A Technical Data Package (TDP) is a description of an item adequate for supporting an acquisition, production, engineering, and logistics support (e.g. Engineering Data for Provisioning, Training, and Technical Manuals). The description defines the required design configuration or performance requirements and procedures required to ensure the adequacy of item performance. It consists of applicable technical data such as models, drawings, associated lists, specifications, standards, performance requirements, QAP, software documentation, and packaging details. [1]

Definition: A Technical Data Package (TDP) includes the technical design and manufacturing information needed to enable the construction or manufacture of an item component modification, or to enable the performance of certain maintenance or production processes.

TDPs define the physical and functional characteristics of the accepted configuration of the item and its subordinate assemblies, subassemblies, and parts. TDPs level, types, elements, and TDP data management products shall be identified in accordance with Mil-Standard 31000B or block 16 of Form 1423, Contract Data Requirement List (CDRL) in a contract. [1] 

Purpose of Technical Data Packages (TDP)

TDPs, provide critical information for the development of acquisition, operation, and product support objectives. TDPs are developed and acquired to provide the basis for maintenance planning, developing supply support strategies, establishing configuration management requirements, and developing training and related engineering and product support activities. Technical Data/TDPs are delivered in multi-media formats.

Technical Data Package (TDP) Goal

Successful TDP acquisition is based on selecting the appropriate drawings/models and lists. Cost constraints and sound business practices require selecting the minimum drawings/models and associated lists necessary to support an acquired system throughout its life cycle successfully.

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Technical Data Packages (TDP) Breakdown

The different levels, types, elements, and management products for TDP data will be found using MIL-STD-31000B “Technical Data Packages” and the relevant Data Item Descriptions (DID). This can be done by using the TDP Option Selection Worksheet (Figure 5 in MIL-STD-31000B) or the information in block 16 of the DD1423, which is found in contracts, purchase orders, and Military Interdepartmental Procurement Requests (MIPRs).

• Levels: (Conceptual, Developmental, Product Level, or Commercial)  
• Types: (2-dimensional or 3-dimensional)  
• Elements: (e.g., engineering design data)

Levels of Technical Data Packages (TDP)

There are generally four (4) levels of TDPs:

1. Conceptual TDP: A conceptual package is a collection of sketches, low-fidelity Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models, and text that documents basic concepts of how an item may be developed to meet operational requirements.  The TDP is used to determine if the requirements are feasible.
2. Developmental TDP:  A developmental package is a collection of data intended to document a specific design approach and the fabrication of developmental prototypes for test or experimentation.  These data elements capture the basic design of equipment/weapon systems developed from a concept.  They are not intended for, nor adequate for, in, the competitive procurement of component parts.
3. Product TDP: A product package is a collection of product engineering data related to the design and manufacture of an item or system.  Product drawings and/or CAD models contain all the descriptive documentation needed to ensure the competitive procurement of spare parts or end items.
4. Commercial TDP: A commercial package is for end items developed by the contractor prior to the award of the contract at his/her own expense.  Unless the Government purchases rights for these drawings and/or CAD models, the drawings provide the contractor’s proprietary engineering and design information for commercially developed items, off-the-shelf items, or items not developed at Government expense.

Types of Technical Data Packages (TDP)

The type will either be a 2-dimensional Technical Data Package (2D TDP) or a 3-dimensional Technical Data Package (3D TDP). At the same time, a 2D TDP will be based on 2-dimensional engineering drawings following American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)  Y14.100 series standards, a 3D TDP may be delivered as 3D native models, 2D drawings derived from the 3D native models, 3D Intelligent (3Di) portable document format (pdf) viewable data derived from the 3D native models or neutral files derived from the 3D native models.

While not a type of TDP, the Decision Tree is important because it provides a process for selecting the appropriate data item requirements to be placed on the contract.

Elements of Technical Data Package (TDP)

TDP elements describe the different TDP components. The engineering design data required for the specified amount and kind of TDP make up TDP elements. Special Inspection Equipment (SIE), specifications, software documentation, Special Packaging Instruction (SPI) documents, QAP, special tooling engineering design data and related lists, and engineering design data and associated lists are all considered TDP items.

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Product Support Managers Roll in Technical Data Packages (TDP)

The technical data package is a critical area of focus for the Product Support Manager (PSM). The PSM must identify, plan, validate, resource, and implement management actions to develop and acquire technical data to:

• Effectively catalog and acquire spare/repair parts, support equipment, and all classes of supply
• Define the configuration baseline of the system (hardware and software) to effectively support the Warfighter with the best capability at the time it is needed
• Operate, maintain, and train on the equipment to maximize its effectiveness and availability

AcqNotes Tutorial

AcqLinks and References:

• [1] MIL-STD-31000B “Technical Data Packages” – 31 Oct 2018

Updated: 2/12/2024

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