MCRL Lookup Tables

The Master Cross Reference List (MCRL) is a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) cataloging product that cross-references manufacturers' part/reference numbers and Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) codes to National Stock Numbers (NSNs) in the Federal Catalog System. It is a core dataset within the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS), maintained by DLA Logistics Information Services, and it is what a logistician uses to go from "I have a manufacturer's part number" to "here is the NSN(s) it maps to." LogTool's prior listing pointed to a commercial parts-broker site (ISO Group) that does not host or explain the MCRL; the authoritative access path is DLA's own free public download, described below.

What it is

MCRL data ties together several identifying elements for an item of supply: the manufacturer's reference/part number, the CAGE code identifying the manufacturer, the associated NSN (or Permanent System Control Number), a Reference Number Variation Code (whether the reference number alone is sufficient to identify the item or additional data is needed), a Reference Number Category Code (the relationship of the reference number to the item), and an indicator of whether a full item description is available. Historically the MCRL was issued in microfiche/print parts (Parts I–III); today its data is distributed electronically as part of DLA's cataloging data products.

Who operates it

DLA Logistics Information Services (part of DLA Information Operations, sometimes referenced as DLIS — Defense Logistics Information Service) compiles and publishes MCRL data as one component of the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS), the DoD's central catalog of supply items.

Access

MCRL data is distributed to the public at no cost and without a Common Access Card (CAC) through PUB LOG (Public Logistics Data), a monthly-updated download available from DLA's FLIS Data Electronic Reading Room. This is the free, public-facing counterpart to the CAC/NIPRNet-gated FED LOG and WebFLIS products, which carry additional restricted data fields and are limited to DLA, the military services, and government-sponsored contractors. For general questions about PUB LOG or FLIS data, DLA directs inquiries to its Customer Interaction Center.

How logisticians use it

Supply and logistics personnel use MCRL cross-references to resolve a vendor or manufacturer part number to its NSN(s) — for example, when a technical manual or vendor catalog lists only a part number and the supply system requires an NSN for requisitioning, cataloging, or interchangeability research. It is also used to identify all reference numbers historically associated with a given NSN, which supports substitution and interchangeable-item research.

Related systems

MCRL is one dataset within the broader FLIS/cataloging family, alongside WebFLIS (CAC-restricted online search), FED LOG (CAC/NIPRNet-restricted downloadable dataset with fuller data fields), and PUB LOG (the free public download that includes MCRL, CAGE listings, and Federal Supply Classification data).