DLA Federal and International Cataloging NSN Resources

DLA Federal and International Cataloging (FIC) is the Defense Logistics Agency's landing page for the Federal Catalog System and NATO codification function — the process that assigns National Stock Numbers (NSNs) to items of supply. It is operated by DLA Logistics Information Services, which also serves as the U.S. National Codification Bureau. The page is an index to cataloging tools and reference material rather than a single application, and its underlying resources (CAGE code lookup, item name directories, DEMIL coding, NATO/NCAGE codification) are public reference and self-service pages.

What it is

FIC is DLA's umbrella section for cataloging: how items of supply are named, described, classified, and assigned NSNs within the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS), and how the U.S. participates internationally through the NATO Codification System (NCS). From this section, DLA links out to the specific cataloging tools and references logisticians and contractors use, including the H2 Federal Supply Classification (FSC) search, the H6 Item Name Directory, DEMIL (demilitarization) coding and DEMIL code lookup, the DD Form 1685 cataloging data exchange process, iGIRDER (the manufacturer-facing tool for updating product data in the Federal Catalog System), E-Cat (Electronic Cataloging, for registered users to submit and track cataloging requests), and the NATO/NCAGE codification pages covering CAGE codes for non-U.S. entities and how international contractors request an NSN.

Who operates it

DLA Logistics Information Services (part of DLA Logistics Operations, sometimes referenced as J3) operates FIC. It holds data strategy, management, and operational control for NSN data in the Federal Catalog System (FCS) on behalf of the U.S. military services, other DoD components, federal and civil agencies, and foreign governments, and it is designated the U.S. National Codification Bureau — the U.S. representative to NATO Allied Committee 135 (AC/135), which governs the NATO Codification System.

Access

The FIC landing page and its reference/informational sub-pages (cataloging policy explanations, DEMIL code lookups, item name directories, NATO/NCAGE guidance) are publicly viewable, no login required. Several linked tools require registration or authorization before a user can submit or edit cataloging data: E-Cat requires a registered account to submit and track cataloging requests, and iGIRDER is intended for manufacturers/vendors/suppliers who need to update their own product data of record.

How logisticians use it

Cataloging specialists, item managers, and contractors use FIC as a jumping-off point to the specific tool they need: looking up a Federal Supply Classification or item name, checking or challenging a DEMIL code before disposal or sale of an item, requesting a CAGE/NCAGE code for a non-U.S. supplier, or working through the process for a foreign or allied contractor to obtain an NSN via the NATO Codification System.

Related systems

FIC's tools feed into and draw from FLIS, the DoD system of record for NSN data, and its public/user-facing extracts WebFLIS, FED LOG, and PUB LOG. NSN assignment and CAGE code management are core FIC functions; DEMIL coding relates to disposition/demilitarization policy . The NATO Codification System pages connect to the broader NATO Allied Committee 135 codification framework used by partner nations.