Everyone recognizes this number system, (269) 961-7766. It is, of course, a telephone number. The three distinct parts of a phone number are easily identifiable. The first part is the area code, the second part is the exchange, and the third part is a unique four-digit number. (269) 961-7766
Just as each part of a telephone number has a distinct meaning, a NSN is formatted to convey specific information about the item of supply.
The NSN is a 13-digit code, and it is depicted as: 6240-00-357-7976
The first four digits of the NSN are known as the Federal Supply Class (FSC). For example, 6240 is the FSC for electric lamps. It is used to group like items, which would include fluorescent lamps, incandescent lamps, mercury lamps, and sodium lamps. The next two digits make up the Country of Origin code. This code signifies the country that originally requested the NSN assignment. Codes 00 and 01 are both used to identify the United States. The remaining seven digits are sequentially assigned and are unique to each NSN.
Who Can Request a NSN Assignment?
Manufacturers and suppliers do not have the authority to request a NSN. This is usually accomplished once a requirement/need for that manufacturer’s/supplier’s item has been identified by a military service, NATO country, federal/civil agency or various Contractor Support Weapons Systems (CSWS) managed by a contractor. Requests are then forwarded thru the appropriate supply chain for cataloging and then forwarded to DLA Logistics Information Service for NSN assignment. Page 3
Who Assigns a NSN?
The DLA Logistics Information Service, located in Battle Creek, Michigan, assigns all NSNs at the request of the military services, certain federal and civil agencies, and foreign friendly countries. Each NSN assigned to an item of supply is the result of a careful review process known as cataloging. Cataloging is the process whereby each item of supply is named, assigned a Federal Supply Class, described to identify all known characteristics and performance data, and ultimately assigned a NSN. This information is contained and maintained in the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS), which is managed by the DLA Logistics Information Service, which is part of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). DLA Logistics Information Service is the only organization authorized to assign NSNs.
Requests for NSNs are initiated whenever a non-stocked item is repeatedly ordered or when a new weapons system is being developed. Whenever a new weapon system is deployed by a military service, the service engages in an upfront review known as a provisioning process. This process identifies all potential spares to ensure weapon system support throughout the life cycle of the weapon system. This step is essential to properly provide support to the warfighter. During the provisioning process all potential spare parts are identified and requests for NSN assignment are submitted to DLA Logistics Information Service. Lamp.
During NSN assignment, a wide range of logistics data is assembled to describe the item. This information includes the item name, manufacturer’s part number, unit price, physical and performance characteristics, shipping data, special handling, storage, shelf life, and information associated with how to dispose of the item when no longer needed in the inventory.
Throughout the life of the NSN, this data is routinely updated to include new manufacturers, price changes, part number changes or other changes affecting the support, logistics data, or characteristics of the item.
Incoming search terms:
- During NSN assignment a wide range of logistics data is assembled to describe the item
- nsn assignment
- nsn assignment process
- NSN corporate structure
- what do certain parts of an NSN identify
- WHAT DOES NSN LOOK LIKE
- who assigns NSN
