There are two NCB codes assigned for the U.S.
NCB code OO identifies all FSNs assigned before 31
March 1975. In the following example of two items, the
last seven digits of the NIIN are identical, but the items
are different. One has an NCB code of 00 and the other
has an NCB code of 01. Errors in the use of 00 and 01
can result in rejected requisitions or receipt of incorrect
material. (The COG column refers to cognizance which
we’ll explain in the next paragraph.)
COGNIZANCE SYMBOLS
The Navy uses a two-part cognizance symbol to
provide supply management information. A number of
cognizance symbols are in use, but the majority of stock
transactions aboard ship are covered by 1H,1N, 9C, 9N,
9G, 9Q, and 9Z. TIhe first digit of the symbol is a number
that identifies the stores account (discussed later in the
chapter) in which the material is carried in the supply
system. The numbers in this position identify the
following locations:
1,3,5,7
9
2,4,6,8
0
Material held in the Navy Stock Account
(NSA). When this material is issued, it
must be paid for by the requisitioner.
Material originally purchased by the
Defense Stock Fund but now held in
NSA. When this material is issued, it must
be paid for by the requisitioner.
Material held in the Appropriations
Purchases Account (APA). This material is
currently issued without charge to the
requisitioner.
Material not carried in a stores account.
The second part of the cognizance symbol is a letter
code that identifies the inventory manager or inventory
control point (ICP) that has cognizance, or control, of
the material. These inventory managers may be Navy or
other DOD activities.
MATERIAL CONTROL CODES
A material control code (MCC) (formerly fraction
code) is a single alphabetic character assigned by the
inventory manager to segregate items into more
manageable groupings (fast, medium, or slow movers)
or to relate to field activities special reporting and/or
control requirements.
The special material identification code (SMIC) is
a two-digit alpha or alphanumeric code that provides the
following information:
l Source of quality control
. Technical design or configuration control
l Special controls for procurement, receipt,
inspection, test, storage, or issue
Level 1 material is an example of material requiring
SMIC coding.
The following NSN illustrates all of the elements
that have been discussed:
IDENTIFICATION PUBLICATIONS
The primary publications the engineering
department uses to identify material are the Coordinated
Shipboard Allowance List (COSAL), manufacturers’
publications such as technical manuals and catalogs, and
technical bureau or systems command publications.
Most identification publications have notes or
introductions that explain how to use them. These
publications can be complex. If you have trouble
deciphering the codes or reference numbers, supply
department personnel will help you.
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