XL EagleNSN (National Stock Number)
NSN stands for National Stock Number. A National Stock Number is a 13-digit code assigned to an item of supply that the government buys and stocks repeatedly. It is usually written in the format 1234-00-123-4567.
The first four digits are the Federal Supply Class. The remaining nine digits are the National Item Identification Number (NIIN), which pins down the exact item. Behind every NSN is a record listing approved manufacturers, part numbers and technical details.
Why it matters to a small contractor
Most Defense Logistics Agency spare-parts requests are listed by NSN. If you can supply an item, the NSN record tells you which manufacturer part numbers are approved, so you know whether an equivalent part will be accepted.
Example
A supplier sees a DIBBS request for a filter by NSN. She looks up the NSN, sees the approved manufacturer part number, and confirms she can buy that exact part from a distributor before quoting.
NSN: common questions
Can I quote a different brand than the one tied to the NSN?
Only if the solicitation allows alternates and you provide the data to prove it is equal. Otherwise you must supply an approved source part.
Where can I look up an NSN?
DLA offers public lookup tools, and many free NSN search sites pull from the same federal catalog data.
Want the contract without the paperwork? Send XL Eagle your price on an open government job. We write and submit the bid under our registrations, free to you. Find open jobs →