MPI 505 added to DoD construction specifications

The Master Painters Institute says MPI 505 has been added to the Pentagon’s Unified Facilities Guide Specifications, a move that could broaden use of performance-based coating standards for fuel infrastructure across Department of Defense facilities. The update gives contractors and asset owners a new benchmark for selecting coatings for mission-critical tanks and pipelines.

Why it matters: - The U.S. Department of Defense now has a formal specification path for MPI 505 in fuel-tank coating work. - The inclusion could expand use of performance-based coating standards on mission-critical fuel infrastructure across military facilities. - MPI says the change gives contractors, asset owners, and specifiers more confidence in coating selection and verification.

What happened: - The Master Painters Institute announced that MPI 505 was incorporated into the Unified Facilities Guide Specifications, or UFGS. - The update was disclosed June 22, 2026. - UFGS is developed jointly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, and Air Force Civil Engineer Center. - MPI 505 appears under UFGS Section 09 97 13.15 20, Low VOC Flexible Interior Coating of Steel Fuel Tanks. - MPI said this is the first inclusion of its updated industrial-focused 500 Series standards in UFGS.

The details: - MPI 505 is identified as Standard Low VOC, Polysulfide, Modified Epoxy Novolac Coating. - The MPI 500 Series was developed for industrial and defense-related infrastructure, including fuel storage tanks, fuel pipelines, waterfront structures, marine assets, and other corrosion-prone environments. - MPI standards and the MPI Architectural Specification Manual have appeared in UFGS for years, but the 500 Series is newer and industrial-focused. - UFGS Section 33 52 80, Liquid Fuels Pipeline Coating Systems, also references MPI 500 and MPI 501. - MPI says MPI 500 and MPI 501 are being redeveloped and expanded as part of the ongoing 500 Series program. - Terrance Mayes, MPI’s technical manager of quality and standards and project manager for MPI standards, said the inclusion supports a more consistent approach to coating specification and performance verification. - The MPI 500 Series sets performance, testing, and qualification requirements for coatings used in demanding environments. - Products that meet the standards may be listed on MPI’s Approved Products List, giving specifiers and facility owners access to independently verified coating solutions. - The company provides more information at MPI 500 Series Industrial Standards.

Between the lines: - The move suggests DoD specifiers are leaning harder on verified performance criteria instead of product descriptions alone. - NAVFAC’s prior acceptance and specification of the standards appears to have helped pave the way for broader UFGS adoption. - The inclusion also signals that MPI is trying to turn the 500 Series into a wider platform for industrial and defense coating requirements, not just a single tank standard. - Jennifer Merck, AMPP vice president of maritime and defense, said the standardization of MPI 505 could improve durability, reduce lifecycle maintenance costs, and support environmental compliance.

What's next: - MPI said additional 500 Series standards, including MPI 510 and MPI 515, have been completed and may be considered in future UFGS updates. - MPI is also redeveloping the fuel tank coating standards, including MPI 503, to address future specification and performance requirements. - The broader 500 Series program is expected to keep expanding across critical industrial and defense infrastructure applications.

The bottom line: - MPI 505’s addition to UFGS gives the MPI 500 Series a major government-backed foothold and could shape how the military specifies coatings for fuel assets going forward.