Where can I get NSN information for my Bird product?

A National Stock Number (NSN) is a unique 13-digit code used by the U.S. government to identify and manage inventory items, such as products or parts used by the military and federal agencies. It standardizes the identification of items across government agencies, ensuring consistency in procurement, logistics, and supply chain management. The NSN includes information about the item’s type, specifications, and manufacturer.

A National Item Identification Number (NIIN) is the last nine digits of the NSN. While the NSN includes the federal supply group and class in the first four digits, the NIIN provides a more specific identification for the individual item, regardless of which agency uses it.

To obtain an NSN for a product made by a U.S. factory:

1. Ensure Eligibility: The product must meet U.S. government specifications and standards, and it should be something that government agencies, especially the Department of Defense, would require.
2. Submit a Request: A company can request an NSN through the General Services Administration (GSA) or the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). This often involves working with a government contracting officer or submitting documentation through a federal procurement system, such as SAM.gov.
3. Meet Requirements: The product will need to be evaluated to ensure it meets all necessary technical and performance standards for use in government contracts.

Once the product is reviewed and accepted, the NSN will be assigned, and the product will be cataloged in the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS), making it available for government procurement.

All that stated, Bird is not responsible for generating or upkeep of NSN information. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), a part of the U.S. Department of Defense, is primarily responsible for assigning and managing National Stock Numbers. Specifically, the DLA Logistics Information Services handles the process of generating and assigning NSNs in coordination with other government agencies.

When a request for an NSN is submitted, the DLA evaluates the item, ensuring it meets the necessary technical and standardization criteria. Once the item is validated, the DLA assigns the NSN and adds it to the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS), making the product available for use and procurement by federal agencies and the military.

In some cases, other government agencies, such as the General Services Administration (GSA), may also be involved in facilitating the process, particularly when it involves non-military items. However, the DLA is the primary authority for generating NSNs, especially for defense-related products.

For a flowchart that helps to understand the NSN creation process, see the attached document.