NICNs that are authorized in supply transaction documents and those that are not, the term Local Item Control Number (LICN) is often used. The LICN consists of 13 characters, with the fifth and sixth characters being “LL.” A full explanation of the composition of NIINs, NICNs, and LICNs is contained in Afloat Supply Procedures, NAVSUP P-485.

COGNIZANCE SYMBOLS

Although cognizance symbols are not part of the NSN, they are used as supply management codes that identify the Navy inventory manager for the specific category of material requisitioned. This symbol consists of two parts, one numeric and one alphabetic. The symbol for all Navyowned bulk medical material is “9L.”

FEDERAL SUPPLY CATALOG

The Federal Supply Catalog contains all standard stock items available to agencies of the United States Government. It furnishes identification and management data for single-manager supply items. The sections of the catalog that are of greatest interest to you are those dealing with medical items, as listed in figure 14-1. Each subsection deals with specific categories of material.

The following is a subsection description of the Federal Supply Catalog, Medical Material, 6500 section:

Introduction—provides a general overview of the contents and use of the catalog.

Alphabetical Index—a list of item names, colloquial names, synonyms, common names, and trade names referenced to index numbers to help locate an item within the subsection.

Glossary of Colloquial Names and Therapeutic Index (6505/6508 subsection only)—contains colloquial names, synonyms, and trade names arranged in alphabetical order and cross-referenced to appropriate National Item Names. It also classifies items by therapeutic use.

Identification List (IL)—contains the following four sections:

1. Preface—each subsection contains a preface that includes special instructions pertaining to that individual subsection.

2. Alphabetical Index—a list of National Item Names cross-referenced to index numbers to help locate an item when the NSN is not known.

3. National Stock Number Index—a list of NSNs arranged in numerical order and referenced to index numbers to help locate an item within a subsection.

4. List of Items—a list of items by index number. Some items are illustrated for clarity. Each item listed includes action codes; handling and/or storage codes, it any; NSN; and a brief description of the item.

Navy Management Data List—a list of all items in the subsection showing unit of issue, price, and authorized substitutions. A separate Navy Management Data List is published for each Identification List.

PROCUREMENT

Procurement is the act of obtaining materials or services. Material may be procured by requisition or purchase. Requisitions are most frequently used, but purchase is used for procuring nonstandard material and emergency requirements.

LEVELS OF SUPPLY

There must be some control over the quantity of supplies kept by a medical department. Without controls, policy changes or poor ordering procedures may result in some items being in short supply, while other items are stockpiled in quantities that would not be consumed for several years. To avoid such occurrences, it is necessary to develop rules governing the levels of supply that accurately indicate the quantities of stock that should be maintained.

Supply Level Terminology

The levels of supply may be expressed in two ways: in numerical terms and in terms of months of usage.

Months of usage is the most commonly used measurements of supply levels. It is the best method to use in accounting for items that are