DAF Form 173: CMVE Controlled Test Materials NDA 2026 – The Department of the Air Force (DAF) relies on a robust Commercial Motor Vehicle Equivalent (CMVE) Certification Program to ensure Airmen, Guardians, and civilian personnel operating large or specialized vehicles meet rigorous standards equivalent to civilian commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements. Central to maintaining the integrity of this program is DAF Form 173, the official Controlled Test Materials Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). This form protects sensitive testing materials used in knowledge and skills evaluations for commercial vehicle operations.
Military and civilian examiners appointed under the CMVE program must sign DAF Form 173 before gaining access to Controlled Test Materials (CTM). These materials qualify as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in the category of General Proprietary Business Information. Unauthorized disclosure could compromise the program’s fairness, jeopardize partnerships with the Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), and undermine public trust in DAF vehicle operations standards.
What Is the DAF Commercial Motor Vehicle Equivalent Certification Program?
The CMVE program allows qualified DAF personnel to earn certifications that align with or substitute for civilian CDL requirements when operating government vehicles. It standardizes training and evaluation for roles involving fuels management, air transportation, construction, logistics, and other missions requiring heavy or specialized vehicle operation.
The program includes both knowledge tests (covering regulations, safety, and procedures) and skills tests (practical evaluations of vehicle handling and maneuvers). To preserve test validity and prevent cheating or compromise, the DAF treats test booklets, answer sheets, scoring keys, score sheets, scoring criteria, and exercise dimensions as Controlled Test Materials (CTM).
Access to these materials is strictly limited to appointed examiners who have signed DAF Form 173. This ensures the certification process remains secure, credible, and compliant with federal standards.
Purpose of DAF Form 173
DAF Form 173 serves as a binding Non-Disclosure Agreement specifically tailored for the CMVE program. By signing it, individuals acknowledge:
- They understand the sensitive nature of the CTM.
- They agree to strict safeguarding and non-disclosure obligations.
- They consent to potential disciplinary, civil, or criminal penalties for violations.
The form implements policy under DAFI 24-301 (Vehicle Operations) and related guidance from AF/A4LR (Logistics Readiness). It applies to active-duty Air Force members, Space Force specialists, Air National Guard, Reserve members, and civilian employees involved in the program.
Download the official DAF Form 173 (locked version) directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/daf173/daf_173_locked_version-_daf_commercial_motor_vehicle_equivalent_certification_program_controlled_test_material_nda.pdf
The current version is dated 20260302 (March 2, 2026).
Key Obligations Under DAF Form 173
Signers of DAF Form 173 must initial multiple sections confirming their understanding and then sign in Section I. Main obligations include:
- Prohibit unauthorized access or disclosure — Never provide, copy, transmit, distribute, or enable access to CTM for anyone not specifically authorized in writing.
- Secure handling — Safeguard materials according to AF/A4LR guidance and applicable DAF instructions. Mark, store, and protect CTM as CUI at all times.
- No electronic transmission — Explicitly ban sending CTM via email, instant messaging, text, or any electronic means.
- Test integrity — Do not release knowledge test booklets, answer sheets, keys, or skills test score sheets and criteria to applicants or unauthorized persons. Never post materials publicly.
- Duration — Obligations continue indefinitely until the information is officially declassified or released in writing by AF/A4LR.
- Return or destruction — Upon separation, retirement, PCS, or end of assignment, return or destroy CTM and notify the appropriate information library owners.
- Reporting — Immediately report any suspected compromise to the Ground Transportation (2T1) Career Field Manager (AF/A4LR).
- Limited sharing — Share only with persons granted specific written access for training, validation, or operations performance testing. No further dissemination without prior written approval.
The form includes a solemn oath: “I solemnly swear or affirm that I will not provide or enable unauthorized individuals to access, obtain, possess, transmit, copy, or distribute actual or suspected CTM.”
Section II requires acceptance by AF/A4LR. Section III handles dissolution or termination of the agreement, which must be submitted to HAF CMVE Program Managers within 5 business days.
Consequences of Violating the NDA
Violations carry serious repercussions:
- Military personnel — Disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
- Civilian employees — Adverse actions under DAFI 36-148, Discipline and Adverse Actions of Civilian Employees.
- Additional penalties — Potential civil or criminal liability under applicable federal laws for unauthorized disclosure of CUI.
The agreement explicitly states it survives termination of duty and remains governed by U.S. law, with disputes handled in federal courts.
Who Needs to Complete DAF Form 173?
- Appointed CMVE examiners and test administrators.
- Personnel granted access to knowledge or skills test materials.
- Anyone involved in developing, proctoring, scoring, or managing CMVE certification tests.
Unit training managers, vehicle operations supervisors, and 2T1 career field personnel typically coordinate completion and filing.
How to Complete and Submit DAF Form 173?
- Review the entire form and initial beside key sections (definitions, authorization, legal consequences, obligations, and time periods).
- Provide your signature, date, DoD ID, organization/unit/installation, and state (if applicable) in Section I.
- Obtain AF/A4LR acceptance in Section II.
- For termination, complete Section III and submit to HAF CMVE Program Managers within 5 business days.
Always use the official locked PDF from e-Publishing to ensure compliance. Forms should be handled and stored as CUI.
Why This Matters for DAF Readiness?
Protecting test materials upholds the credibility of the CMVE program, which directly supports safe and efficient ground transportation operations across the Air Force and Space Force. Compromised tests could lead to unqualified operators, increased mishaps, regulatory issues with FMCSA/AAMVA, and higher risk to mission-critical logistics.
For the latest guidance, consult official DAF publications on e-Publishing (www.e-publishing.af.mil) and coordinate with your local Vehicle Operations or Ground Transportation office. Questions about the CMVE program or DAF Form 173 should route through the 2T1 Career Field Manager or HAF CMVE Program Managers.
Related Resources:
- Department of the Air Force e-Publishing
- DAFI 24-301 (Vehicle Operations)
- AF/A4LR Ground Transportation guidance
By strictly adhering to the DAF Form 173 Non-Disclosure Agreement, DAF personnel help maintain the highest standards of integrity in commercial motor vehicle certification—ensuring readiness, safety, and compliance for America’s Air and Space Forces.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on the official DAF Form 173 (20260302). Always refer to the current form and governing instructions for official use.