What Is Technical Data Package (TDP)?
Also known as: TDP, technical data, product data package, MIL-STD-31000
Definition
A technical data package (TDP) is the controlled set of drawings, models, specifications, standards, quality requirements and related documents that fully defines a product so it can be manufactured, inspected and accepted.
Technical Data Package (TDP) Explained
A TDP is the complete definition of what must be built and how it will be accepted. It may include 3D models and drawings, bills of material, material and process specifications, tolerances and key characteristics, test and inspection requirements, packaging and marking requirements, and data item requirements. In US defense work, MIL-STD-31000 describes the content and levels of technical data packages.
For manufacturers, the TDP is the input to quoting, process planning, first article inspection and production. Revision control is critical: the package that was quoted, the package released to the shop, and the package used for inspection must be the same revision. Customers often require acknowledgement of revision changes and may restrict distribution of the package.
Technical data is often export controlled. Under ITAR or the EAR, a TDP for a defense article can be controlled technical data, and access by foreign persons, including employees or contractors, may require authorisation. Where it is stored matters: cloud tools, email and AI assistants that ingest the package create potential unauthorised exports if not set up correctly.
In the ERP, the TDP is rarely stored in full. The ERP holds item, revision and BOM references and links to a document management or PLM system that stores the files with access controls. Good integration lets the work order show the correct revision link while keeping the file under controlled access.
Why It Matters
- Building to the wrong revision of any document in the package can cause nonconforming product and rework.
- Controlled technical data creates export and access obligations that apply to storage, sharing and AI tooling.
- A complete package is needed for accurate quoting and routing, so incomplete data leads to cost overruns.
- Acceptance and first article inspection depend on a stable, agreed set of requirements.
In Practice
Example: a prime releases a TDP of 38 drawings and 9 specifications for a gearbox housing. The shop's engineering logs the package revision, the ERP item is created with matching revision, and the work order links to the document system. When the customer issues revision C for two drawings, a change record updates affected items and open work orders are reviewed. The gotcha is a copy of the old PDF on a shared drive still being opened by the shop floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a technical data package?
Drawings or models, specifications, bills of material, quality and inspection requirements, and packaging and marking instructions needed to build and accept the product.
Is a TDP always export controlled?
No, but for defense articles it often is. Whether it falls under ITAR or EAR depends on the item and its classification, so the customer or export compliance officer should confirm.
Can I put a TDP into a cloud AI tool?
Only if the service and its environment satisfy your export control and contractual obligations. For controlled data many companies use private or on-prem AI to keep it inside their boundary.
Related Terms
ITAR
ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) is the US State Department regulation, at 22 CFR Parts 120-130, that controls the export of defense articles, defense services, and related technical data listed on the United States Munitions List.
EAR (Export Administration Regulations)
EAR (Export Administration Regulations) is the US Commerce Department regulation, at 15 CFR Parts 730-774, that controls the export, reexport, and transfer of dual-use commercial items, software, and technology through the Commerce Control List.
Configuration Management (Aerospace)
Configuration management is the discipline of identifying a product's configuration, controlling changes to it, and proving that what was built matches what was approved. In aerospace it is required by AS9100 clause 8.1.2 and typically follows EIA-649.
CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information)
CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) is unclassified information created or possessed by the US government, or by a contractor on its behalf, that laws, regulations, or government-wide policy require to be safeguarded or restricted in dissemination.
AS9102 First Article Inspection
AS9102 First Article Inspection is the aerospace requirement to verify that a production process reliably produces conforming parts by fully inspecting and documenting a representative first article against every drawing and specification characteristic.
Go Deeper
ITAR Compliance Checklist for Manufacturers
A 32-point checklist covering DDTC registration, technical data controls, foreign person access, IT security, and recordkeeping for ITAR-regulated manufacturers.
Free ToolExport Control Screening Checklist
A 28-point checklist for screening every order, party, and shipment against EAR and ITAR requirements - restricted parties, classification, end-use, licensing, and documentation.
Free ToolITAR AI Workload Compliance Assessment
Score your AI deployments across eight dimensions of ITAR exposure, from technical data classification and US persons access control to technology control plan coverage.
Working with Technical Data Package (TDP) in a live environment? Our engineers do this every day - and our AI agents automate most of it.
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Product Compliance Technical File Index Worksheet
An editable index of the documents in a product technical file, with owner, revision, location and next review date.
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- ITAR and CMMC: Handling Technical Data in AI WorkloadsHow ITAR and CMMC apply to AI workloads: technical data boundaries, CUI handling, assessed environments, and where on-prem AI is the only option.
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AI on your ERP
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Manufacturing hubs
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