Michael Wynne, acting under secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics), announced a new policy for the unique identification of items that are purchased by the Department of Defense. Unique identification – also known as UID -- will enhance logistics, contracting and financial business transactions supporting U.S. and coalition troops. Through the new policy, the Department can consistently capture the value of items it buys, control these items during their use and combat counterfeiting of parts.

Noting the savings to be gained from the knowledge, Wynne said this is a business imperative for the Department, which has been without a universal method for parts identification. Already, Wynne noted, expansion of the policy to radio frequency identification tags is underway, as well as expanding to government property, both real and expensed items.

A team of Department-wide specialists, industry participants and international partners worked on a fast track to develop the policy. Wynne praised the team, highlighting its arrival at a collaborative solution compatible with an existing International Standards Organization (ISO) standard. A modification to the ISO standard will be submitted later this year, with hopes of a complete alignment and an ISO imprimatur within 24 months. 

The new policy and supporting information can be found on the Web at http://www.acq.osd.mil/uid .