that wonder if IUID labeling is necessary. This usually happens when a business has won a government contract but are unsure if there is a requirement to mark the assets that are being sent to the government with the proper IUID plate or label. Keep reading to learn some of the things that will let a person or entity know if IUID labels are necessary.
IUID Marking Specifications and Requirements
There are two key identifiers that a person needs to look for. The first one is the MIL STD 130. This is the standard for the identification and marking of any government property. The other identifier is called the DFARS clause 252.211-7003. This is what is used for the IUID or Item Unique Identification. If either of these identifiers is seen in the contract, it is necessary to mark every asset with the appropriate IUID plate or label. It is essential to follow the IUID requirement and marking the assets with IUID plates or labels that are considered fully compliant. This ensures the shipment will be received and accepted by the military or government with no delay.
What Items Require the IUID Label?
After identifying the specific marking requirement, it is necessary to figure out what items must be marked with the IUID label. The most familiar requirement is marking any item that has an initial acquisition cost of $5K or more, but there are other requirements to marking an asset that needs to be considered as well.
For example, is the item-controlled inventory, deemed mission-critical, or serially managed? Has one of the contracting officers specified that an item requires the IUID? If the item is less than $5K, but it is included under these categories, it must also be marked.
On the Government Furnished Product or GFP portion of the contract, the $5K threshold is eliminated and all GFP items have to be marked. The ultimate goal is to fulfill the contract that was awarded by shipping the required assets to the government so they can add them to their inventory, all while meeting the requirements that are specified in the contract. In most cases, this is going to lead to a timely payment on the invoice. The last point to make is that the government will be much more likely to provide someone with additional contracts when a vendor follows the set IUID policy. This is because there is no concern about deficiencies when it comes to receiving any future shipments.
Be sure the organization is completely compliant from the start when it comes to marking items. This is going to ensure the government entity that was awarded the contract will be willing to do so again in the future. However, if there are issues, the likelihood of receiving another contract is going to be reduced significantly.
Getting the Right IUID Labels and Plates
Getting the right IUID labels and plates is just as important as knowing when they are required. Be sure to keep this in mind to ensure the desired results are achieved and the right IUID labels are purchased. Being informed and knowing what to consider and finding the right label supplier is the best way to make sure the proper steps are taken and a business remains compliant.
