NSN Glossary

Common terms and codes used with National Stock Numbers, DLA solicitations and the NSN pages on this site.

AAC

Acquisition Advice Code. Tells how an item is acquired and managed, for example stocked, bought direct from the vendor, or locally purchased.

Award

A contract issued to the winning offeror of a solicitation. Award history shows who supplied an NSN, in what quantity and at what unit price.

CAGE Code

Commercial and Government Entity code. A five-character code that identifies a manufacturer, supplier or government activity.

CIIC

Controlled Inventory Item Code. Shows the security or pilferage classification of an item.

DEMIL Code

Demilitarization code. Defines what must be done to an item before it can leave military control.

DIBBS

DLA Internet Bid Board System, where the Defense Logistics Agency publishes solicitations and awards.

DLA

Defense Logistics Agency, the US agency that buys and manages most NSN items.

FOB

Free On Board. Defines where ownership and shipping responsibility pass to the buyer, for example origin or destination.

FSC

Federal Supply Class. The first four digits of an NSN, grouping similar items, e.g. 5305 Screws.

FSG

Federal Supply Group. The first two digits of an NSN, e.g. 53 Hardware and Abrasives.

HMIC

Hazardous Material Indicator Code. Shows whether an item contains hazardous material.

INC

Item Name Code. A five-digit code for the approved item name, e.g. Screw, Machine.

Inspection / Acceptance Point

Where the government inspects and accepts the items: at the origin (supplier) or at the destination.

MOE

Major Organizational Entity. Identifies the service or agency that manages or uses an item.

MRC

Master Requirement Code. A four-character code for each technical characteristic of an item, e.g. thread class or material.

NCB

National Codification Bureau. The national office that assigns NSNs; its code is digits 5-6 of the NSN.

NIIN

National Item Identification Number. The last nine digits of an NSN, unique to the item.

NSN

National Stock Number. The 13-digit number that identifies an item of supply.

PMIC

Precious Metals Indicator Code. Shows whether an item contains precious metals.

QUP

Quantity Unit Pack. The number of units in one package.

Reference Number

A manufacturer part number, drawing number or specification number linked to an NSN.

RFQ

Request for Quotation. A request from the buyer for price and delivery offers.

RNCC

Reference Number Category Code. Describes how a reference number relates to the item, e.g. design control reference or specification.

RNVC

Reference Number Variation Code. Shows whether a reference number fully identifies the item.

SLC

Shelf-Life Code. How long an item can be stored before use.

Solicitation

A request for offers published by the buyer, listing NSN, quantity, delivery terms and closing date.

SOS

Source of Supply. The activity that supplies the item, e.g. a DLA supply center.

U/I

Unit of Issue. The unit in which an item is issued, e.g. EA (each), PG (package), HD (hundred).