Did you know that many commercial suppliers don’t realize that some of the most accessible opportunities to sell to the Department of Defense don’t require navigating long contracting cycles or formal RFPs. One key indicator? AAC “L” — a powerful code buried within NSN data that signals Local Purchase authority.
At OpenFLIS, we believe in helping NSN suppliers uncover hidden procurement pathways — and AAC “L” represents one of the most underutilized.
What is AAC “L”?
AAC “L” (Acquisition Advice Code “L”) is used to designate NSN-coded items that aren’t stocked by DLA or GSA and are instead approved for open-market, local procurement. That means when a military unit needs that item, they’re not required to go through a central depot or formal solicitation process. They can purchase it directly — often with a Government Purchase Card — from a commercial source.
In other words: if your product has an NSN and an AAC “L” code, a government buyer is authorized to purchase from you — directly, and often immediately.
Key Procurement Pathways for AAC “L” Items
- Micro-Purchases: Under $10,000? No formal competition required. Cardholding government buyers can buy directly with just a fair price.
- Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP): For purchases under $250,000, a few informal quotes may be enough. No need for lengthy RFPs.
- Local Authority: Because there’s no central contract in place, local procurement officers are empowered to execute purchases quickly.
These processes open the door for vendors to secure real sales — especially if their products are visible, easy to buy, and tied to real NSNs.
Making Your NSN Products Discoverable
- Verify Your FLIS Listing – Make sure your CAGE code and part number are correctly linked to the NSN.
- Leverage NSNs in Your Marketing – Create landing pages for each NSN, so that government buyers searching online can find you.
- Get Listed on Research Platforms – Tools like OpenFLIS can act as high-traffic research hubs where buyers start their sourcing.
- Make Purchasing Easy – Accept government credit cards, be clear about lead times, and offer fast quote turnaround.
Can Platforms Like OpenFLIS Help?
Absolutely. OpenFLIS doesn’t process transactions — it connects buyers with the information they need to make a purchase. For AAC “L” items, visibility is everything. If a procurement officer finds your listing during market research, and your offer is compliant and ready to ship, you could win the sale without ever submitting a bid.
By offering enhanced listings, promotional placements, and seller profiles, OpenFLIS empowers you to stand out when buyers are ready to act.
Final Thought
AAC “L” is more than a code — it’s a signal. A signal that you don’t need to wait for a solicitation. You just need to be ready, present, and easy to do business with.
Explore how OpenFLIS helps commercial NSN sellers tap into direct sales opportunities with the Department of Defense — no RFP required.
