When you’re working with the U.S. Department of Defense, you’re upheld to extremely strict standards. Of course, this is for a good reason, as the DoD constantly handles sensitive items and information.
But one of the most important requirements to uphold by far is the IUID standard. Here, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions on the subject.
What is IUID?
IUID stands for Item Unique Identification, and it’s a form of labeling which helps contractors and suppliers identify the vast majority of tangible property. When you’re working with government inventory management, IUID becomes extremely important, as it can make the difference between finding the right item and making a critical error.
Is there a difference between UID and IUID?
In the most basic sense, no. IUID originated as the UID program, started for real and tangible property. As time went on, the program was updated to better represent the DoD standards contractors and suppliers had to meet.
What are the requirements that trigger IUID marking?
The number of warehouses in the U.S. has risen 6.8% in the last five years, which means the requirements change periodically. But as it stands right now, requirements for IUID include items that meet the following:
- Every item acquired by DoD over $5,000
- Embedded items such as government software solutions or inventory tracking software
- Items repaired by DoD
Do IUID requirements exempt FMS contracts?
The answer here is no. By law, FMA contract requirements apply to every DoD and FMS. This includes items in small business and commercial items.
How is an IUID Mark Verified?
All IUID verification must be completed using a tool called a verifier. This tool will validate that the label can be read, that the syntax is correct, and that the printed barcode meets ISO standards and MIL-STD-130. This is crucial for government inventory management and all items relating to it.
As previously mentioned, requirements for IUID standards will likely change, and have changed, over time and with the advent of new technologies. So while you might be up to date on this technology now, it’s important that you continue to study IUID standards and retain government compliance.
