RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID)
The Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) rule requires contractors to attach passive RFID tags to shipments, when appropriate. DFARS 211.275-2 requires contractors to utilize RFID tags for individual cases and palletized unit loads when they are shipping certain items to specific DoD locations. Specifically, the rule applies to contracts for packaged operational rations, clothing, individual equipment, tentage, operational tool kits, hand tools, administrative and housekeeping supplies and equipment, personal demand items, and weapon system repair parts and components including kits, assemblies, and subassemblies. RFID tags are necessary for shipments to the Defense Distribution Depot in Susquehanna, PA, or the Defense Distribution Depot in San Joaquin, CA on contract actions solicited beginning November 14, 2005 (see below for details).
Requests for Proposals/Invitations for Bids issued on/after November 14, 2005 for delivery after January 1, 2006; Manual Requests for Quotation issued on/after January 14, 2006 for delivery after March 1, 2006; and Automated Requests for Quotation issued on/after April 14, 2006 for delivery after June 1, 2006.
An interim DFARS rule amended DFARS 211.275-2 to include additional commodities and DoD locations that require package marking with passive RFID tags at the case and palletized unit load levels on May 19, 2006. The specific DoD locations have been expanded to include most Defense Distribution Depots (see DFARS 211.275-2 for a list of the Depots). DGPA 211.275-2 still applies and the coverage has been updated to reflect the revisions to DFARS 211.275-2.
In addition, in order to connect the RFID tag data with its' corresponding shipment the contractor must submit electronic advance shipment notices (ASNs) to DoD through WAWF.
The Clothing and Textiles Supply-Chain will submit Advanced Shipment Notification (ASN) data to Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) using the free, web-based application known as VIM-ASAP. Contact the VIM-ASAP help desk at 888-940-7348 to obtain a list of RFID label solution providers, who have developed point-of-ship systems that will interface with VIM-ASAP.
Passive RFID requirements are contained in MIL-STD-129P change 4. Refer to Military Standard 129 and the DoD Suppliers' Passive RFID Information Guide for guidance on tag placement. The following statement clarifies procedures for the use of the CAGE code field in the DoD Tag Identity (both 64-bit and 96-bit). If a supplier chooses to have a third-party packaging house encode their tags, then it is acceptable for that third-party packaging house to encode its CAGE code instead of the supplier CAGE code on the tag. The third-party packaging house is responsible for ensuring the tag is readable and unique across any and all tags encoded by that third-party packaging house for any and all DoD suppliers.
Vendors must use EPC global Class 1 Gen 2 compliant tags only after February 28, 2007.
Proper Tag Placement
RFID does apply to simplified acquisitions. Therefore, FAR 13.5 "Testing Program for Certain Commercial Items" is also applicable to RFID procurements.
RFID does not apply when "fast pay" is included in solicitations due to limitations in the Receipt and Acceptance electronic system of WAWF.