1. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
The purpose of this session is to provide an overview of the DoD RFID Program as delineated in the policy published on 30 July 2004.
Revision 2, Dated 1 September 2004

2. WHY RFID?
RFID will make it easier to identify and track packages and determine their contents. 2
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3. AGENDA RFID Description DoD RFID Policy Contract Requirements
Active Tags
Passive Tags
Tag data constructs
Contract Requirements
MIL-STD-129
Pilot Programs
First we will do an overview of RFID technology, then we will take a look at the DoD RFID Policy. We will then review the status of the DFARS clause that will be appearing in solicitations in the near future. The proposed changes to MIL-STD-129 to include the RFID requirements will be presented as an FYI and lastly we will take a quick look at some of the DoD RFID pilot programs. 3
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4. What is RFID?
RFID is an ADC (automatic data capture) technology that uses radio-frequency waves to transfer data between a reader and a movable item to identify, categorize, track...
RFID is fast, reliable, and does not require physical sight or contact between reader/scanner and the tagged item
RFID encompasses technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify individual items. 4
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5. Basic Components
There are five basic components to make up an RFID System
One or more RF tags
Two or more antennas
One or more interrogators
One or more host computers
Appropriate software
There are many variations and possibilities for an RFID system but they all boil down to these five basic essential components. The antenna emits electromagnetic wave that form a magnetic field. The RFID tag
Draws power from the magnetic field which is used to power the microchip in the tag. The chip then sends electromagnetic waves back to the reader and the reader converts the new waves into data that a computer can use. 5
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6. RFID Operations
Tag
The antenna emits radio signals to activate the tag and read and write data to it. 6
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7. RFID Tags Tags carry data and can be attached to: Items
Shipping Containers
Pallet Loads
Transport containers – Seavans
There are various applications of the RFID technology in use today – depending upon the form and format of the tag. Examples include ID cards, animal implants, airline baggage tags, sports timing (marathon races) and vehicle tags for express lanes or fuel purchases. Anti-theft hard plastic tags attached to merchandise in stores are also RFID tags. (Clothing, books, CDs.) 7
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8. Are All Tags The Same? Memory Size (16 bits - 512 kBytes +)
Variations:
Memory
Size (16 bits kBytes +)
Read-Only, Read/Write or WORM
Physical Dimensions
Thumbnail to Brick sizes
Incorporated within packaging
Price ($0.50 to $150)
RFID tags take on a variety of forms depending upon the application. They may be enclosed within a ruggedized case to protect the components from the elements. They may also include provisions for attachment to the item they are intended to identify. There are two basic categories of RFID tags – Active and Passive. 8
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9. RFID Tag Categories Active Tags Passive Tags
Powered by an internal battery
Read/write—tag data can be rewritten or modified
Longer read range
Greater cost and size; limited operational life
Passive Tags
Obtain operating power from the reader
Read-only tags; programmed with a unique set of data that cannot be modified or can also be Read/write
Lightweight, smaller, less expensive, virtually unlimited lifetime
Shorter read ranges, which require a higher powered reader
These are the two primary categories of RFID tags – there is also an in between category: Semi-passive.
Semi-passive RFID uses an internal power source to monitor environmental conditions, but requires RF energy transferred from the reader/interrogator similar to passive tags to power a tag response. Semi-passive RFID tags use a process to generate a tag response similar to that of passive tags. Semi-passive tags differ from passive in that semi passive tags possess an internal power source (battery) for the tag's circuitry which allows the tag to complete other functions such as monitoring of environmental conditions (temperature, shock) and which may extend the tag signal range. 9
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10. DoD’s intent for RFID implementation
Provide asset visibility support needed by warriors
Optimize supply chain by using tags to capture information hands-off at each node of the supply chain
Issue some specifications on tag placement, but suppliers will ultimately be responsible to ensure readability of tags
RFID is one component of the larger suite of AIT technologies that the DoD will incorporate
into the DoD supply chain to improve the ability to support the warfighter. An RFID capable supply chain is a critical element of Defense Transformation. 10
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11. DOD RFID Policy—Active Tags
These rules apply to DoD cargo shipped outside the Continental United States (OCONUS)
Applied to all freight containers and 463L consolidated air pallets and major organizational equipment
Used for improving in transit and receipt visibility using data-rich RFID tags with content level detail (nomenclature, stock number…etc.)
Applied at the point of origin by all activities (including vendors and contractors)
It is the responsibility of the procuring Service/Agency to arrange for the vendor to apply active tags – either by:
Obtaining sufficient RFID equipment to provide the vendor or
Requiring the vendor to obtain necessary equipment to meet the DoD requirement as a term of the contract
Implementation is already in effect at storage depots and containerization points for shipments of freight containers and 463L pallets. The DoD policy for active RFID tags is now to include contractor shipments but it is the responsibility of the procuring activity to arrange for the vendor to apply the active tags. 11
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12. DOD RFID Policy—Passive Tags
January 1, Passive RFID tags on cases and pallets shipped to DoD receiving points at DD San Joaquin and DD Susquehanna for the following items:
Class I - Subsistence Limited to Packaged Operational Rations (POR)
Class II - Clothing, individual equipment, tentage, organizational tool sets and kits, hand tools, and administrative and housekeeping supplies and equipment
Class VI - Personal demand items such as snack foods, beverages, cigarettes, soap, toothpaste, writing materiel, cameras, batteries, and other nonmilitary sale items
Class IX - Repair parts and components to include kits, assemblies and subassemblies (reparable or nonreparable) which are required for maintenance support of all equipment
The initial requirement Jan 2005 is aimed at the strategic distribution centers DDSJ & DDSP. 12
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13. DOD RFID Policy—Passive Tags
January 1, Passive RFID tags on cases and pallets shipped to specified DoD receiving points, including all the Defense Distribution Depots, for the following items:
Class I - Subsistence and gratuitous health and comfort items
Class IIIP – Packaged petroleum fuels, lubricants, hydraulic and insulating oils, preservatives, liquid and gas, bulk chemical products, coolants, de-icer and antifreeze compounds, components and additives of petroleum and chemical products, and coal
Class IV - Construction materiel including installed equipment and all fortification and barrier materiel
Class V - Ammunition of all types (including chemical, radiological, and special weapons), bombs, explosives, mines, fuses, detonators, pyrotechnics, missiles, rockets, propellants, and other associated items
Class VII - Major end items such as launchers, tanks, mobile machine shops, and vehicles
Class VIII - Medical materiel, including repair parts peculiar to medical equipment
In addition to continuing the requirements of January 2005, the second phase in Jan 2006 will involve shipments to any of the Defense Distribution Depots, Marine Corps Maintenance Depots at Albany GA and Barstow CA; Army Maintenance Depots at Anniston, AL, Corpus Christi, TX, Red River, TX, and Tobyhanna, PA; Air Mobility Command Terminals at Charleston, SC, Dover, DE, Norfolk, VA and Fairfield, CA; Air Logistics Centers at Ogden UT, Oklahoma City, OK and Warner Robins, GA; Naval Aviation Depots at Cherry Point, NC, Jacksonville FL and San Diego, CA. Items in supply classes I, IIIP, IV, V, VII and VII will also be added in phase 2. 13
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14. DOD RFID Policy—Passive Tags
January 1, Passive RFID tags on all cases and pallets shipped to any DoD location for all commodities* and unit packs for items that require a Unique Identification (UID)
* except items excluded under the bulk commodities definition
The third phase of the RFID implementation plan is to include tags on the unit packs of items that fall under the Unique Identification (UID) requirements. The RFID requirements will now apply to all commodities shipped to all locations except for Bulk commodities. Bulk commodities are defined as those that are shipped in rail tank cars, tanker trucks, trailers, other bulk wheeled conveyances or pipelines. These products include: Sand, Gravel, Bulk Liquids (water, chemicals or petroleum products), Ready-mix concrete or similar construction materials, Coal or combustibles such as firewood, Agricultural products – seeds, grains, animal feeds and the like. 14
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15. DOD RFID Policy—Passive Tags
Passive RFID technology is evolving…
EPCglobal published standards on EPC Class 0 and Class 1, V1
Class 0 – read only
Class 1, V1 – write once, read many
Draft standards under development for “Generation 2”
DoD will accept the EPC data format or contractors can use the DoD tag data construct
Generation 2 tags will be required for UID and will be capable of containing the UID data. 15
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16. Data Transmitted via RFID?
Serial number for the container or pallet
Shipper must submit an Advanced Shipment Notification (ASN) for each RFID shipment
ASN will identify a Serial Number for each case and/or pallet load containing an RFID tag
ASN will contain information about the item, case, or pallet load to be shipped, related to the Serial Number
ASN will be transmitted using WAWF
In 2007, Unique Identification (UID) number will also be identified for each unit pack.
WAWF—Wide Area Work Flow is currently being updated to be capable of transmitting the data required by the Advanced Shipment Notice. Specific data required on the ASN is still being discussed. 16
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17. Who Will Be Affected?
ALL DoD suppliers of ALL material and goods purchased by the Department**
As a supplier to DoD, the policy impacts all businesses
The plan is to phase in the requirements over a three year period depending upon the class of material and the destination of the shipment
DoD will continue to partner with suppliers on this critical initiative
** Excludes bulk commodities
In accordance with the phased implementation plan – the RFID policy will impact all suppliers to DoD with the exception of bulk commodities. 17
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18. DFAR Status
Submitted revised DFAR clause end of June to DPAP Office to begin DAR Council Review process
DFAR case uses the strategic imperative argument to seek an interim DFAR rule
DFAR clause will reference the MIL-STD 129 and the DoD RFID website for implementation details
Anticipate that interim rule will be published in October
DPAP – Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy. At the present time, it is expected that an interim DFARS Rule will be published in October per the DoD Suppliers’ Passive RFID Information Guide. 18
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19. DFAR Clause Details Two Major Requirements for Suppliers
Passive Tagging at the case, pallet, UID item packaging level in accordance with the Implementation Plan
Advanced Shipment Notification (ASN)
Definitions of levels of tagging are included (in accordance with MIL-STD 129 Definitions)
Case – Shipping Container and/or Exterior Container
Pallet – Palletized Unit Load
UID Item Packaging – UID Unit Pack
Tag Data Standards
Tag Placement
DoD will publish a Supplier Guide that will detail requirements for compliance
The RFID requirement is similar to the UID requirements since contractors have two distinct actions: 1. Mark (UID) or tag (RFID) the item or package 2. Transmit the data that matches up to the shipment – update or create record in UID Data repository via WAWF or RFID Advanced Shipment Notification also via the WAWF.
The RFID electronic data requirements are for a standard Ship Notice/Manifest Transaction Set 856. This will enable the sender to describe the contents and configuration of a shipment in a format that can be recognized at the receiving end or by other interested parties with appropriate access to the data. 19
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20. DoD’s Supplier Implementation Strategy
Classes of Supply:
II, VI, IX, I (PORs/MREs)
Level of Tagging:
Shipping Containers, Palletized Unit
Loads, Exterior Containers
Ship to locations:
San Joaquin, Susquehanna
January 1, 2005
January 1, 2006
43,000 DoD Manufacturers/Suppliers
Classes of Supply:
Begin All Classes
Level of Tagging:
Shipping Containers, Palletized Unit Loads, Exterior Containers
Ship to locations:
Strategic CONUS DLA Depots, TRANSCOM Facilities & Service Maintenance Facilities
DFAR – new contracts after 1 OCT 04
Classes of Supply
Level of
Tagging
Ship to Locations
January 1, 2007
This is a visual representation of the DoD implementation strategy.
Classes of Supply:
All Classes
Level of Tagging:
Shipping Containers, Palletized Unit Loads, Exterior Containers, UID Item Unit Pack
Ship to locations:
All Locations 20
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21. Implementation Level of Tagging – January 1, 2005 - 2006
Palletized Unit Load Tag
YES
Pallet tag
Exterior Container
Shipping Container
Phase one (January 2005) and Phase two (January 2006) tagging. It should be noted that even though this slide depicts the RFID tag placed on the actual pallet, the requirements in MIL-STD-129 will specify the tag to be placed 32 to 48 inches from the bottom of the pallet.
YES
YES
UID Item Unit Pack* NO
*If the UID Packaging is also an External Container or a Shipping Container, it will have an RFID tag. 21
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22. Implementation Level of Tagging – January 1, 2007
Palletized Unit Load Tag
YES
Pallet tag
Exterior Container
Shipping Container
Phase three adds the UID item unit pack to the RFID scope (January 2007).
YES
YES
UID Item Unit Pack
YES 22
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23. The association of an active tag and the passive tag provides an improved “inside the box/pallet/container” visibility.
Active Container Tag
associated to a…
Passive Pallet Tag
associated to a…
Passive Carton Tag
associated to …
The grey rectangular box depicts a “freight container” that will be identified with an active RFID tag. The freight container could be a sea van or other enclosed intermodal container or a 463L pallet. The pallet loads that are consolidated into the freight container will have passive RFID tags that will link to content information for the containers that make up the pallet load.
8 UID Packaging Tags
each with 1 associated
UID item 23
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24. Passive-Active-Passive relationship across the OCONUS DoD logistics supply chain.
Transportation/Supply/ Theater Depots/TDCs
Manufacturers/ Suppliers
Distribution Centers/Depots
POEs/PODs
Customers
This slide show the overlapping relationship envisioned for the active – passive RFID tags for OCONUS shipments.
PASSIVE
ACTIVE
PASSIVE 24
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25. MIL-STD-129 Draft Changes
Added some definitions specific to RFID
463L Pallet System – Intended to differentiate between a standard palletized load and the 463L
Content Level Detail – Provides information on the shipment and the associated shipment configuration
Electronic Product Code – EPC – An identification scheme for universally identifying physical objects via radio frequency
RFID – Automatic identification and data capture technology in which data transfer is achieved by means of radio waves
UID – Set of data for tangible assets that is globally unique and unambiguous
These are a synopsis of the actual definitions that are to be included in section 3 of MIL-STD-129 to support the RFID requirements. 25
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26. MIL-STD-129 Draft Changes
Provides guidance on the application/placement of the RFID tag
Suitable location where there is minimum risk of damage
Highest potential for successful RFID tag interrogation
For tags that are RFID enabled address labels they should be placed to allow easy access to the bar code symbols
Labels should not be placed over a seam
Should be right of center on a vertical face
Allowing a minimum of 2 inches from all edges
Should not be placed in a manner that overlaps any other RF transponder – at least 4 inch separation
The tags that are applied to the shipping containers that are palletized or the UID item unit packs in January 2007, are tags applied to containers that do not require a MSL, so the RFID tags will have to be applied as a separate element. 26
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27. MIL-STD-129 Draft Changes
Performance requirements for passive RFID tags
Portal - For palletized unit load tags and the tags on the shipping containers within the palletized load, the read distance shall be at least 3 meters at 10 miles per hour
Conveyor – For individual shipping containers, the read distance shall be at least 1 meter at 600 feet per minute
Tag data specifications and formats are referenced to the DoD Supplier’s Information Guide at:
The DoD approved frequency range is MHz
The industry performance standards appear to be based upon the maximum read range of the tag and the operating frequency. 27
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28. DOD Pilot Programs Current DoD Passive RFID Initial Implementations
DLA/Army Combat Feeding Technical Demonstration
DLA Individual Protective Equipment (IPE)
Defense Depot Susquehanna, PA
Norfolk Ocean Terminal
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
USAF Electronic Shipping Label
Some of the pilot programs in the RFID application. 28
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29. Passive RFID - Operational Implementation
Cross-docking operation at FISC Norfolk Ocean Terminal
Tracking small package shipments
Expanding to all shipments
Eliminating hand-scanning when stuffing containers
Using tag as transaction
of record!
Pilot program at Norfolk is using EPC structured tags that match up to the TCN for shipping containers and palletized loads as the transport containers are loaded. There are many lessons being learned in this pilot including the best locations for tags on various freight configurations and ways to ensure that all pieces loaded into the container have been accounted for. 29
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30. RFID in the Field Today 30 11/8/2018
Active RFID tag attached to a 463L pallet. Shipment information on the pallet load is transferred at the receiving operation. 30
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31. DOD RFID Website http://www.acq.osd.mil/log/rfid/index.html 31
Many good documents are available on this site. It will contain the latest changes and updates to the
DoD RFID policy. The web site was recently revised to include the DoD Suppliers’ Passive RFID Information Guide. It can also be accessed via: 31
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32. Summary Package Markings Item Markings MIL-STD-129 MIL-STD-130
Linear Bar Code 39
No data identifiers
2-D Bar Code PDF417
UID Requirements not specified in MIL-STD-129P
RFID in 2005?
Item Markings
MIL-STD-130
Linear Bar Code 39
Data Identifiers (UID)
2-D Bar Code Data Matrix
UID requirements defined MIL-STD-130L
RFID in 2005?
The DOD AIT initiatives have significantly impacted package and item marking requirements already. What will the future bring? 32
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