Defense contractors can successfully navigate the Department of Defense (DoD) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) mandates by getting a quick handle on the requirements and understanding how to respond to them. RFID is one of the key technology elements helping the DoD to realize its vision for global supply chain visibility. Since that first mandate was issued, we have helped thousands of DoD contractors with sensible tools, supplies, and services that allow them to cost-effectively manage RFID compliance over the long haul. Early on you should realize that the DoD RFID requirements are all about:

• Creating and maintaining an efficient supply-chain and supporting the warfighter
• Creating visibility of goods throughout the DoD supply chain using passive ultra high frequency (UHF) RFID
• Improving receiving and diverting processes at DoD docks around the world
• Working in concert with other international, commercial, and military standards

Understanding the RFID mandate does involve terminology that is unique to RFID technology, logistics and the military. So the bottom line is: “Be prepared to learn a lot!”

Getting the DoD RFID mandate right

DoD RFID Requirements specify exactly how to create RFID tags; how to apply them to packaging for shipment; and finally how to communicate their presence in the shipment in relation to the contract line items (CLINs). Complying with the DoD RFID requirements will add to the overall cost of fulfilling the contract terms. So yes, you may need to buy RFID tags, but I do know a good RFID supplier!

When you properly apply RFID tags to shipping containers and then register them correctly on WAWF, the shipment should be received and move smoothly through the DoD supply chain. If you don’t get it right, you may incur higher packaging costs and inspections; shipments may be delayed or not even received at their intended destination – which is also described as ‘frustrated freight’. When that happens, you may incur penalties and you may not even get paid. Historical performance against DoD RFID requirements is also taken into account when awarding future contracts. Good performance on RFID compliance is a positive for the contractor and the warfighter.

Class 1 Gen 2 Passive UHF RFID

There are two primary types of RFID used in the military today – active RFID and passive RFID. Active RFID is able to broadcast its own data and is packaged with its own power source such as a battery. Passive RFID is not packaged with its own power source, rather it converts externally generated radio frequency waves into electricity to power its operation and communication. Active RFID is used to track large items like cargo containers and has the added benefit of including temperature and humidity readings in their data stream. Passive RFID is mostly used to identify packaging at a pallet and case level. Passive RFID is the focus of this article. The DoD RFID requirement specifies the Ultra-High Frequency range (UHF) 915 Mhz for its RFID tags. There are several variants of passive RFID that are generally categorized as High Frequency and Low Frequency. You may be tempted to consider using these due to their lower overall cost, but don’t be fooled – Low Frequency 13 Mhz and High Frequency 128 Mhz do not comply with DoD RFID Mandates! So for military RFID, use Class 1 Gen 2 Passive UHF RFID tags!

DoD RFID Mandate Overview

There are five authoritative information sources to help contractors understand and use RFID as required by contracts and bid packages. Though the DFARS Cluase 252.211-70006 is the primary trigger within a contract, the contractor will need to refer to all of these sources in order to successfully comply. For this reason, we will collectively refer these source requirements as the DoD RFID requirements.

• Automatic Identification Technologies: A centralized website the collects all primary references and updates regarding DoD RFID Requirements
• DFARS Clause 252.211-7006: Specifies combinations of supply-class and ship-to destinations requiring passive RFID on packaging
• DoD Supplier’s Passive RFID Guide: Specifies the passive RFID tag class and generations, data formatting standards and data requirements for constructing RFID tags in compliance with DoD mandates
• Mil-Std-129P Change 4: Specifies where to place RFID tags on packaging
• WAWF Training Site: Provides computer based training examples of registering RFID serial numbers during the invoicing process

What the DoD RFID mandate means to government contractors

The presence of Dfars Claus 252.211-7006 in the contract specifically or by reference (such as a master solicitation) invokes the RFID requirement. There are times that the contract explicitly requires RFID in contradiction to the clause – in that case the contract will take precedence. Once you know that RFID is required, you are obligated to establish minimum RFID capabilities.

If you are a lower volume contractor, consider buying-in pre-printed RFID labels. You will need to consider acquiring the following from a reputable RFID Supplier:

• DoD specific pre-printed, Class 1 Gen 2 UHF RFID Tags
• A signed certificate of Conformance
• An electronic file containing all the RFID serial numbers
• Software for transmitting larger shipment loads directly to WAWF

If you are a higher volume contractor, consider bringing an RFID solution in-house. You will need to consider acquiring the following from great RFID supplier.

• DoD specific RFID Software to send print jobsw to the RFID printer
• Blank rolls of Class 1 Gen 2 UHF RFID labels
• RFID printer to print and encode RFID tags
• A portable RFID reader in order to verify RFID tags after application or during a site inspection
• A means of archiving and sharing RFID serial numbers
• WAWF specific software for transmitting RFID shipment data

How to comply with the DoD RFID mandate

As a government contractor you’ll need to look at these aspects of DoD RFID mandate.

• Determine if DFARS 252.211-7006 is directly or indirectly referenced
• Assign compliance validation to the quality function
• Perform make vs. buy decision for sourcing RFID
• Secure a reputable RFID Supplier for RFID software, hardware, and consumables
• Alternately source pre-printed RFID tags from a reputable RFID supplier

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