47.305-10 Packing, marking, and consignment instructions
Source: FAR 47.305-10 on acquisition.gov
Proper packing, marking, and consignment instructions are essential to ensure safe, timely delivery of government supplies and must be clearly specified and updated as needed in contracts.
Overview
FAR 47.305-10 outlines the requirements for packing, marking, and consignment instructions in government contracts to ensure supplies are protected during shipping, handling, and storage, and are delivered to the correct destination without delay. The regulation mandates that acquisition documents specify necessary packing and marking requirements, including compliance with 49 CFR 172.300 when appropriate. Contracts must include complete consignment and marking instructions at award, or be amended promptly if information is incomplete. The contracting officer may issue urgent instructions by phone or electronically, but must confirm these in writing. Military shipments must follow MIL-STD-129 and relevant DoD regulations, while civilian agency shipments must comply with Federal Standard 123.
Key Rules
- Packing and Marking Requirements
- Acquisition documents must specify packing and marking to prevent damage and comply with hazardous materials regulations when applicable.
- Consignment Instructions
- Contracts must include complete consignment and marking instructions at award; if not available, amendments must be issued promptly.
- Issuing Instructions
- Urgent instructions may be given by phone or electronically, but must be confirmed in writing.
- Military vs. Civilian Shipments
- Military shipments follow MIL-STD-129; civilian shipments follow Federal Standard 123.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure all packing, marking, and consignment requirements are included in acquisition documents and contracts; issue amendments or urgent instructions as needed; confirm verbal/electronic instructions in writing.
- Contractors: Comply with all specified packing, marking, and consignment instructions; follow applicable standards for military or civilian shipments.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance with marking and consignment standards and ensure timely delivery of supplies.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures supplies are protected and delivered efficiently, reducing risk of loss or delay. Contractors must pay close attention to marking and consignment details, as failure to comply can result in shipment delays, loss, or regulatory violations. Contracting officers must be proactive in providing and confirming instructions, especially when information changes or is initially incomplete.
(a) Acquisition documents shall include packing and marking requirements necessary to prevent deterioration of supplies and damages due to the hazards of shipping, handling, and storage, and, when appropriate, marking in accordance with the requirements of 49 CFR 172.300.
(b) Contracts shall include complete consignment and marking instructions at the time the contract is awarded to ensure that supplies are delivered to proper destinations without delay. If complete consignment information is not initially known, the contracting officer shall issue amended delivery instructions under the Changes clause of the contract (see 43.205) as soon as the information becomes known.
(c) If necessary to meet required delivery schedules, the contracting officer may issue instructions by telephone or electronic means. The contracting officer shall confirm telephonic instructions in writing, and confirm electronic instructions if the contracting officer did not receive confirmation of receipt.
(d) Marking and consignment instructions for military shipments shall conform to the current issue of MIL-STD-129 (Military Standard Marking for Shipment and Storage) and other applicable DoD regulations. Shipments for civilian agencies shall be marked as specified in Federal Standard 123, Marking for Domestic Shipment (Civil Agencies).