The unique item identifier (UII) is defined in two separate contexts:
1. DoD UII Data Set. A UII is a set of data elements marked on an item in
a Data Matrix EC200 symbol that is globally unique and unambiguous.
For items that are serialized within the enterprise identifier, the UII data
set includes the data elements of enterprise identifier and a unique serial
number (Construct #1). For items that are serialized within the part, lot or
batch number within the enterprise identifier, the UII data set includes the
data elements of enterprise identifier, the original part, lot or batch
number, and the serial number (Construct #2). In addition to the two
constructs comprising multiple data elements, the UII data set may be a
fully concatenated UII in a single data element, such as would be defined
by the use of data qualifiers 25S or UID, or a DoD recognized IUID
equivalent, such as would be defined by the use of data qualifiers I, 22S,
8002, 8003, or 8004.
2. Use. The generic term, UII, has evolved through usage to mean the
concatenated UII as a common data base key without regard to the data
set construct being used. In this context, the term “UII” may be used to
designate concatenated UII Constructs #1 and #2, or the DoD recognized
IUID equivalents of Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI), Global
Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI) when assets are serialized, Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN), or Electronic Serial Number ((ESN), for
cell phones only).
Department of Defense (DoD) Instruction 5000.64, Defense Property Accountability, requires that accountability records be established for all property (property, plant and equipment) with a unit acquisition cost of $5,000 or more, and items that are sensitive or classified, or items furnished to third parties, regardless of acquisition cost. Property records and/or systems are to provide a complete trail of all transactions, suitable for audit.
Definitions:
Custodian: The enterprise that has stewardship
accountability of an item, i.e., responsibility
for the control of, transfer and movement
of, and access to, equipment and material.
Custody also includes the maintenance of
accountability for equipment and material.
DoD item unique identification: A system of marking items delivered to the
Department of Defense with unique item
identifiers that have machine-readable data
elements to distinguish an item from all
other like and unlike items. Items are
marked with a Data Matrix, the contents of
which are encoded in the syntax of ISO/IEC
15434
Item: A single hardware article or unit formed by
a grouping of subassemblies, components,
or constituent parts.
Item identification: Sufficient data to establish the essential
characteristics of an item that give the item
its unique character and differentiate it from
other supply items.
Unique Identification (UID) Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy
Keywords: item unique identification, UID, IUID, UII, Defense, Federal, Acquisition, Regulation, AIT, DoD








