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What Is a Federal Supply Class (FSC) and How Is It Related to National Stock Numbers (NSNs)?

• An FSC, or Federal Supply Class, is a four-digit code used by the U.S. government to categorize and identify similar supplies. When an NSN is codified by NATO, the item's physical characteristics or use determine its FSC. Additionally, the FSC is always the first four digits of an NSN.

How Does the FSC Code Work, and What Is Its Hierarchical Structure Within an NSN?

• A Federal Supply Class (FSC) acts as the first four digits of an NSN, serving to organize items of similar use or nature into distinct classes. The first digits of the FSC are the Federal Supply Group (FSG), which is a more broad categorization for related items to promote an ease of identification and cataloging. Together, the FSC and FSG form the Federal Supply Classification Group (FSCG) code, which precedes the 9-digit NIIN that serves as the rest of the NSN.

Why Are FSC Codes Important for Government Procurement?

• FSC codes help government agencies manage procurement efficiently by allowing similar items to be grouped together. This enhances the analysis of spending trends, reduces the chance of redundant purchases, makes inventory management and tracking more efficient, and streamlines the acquisition process for time and cost savings.

What Is the Relationship Between an FSC and NSN, and Who Maintains FSC Codes?

• An FSC is part of an NSN, serving as the first four digits that provide a standardized taxonomy for categorizing items procured by the federal government. Information concerning Federal Supply Classification Group (FSCG) codes, as well as the FSGs and FSCs that make them up, is managed by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), which is a part of the Department of Defense (DOD).

What Benefits Does the FSC System Offer in Terms of Standardization and Efficiency?

• The FSC system provides a common language for describing and identifying items that follow similar use or design, facilitating an ease of trade between government agencies and other entities. It simplifies procurement and management by grouping related items together logically, ensuring accuracy and reducing the risk of erroneous procurement.