What is the minimum Shelf-Life that must remain on an item when received by the first government activity?

The minimum shelf-life that must remain on an item when received by the first government activity is 85%. This requirement is established to ensure that the items are viable for use without immediate concern for expiration. It allows ample time for the items to be utilized effectively, ensuring operational readiness and reducing waste due to expired or unusable products.

In the context of the Department of Defense (DoD) Shelf-Life Program, maintaining an 85% shelf life upon receipt helps to ensure that logistics and supply chain management are optimized. It safeguards that the items can be stored, handled, and deployed as needed without the risk of them becoming outdated too quickly after acquisition. This standard supports the overall efficiency and effectiveness of military operations by ensuring that the materials provided to users have sufficient usability time.