What Are Federal Supply Groups? A Complete Guide for Defense Contractors

In defense and aerospace sectors, having a standardized classification system for carrying out sourcing and inventory management is essential. Recognized and used across the globe, Federal Supply Groups (FSGs) provide this level of structure to ensure that government agencies, military branches, and contractors can streamline the procurement and tracking of necessary goods.

In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive guide for defense contractors and purchasing managers seeking to better understand the role and function of Federal Supply Groups in modern logistics, offering answers to frequently asked questions surrounding the notable classification framework.

What Is an FSG?

An FSG is a high-level classification used by the United States federal government and various allied nations to categorize and track material items of supply. FSGs are designed to group similar types of products and materials into overarching categories for simplified management and procurement.

• Each FSG is represented by a two-digit numeric code.
• FSGs serve as the first tier in the larger Federal Supply Classification system that was developed in the United States.
• FSGs are foundational to inventory organization across many military and government logistics systems.

How Many FSGs Currently Exist?

There are currently around 79 active FSGs that cover a wide array of product categories, with numbers ranging from 00-99 for ease. These varied groups span everything from hand tools and construction materials to aerospace components and electronic equipment, ensuring a simplified and easy-to-understand system.

What Are Some Examples of Common FSGs?

While there are many FSGs that are unique in their own right, the following are a few of the most well-known and frequently used in the defense and aerospace sectors:

• FSG 15: Aircraft and Airframe Structural Components
• FSG 16: Aircraft Components and Accessories
• FSG 31: Bearings
• FSG 47: Pipe, Tubing, Hose, and Fittings
• FSG 59: Electrical and Electronic Equipment Components

As one can see, these groups help streamline part identification and sourcing based on broad operational categories.

How Does an FSG Differ from a Federal Supply Class (FSC)?

While directly related, FSGs and FSCs serve different functions within the same classification hierarchy:

• Federal Supply Groups: FSGs are the most broad classification between the two, being represented by two digits.
• Federal Supply Classes: FSCs are the organizational hierarchy that comes after FSGs, creating a further subset for parts to be classified in. They consist of four digits, the first two being the FSG.

What Is The Relationship between FSGs and NSNs?

Federal Supply Groups form the structural backbone of a National Stock Number (NSN), being critical to the globally recognized system. NSNs are standardized identifiers used across the Department of Defense and NATO countries to manage part inventory, always consisting of 13-digit codes that are unique to each item.

The first four digits of any NSN can be used to determine the FSG and FSC of an item, with the final 9 digits offering a distinct string that can identify any parts that belong to a given class. This layered approach enables a granular yet scalable classification system that has long benefited global operations across applications.

How Are FSGs Used in the Procurement Process?

FSGs support efficient procurement by:

• Categorizing parts and materials for streamlined sourcing.
• Allowing contracting officers and logistics personnel to filter product categories with standardized means.
• Aiding in the development of targeted vendor solicitations and RFQs.

By narrowing searches to specific FSGs, procurement teams reduce the time spent locating relevant solutions.

How Can Contractors Identify the Correct FSG for a Product or Service?

Generally speaking, contractors can determine the correct FSG of a product or service by:

• Reviewing product technical data and matching specifications to classification catalogs.
• Using federal logistics databases to cross reference information.
• Consulting with logistics officers or using FSG lookup tools available through procurement portals.

Are Federal Supply Groups Only for Military Use?

While FSGs were developed primarily for U.S. Department of Defense and federal government logistics, they are also commonly utilized by:

• NATO allies under the NATO Codification System (NCS).
• Civilian contractors engaged in government supply contracts.
• Commercial vendors that interface with federal logistics platforms.

Can Civilians or Commercial Vendors Access and Use FSG Data?

Yes. FSG data is publicly accessible and widely used by commercial vendors and contractors to:

• Search for products by recognized federal procurement categories.
• Facilitate inclusion in government bids and contracts.
• Enhance inventory organization.

Can an Item Belong to More than One FSG?

No. Each item of supply is assigned a single FSC, and thus one FSG, based on its primary use and design characteristics. However, products that are similar but not the same may be classified under different FSGs depending on variations in their form, fit, or function.

How Often Are Federal Supply Groups Reviewed or Updated?

FSGs and their associated FSCs are periodically reviewed and updated by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to reflect advancements in technology, account for changes in defense logistics requirements, and eliminate outdated or redundant classifications. Any updates are published in federal documentation and communicated through official logistics platforms.

What Tools Are Available for FSG and FSC Code Lookups?

A variety of platforms allow users to conduct FSG lookups:

• The Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS)
• WebFLIS and FED LOG
• Commercial Platforms

These tools allow users to access curated catalogs, verify NSNs, and retrieve detailed classification data with ease.

Where Can I Find a Complete List of Federal Supply Groups?

While federal platforms serve as useful resources for basic data, defense contractors and logistics professionals can greatly benefit from the procurement options and up-to-date Federal Supply Group list presented on ASAP Aerospace, an ASAP Semiconductor website. When customers choose to secure items from us, they can benefit from:

• Curated FSG and Federal Supply Class (FSC) catalogs for streamlined searches.
• Integrated NSN and part number lookup tools.
• Industry experts available for hands-on procurement assistance.
• Transparent pricing, fast fulfillment, and quality assurance guarantees.

Whether you are a defense contractor or commercial vendor, our platform delivers everything you need to streamline procurement with confidence. Visit us today and discover how we can support your mission-critical requirements.