According to the Joint “Packaging of Material” Regulation, “the DOD Container Design Retrieval System (CDRS) provides a centralized, automated system for storing, retrieving, and analyzing designs and related test information of existing reusable shipping and storage containers. These design assets are checked for reuse in new programs. The CDRS Management Office (MO) has personnel, facilities and authority to provide CDRS service to all DOD development or procurement activities.
The CDRS system is maintained by the Air Force Packaging Technology and Engineering Facility (AFPTEF) at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. Usage of the CDRS data base is intended to preclude the design of new specialized containers when a suitable container exists. This data has resulted in a proven history of substantial cost avoidance.
The purpose of CDRS is therefore to avoid duplication in container designs, minimize the number if new container designs are being developed, and promote reuse of existing DOD reusable containers for new item development and procurement. A reusable container is designed to support and protect its contents while in transportation, storage, and/or handling or to protect personnel from hazardous contents. Its design may also incorporate features that facilitate more effective transportation, storage, or handling.
Additional Information
According to the Joint “Packaging of Material” Regulation:
"CDRS Policy
- Design data extracted from various sources, to include engineering drawings, will be stored in the CDRS database.
- All DOD activities engaged in the development or procurement of specialized containers will send a search request using the format prescribed in MIL-STD-2073-1 to CDRS/MO before initiating a new design or production program. A search request should be submitted for items that can be packed to meet stated protection requirements in wood, plywood, fiberboard, or fast pack containers.
- Any new design, development, or procurement of specialized packaging and containers for Army-developed ammunition will be coordinated with the Army's Defense Logistics Activity (SALA, AMSTA-AR-AL, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ 07806-5000. This coordination should take placed after CDRS search described above.
- All DOD activities that acquire a new container design will forward a dimensional drawing and/or design data of the container to CDRS/MO using the format prescribed in MIL-STD-2073-1. This data will be entered into the CDRS database files.
- Designs of excess and surplus containers that meet technical packaging requirements specified by the development activity will be used whenever it is cost-effective.
- Cost savings achieved from the reuse of existing containers or container designs will be documented by the development of procurement activity. A copy of the documentation will be sent to CDRS/MO not later than 30 days after validation.
- All DOD IMMs must contact CDRS/MO before disposing of excess or obsolete specialized containers. CDRS.MO will evaluate and determine their potential use in other programs.
- CDRS will ensure that an in-house container design and development capability exists.
CDRS Objectives:
- Provide a uniform means of identifying, recording, and retaining technical and management information on reusable containers.
- Provide in-depth review of technical data on existing container designs and surplus availability to determine their reusability in new defense systems acquisitions or existing programs.
- Prevent reusable containers from being disposed of as excess property before determining their possible use in new or existing programs.
- Promote and support competitive use of DOD design, engineering, prototyping, and development capabilities. These capabilities will serve as a preferred source for container development or modification.
For more information
Processes Supported
Departments Associated
- Army
- Navy / Marine Corps
- Air Force
- Agencies
Integrated Product Support Elements Addressed
Disclaimer
This tool was identified as part of a product support analytical tools database provided solely to assist defense acquisition workforce professionals to identify best value product support solutions which optimize system readiness and life cycle cost. Neither the Department of Defense or the Defense Acquisition University provide any warranty of these tools whatsoever, whether express, implied, or statutory, including, but not limited to, any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or any warranty that the contents of the item will be error-free. This analytical tools database should under no circumstances be considered as being all-encompassing, and is in no-wise meant to endorse the capabilities or products of any particular individual, company, or organization.
