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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Answers


Following are the FAQ topic areas. Click the topic to be taken to the questions and answers, below:

Website

  1. I can't open a Word file on the site, I just get a blank page. What's the problem?
    We have found a couple of situations where people are unable to open documents created with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word) from our J6212 Web site; the user gets a blank screen, even though the status indicates that the operation is "DONE". This problem appears to only impact users on WIN 7/Microsoft Office 2010 platforms.

    When we researched the Microsoft Office 2010 Trust Center settings, we determined that the default setting (unchangeable by the user) is to block binary documents created in 2000, 97, and 95 versions of Microsoft applications. Binary documents created in 2003, 2007, 2010 are free to access. Of note, those users in older versions of Microsoft Office have different default trust settings that allow these older documents to be opened (e.g., not blocked).

    WORKAROUND:
    • Rather than selecting "Open" when prompted by Internet Explorer, select "File" => "Save As".
    • Save the document to your desktop.
    • When the save is done, you will be automatically prompted to either "Open" the document or "Close" the window.
    • Select "Open"
    • The document should open. Once done, you can go back and move the document from your desktop to the recycle bin.

DLMS Migration

  1. I am looking for the Jump Start PMP. Where do I find it?
    The latest version of the Project Management Plan (PMP) and other related Jump Start information can be found on the DLMS Implementation Home Page.
  2. What does "MILS" mean?
    The term MILS, Military Standard(s), is used to describe legacy 80-column record position transactions embodied in the Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures (MILSTRIP), Military Standard Transaction Reporting and Accounting Procedures (MILSTRAP), and Military Standard Billing System (MILSBILLS) manuals. The overarching term is Defense Logistics Standard Systems (DLSS) which is a term that also refers to the MILS procedures. The DLSS are being replaced by Defense Logistics Management System (DLMS) manual which documents these procedures in a combined maual along with use of the DLMS replacement transactions, in American National Standards Institue (ANSI) Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) X12 format that contain unlimited record positions. The DLSS to DLMS cross reference can be found on the DLA Logistics Management Standards web site at: http://www.dla.mil/j-6/dlmso/eApplications/LogDataAdmin/dlssdlmscrossreftable.asp.
  3. What is the reason for the migration to Defense Logitics Management System (DLMS)?
    The MILS are impeding the Department of Defense (DoD) logistics business transformation goals. As the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logsitics (USD (AT&L)) stated in his December 22, 2003, policy memorandum, Migration to DLMS and Eliminate Defense Logistics Standard Systems (DLSS)..." Rigid fixed length EDI formats are functionally constraining, technologically obsolete, and unique to DoD." In order for DoD to expand and improve its logistics business practices, the Department must move away from the MILS as the basis for information exchanges.
  4. Will DLMS migration be phased?
    Yes. Phased migration began in 1998.
  5. What Extensible Markup Language (XML) standard will be followed?
    Currently there is only one standard, DLMS XML, based on the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) tagging method and based on the electronic date interchange (EDI) structure. We will expand to other XML variants when such variants are recognized as DoD standard.
  6. Will we no longer receive an 80 card column data file on our status?
    The direction is away from the 80 column DLSS/MILS to the more robust DLMS standard. This was mandated by a USD (AT&L) memorandum to the Component Secretaries on December 22, 2004. Defense Automatic Addressing System Center (DAASC) will maintain customer profiles and furnish data to system based on the system profile.
  7. What will be the impact on Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers?
    We suspect that some time in the future FMS Customers will see an advantage to moving away from the MILS to the DLMS. Until that happens DAASC and DLA Logistics Management Standards will provide the community services required to ensure full interoperability with our FMS Customers.
  8. How will MILS to DLMS the conversion work?
    As within DoD, DAASC will provide conversion services to translate between standards. MILS to X12/XML, X12 to MILS/XML, and XML to X12/MILS, as covered by each user customer profile including profiles for Security Assistance users.
  9. Will the Fund Code be used or replaced in DLMS?
    The Fund Code is included in the DLMS and will be used to derive the appropriation and bill to activity Department of Defense Activity Address Code (DODAAC) using the same methodology and tables that are currently used in the MILSBILLS processes. The appropriation code is also a placeholder within the DLMS. The appropriation number (which is not a data element in MILS transactions), while provided for in the DLMS, will not be usable until systems exchange information using the DLMS.
  10. Where is the A4_ mapped in DLMS?
    In DLMS, the A4_ (Referral Order/Lateral Redistributiuon Order) is mapped according to the functional process rather than by Document Identifier alone. Therefore, the A4_ representing a Lateral Distribution Order (identified by Distribution Code 2 or 3) is mapped to the 940, Material Release. The A4_ representing a Referral Order is mapped to the 511R.
  11. How are data files transmitted that are currently passed via Defense Automatic Addressing System Center Automatic Message Exchange System (DAMES) using a telnet connection?
    Per the DAASC, DAMES is designed for MILS transactions only and cannot currently accept ASC X12. If current DAMES users convert to X12 or XML, they should’t need a DAMES account any more. DAASC would set-up a file transfer protocol (FTP) or Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS) account for them, as are currently used for other X12/XML customers. DAASC will continue to support DAMES/MILS processing for as long as it takes DoD customers to convert away from MILS. They will not be arbitrarily cut off.
  12. Open records--will they still receive status until material is received? If not, will it be required to maintain two files until they are?
    The cessation of the MILS/DLSS does not change logistics core business rules. Only the methods of transmission are changing. You will still receive status based on business rules currently in effect.
  13. What is the status of XML formatted document identifiers (DOCIDs)--how many are actually in use by a live system?
    DLMS transactions are available in either the ASC X12 format or XML W3C format. XML is being used by the Air Force's Integrated Logistics System-Supply (ILS-S), and Navy's RSupply System.   Also, there are plans by the Air Force to use the DLMS XML for their Expeditionary Combat Support System (ECSS) ERP implementation, but this is still in the planning phase.
  14. Will there be new hardware required to support the use of DLMS?
    Required hardware/software will depend upon respective migration plans.
  15. Who is going to pay to upgrade legacy systems? Can we wait until we have the opportunity to POM for the necessary funds?
    Upgrades are the responsibility of each Component/Agency. Users were required to submit migration plans to DLA Logistics Management Standards for forwarding to USD AT&L. All such issues should be addressed in those plans. Additionally, initial guidance to convert to DLMS was provided in 1998 leaving ample time to submit Program Objective Memorandum (POM) requests for this requirement.
  16. What additional information is available on commercial-off-the-shelf products to support X12 to XML translations?
    DAASC has implemented a full conversion process that converts between standards (MILS to X12/XML, X12 to MILS/XML, and XML to X12/MILS). There is no need for Components and Agencies to establish a duplicate process that is already available. Users need "one" trading partner and that is DAASC. DAASC maintains customer profiles for "all" users and can translate to any format needed by those users.
  17. Is there enough time to make this migration?
    DLMS policy has been in effect since 1998. Based on DoD USD (AT&L) 22 December 2003 memorandum "Migration to the DLMS and Elimination of the MILS," this migration should have been completed by now.  There is enough time because the work must be completed by all systems before full benefits can be realized.
  18. What are the requirements for DLMS?
    DLM 4000.25 covers DLMS business requirements. Useful DLMS information is available on the DLA Logistics Management Standards web site. The DLM 4000.25 and other DLA Logistics Management Standards administered publications are available at: http://www.dla.mil/j-6/dlmso/elibrary/manuals/dlalmso_pubs.asp.
  19. What EDI formats can accommodate UID (unique identification)?
    All X12/XML transactions are capable of carrying UID. However, UID is currently included in the following DLMS Supplements: 527D (Due-In/Advance Receipt Verification), 856 (Advance Shipment Notice), 856S (Shipment Status), and 861 (Acceptance Report). These are available at: http://www.dla.mil/j-6/dlmso/elibrary/transformats/140_997.asp.
  20. How will the Defense Automatic Addressing System (DAAS) ensure that MILSBILLS data fields are perpetuated into DLMS?
    The cessation of the MILS/DLSS does not change logistics core business rules. Only the methods of transmission are changing. You will still receive status based on present business rules now in effect.
  21. Is DLMS training available?
    Training is available at http://www.dla.mil/j-6/dlmso/eApplications/Training/training.asp.

DoDAAD

  1. What is the Department of Defense Activity Address Directory (DoDAAD)?
    The DoDAAD is the master datsbase that contains the names and addresses and other data about activities that is needed by business systems. It is an interactive database table located at the Defense Automatic Addressing System Center (DAASC). The DoDAAD provides a single authoritative source (see DoDAAC review/reengineering memorandum) of address information for DoD Component application system’s data requirements. The address data is used for shipping, billing, and identification purposes by Military Services, Federal Agencies, and civil agencies. Business application systems requiring DoDAAD data to support their business processes include (but not limited to): supply chain, material management, distribution, transportation, maintenance, financial, and acquisition systems.
  2. What is a Department of Defense Activity Address Code (DoDAAC)?
    The DoDAAC is a six-position alphanumeric field that uniquely identifies a unit, activity, or organization; it uses all available characters except the letters "O" and "I". All six positions of the DoDAAC are significant:
    • Those beginning with an alpha character belong to a DoD activity or a contactor sponsored by a DoD activity;
    • those beginning with a numeric character belong to a civil agency and will always be followed by a numeric in second numeric character; details of embedded intelligence/code meanings can be found on the DLA Logistics Management Standards web site;
    • and a DoDAAC preceded by the character "DoD" form the 9 character Business Partner Number (BPN) identifying DoD intergovernmental buyers and sellers.
  3. How do I get a DoDAAC or update an existing one?
    The Central Service Points (CSPs) are the only people authorized to create, update and/or assign a DoDAAC. Based on you organization type there are different means to obtain a DoDAAC:
    • Military or Government Service/Agency employees, contact your Central Service Point (CSP) or local DoDAAC Monitor at your location to have a DoDAAC assigned. If a DoDAAC Monitor does not exist at your Service/Agency, you may look up the CSP for your Servcie/Agency: http://www.dla.mil/j-6/dlmso/eLibrary/ServicePoints/allpoc.asp. Requests for new DoDAAC or modification to an existing DoDAAC must allow for processing by the CSP in order to be implemented in time for its intended use (e.g. requisitioning, shipping, billing, etc.).
    • Private organizations (e.g., contractors) contact the Service/Agency with whom you have a contract. That Service/Agency will determine if you are eligible and assign a DoDAAC (if eligibility requirements are met).  Contractor DoDAACs are only issued for the length of the contract.  When the contract expires, the DoDAAC will be deleted (inactivated). If you contract is extended, you must contact your contract officer. Only a warranted contracting officer can request a DoDAAC change.
  4. How do I look up a DoDAAC?
    There are two methods of looking up a DoDAAC. If the DoDAAC is known, there is a public access site at: https://www.transactionservices.dla.mil/daasinq. There is also a search site available, but it required a System Access Request (SAR) to use. A SAR can be requested from DAASC at: https://www.transactionservices.dla.mil/sar/.
  5. What are Authority Codes?
    Authority codes have been established to restrict requisitioning, shipment, and billing by DoDAAC. DoDAAC authority codes are applicable to all Services. Initially, DAASC will assign Authority Code "00" (full authority to requisition, ship-to and bill-to) to all DoDAACs, unless a more restrictive code is already known for a DoDAAC, based upon existing DAAS edits. Following initial implementation, CSPs will update DoDAAC authority codes, as appropriate, and will assign authority codes to all new DoDAACs. Types of authority codes are listed in volume 2, chapter 2 of the DLMS manual.
  6. How can I learn more about the DODAAD?
    Go to: DLM 4000.25, volume 6, chapter2; and DLMS Training module #8, DODAAD.
  7. I am trying to access the DoDAAC Central Service Point (CSP) file on your web site but am unable to open the file/document. How can I access or obtain a copy of the file/document?
    The reason you are unable to access the file/document is probably because you do not have a DoD-approved Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificate or an Enterprise Certificate Authority (ECA) certificate issued by a source that the DLA information technology infrastructure accepts. If you are still unable to access the CSP file/document you should contact us via the web site by clicking the aforementioned email link, or contact us at 703.767.0600, DSN 427.0600 (leave a message) and someone will contact you. To provide updates to this file, contact Defense Logistics Management Standards. For information on how to obtain a PKI certificate go to: http://www.dla.mil/j-6/dlmso/about/pki.asp.
  8. Where can I find the Country Code listing on your web site?
    The list can be found on the DoDAAD Committee page.
  9. Why can't I fill in the Contractor fields for my DoDAAC?
    Contractors DoDAACs can only be assigned in accordance with specified Service and Agency codes as identified in 4000.25-1-M, appendix 2.2 (e.g., an Army DoDAAC that begins with the letter "C" or an Air Force DoDAAC that begins with the letter "E"). If the DoDAAC is assigned to a Contractor, the Contract Information fields are all required. For all other DoDAACs these fields are disabled.

NSN

  1. How do you obtain an NSN to sell products to the DoD?
    Contact the Defense Logistics Information Service at dlacontactcenter@dla.mil, or 877-DLA-CALL. You may find this site helpful: http://www.dlis.dla.mil/default.asp.

Project Codes

  1. I understand I can access DoD Project Codes from your web site. Where can I find a list of current codes?
    These codes may be found at: http://www.dla.mil/j-6/dlmso/eLibrary/ServicePoints/CD_projCd_nopoc.docx.
  2. Where can I find information on project codes?
    Project Code information can be found at: http://www.dla.mil/j-6/dlmso/elibrary/Manuals/MILSTRIP/word/0213-AP2-13.doc.

Publications

  1. I see from your web site that you have links to many publications. I am unable to find a publication I need for research or other business. Where can I find a copy of the authoritative source?
    Our web site hosts the DLM 4000.25 series publications; we do have links to publications that are referenced in those publications. Those links are to the authoritative source when possible. Most Department of Defense publications can be found at: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/. Joint publications may be found at: https://jdeis.js.mil/jdeis/browsePubs/pubSearch.jsp?pubOne=1&d=0 (This site requires a DoD-approved digital certificate to enter).

Web Supply Discrepancy Reporting (SDR)

  1. Who should I contact for trouble receiving responses to SDRs?
    Your problem is most likely related to the DoD WebSDR application and it may be reported to the DAASC Help Desk at DSN 986.3247, commercial (937)656.3247, or via email: websdrhelp@dla.mil. However, the DAASC Help Desk does not provide functional SDR support. If your SDR was submitted to DLA you may contact the DLA Customer Interaction Center (CIC). It is available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also contact the CIC at 1.877.352.2255 (1.877.DLA.CALL) or DSN 331.7766, or email: dlacontactcenter@dla.mil. Otherwise, contact the Military Service Source of Supply.
  2. How do I access the WebSDR application?
    Go to the DAASC web page https://www.transactionservices.dla.mil/daashome/services.asp where you can request the location of the WebSDR application. Access to WebSDR requires submission of a system access request (SAR), which may be submitted at any time via the DAASC at https://www.transactionservices.dla.mil/daashome/.
  3. Is training available for Web SDR?
    Yes. Training for Web SDR can be found on our web site at: http://www.dla.mil/j-6/dlmso/eApplications/Training/training.asp
  4. How does DoD Web SDR impact the manual SDR Process?
    DoD WebSDR refers to both a DAASC-maintained web-entry application and the automated process that facilitates SDR information exchange using DLMS transactions, email, and interfaces with Component SDR systems. The procedures for processing SDRs under WebSDR are located in the DLMS Manual, Volume 2, Chapter 17.
  5. Where can I find a printer-friendly list of the codes with their explanation used in the SDR process?
    All SDR-related codes used in the DLMS process are identified in the DED/D. In addition, a consolidated list is available on the SDR Committee page.

Logistics Data Resource Management System (LOGDRMS)

  1. What is the DoD Logistics Data Resource Management System (LOGDRMS)?
    The LOGDRMS is a web-enabled automated data base which contains a dictionary/directory of all logistics data elements used in the DLMS, an abbreviated set of 67 DLMS Supplements (DS's), a separate Dictionary/Directory of reference tables (DLMS Qualifiers) used in the DLMS supplements , and a set of conversion/cross-reference tables from DLSS to DLMS (e.g., MILSTRIP A0_ to 511R Requisition).
  2. DLMS supply transactions employ many reference tables. Where can I find a list of the tables?
    The DLMS reference tables (also known as DLMS Qualifiers) are published in the DLMS Manual (DLM 4000.25). They are also listed on the eApplications web page in qualifier code and alphabetic sequences. There are 197 tables used in the DLMS. All tables are available on the DLA Logistics Management Standards web site and are linked to the specific location(s) within each DLMS Supplement (ANSI ASC X12 implementation convention). These tables can be found at: http://www.dla.mil/j-6/dlmso/eApplications/LogDataAdmin/dlmsdicdir.asp.
  3. What is the DLMS Data Element Dictionary/Directory (DED/D) and what does it do?
    The DED/D is the central repository for all DLMS-related data elements. It is designed to accommodate the current Logistics business rules and is fully attributed. It consists of a logistics enterprise DED/D (e.g., calendar date), a DED/D of DLMS data elements representing a specific use of an enterprise data element (e.g., calendar date of shipment), and the location(s) of each data element within each DLMS Supplement (DS) (X12 implementation convention). A link to any applicable reference table (DLMS qualifier) is also provided. The web-based query includes an application that enables system users to access data elements stored in the DED/D at enterprise or DLMS management levels. An added feature provides a query capability for all DLMS data elements by the DS’s ANSI ASC X12 version release (e.g., 004010 511R) which then produces a report of all logistics business data elements contained in that DS, with each data element identified by location therein.
  4. Where can I find the DoD code values for "Unit of Issue/Measure" and matching ANSI ASC X12 codes?
    Go to "QUICK LINKS" on the DLA Logistics Management Standards home page and click on DLMS/ANSI ASC Conversion Guides. Codes are presented in 3 sequences: clear text name; DoD Code; and ANSI ASC X12 Code.
  5. Where can I find a DoD Logistics Document Identifier (e.g., A01) to DLMS Supplement (Implementation Convention e.g., 511R) cross-reference table?
    Go to "QUICK LINKS" on the DLA Logistics Management Standards home page and click on "DLSS/DoD Cross Reference Tables". Cross references are in 2 sequenced tables, DOCID and DLMS Supplement (IC).

Transportation

  1. Who establishes the DLMS standards for transportation?
    The United States Transportation Command is the Executive Agent for transportation data and transaction standards. The Defense Transportation Electronic Business (DTEB) Committee identifies and resolves issues and recommends management actions that support the accelerated implementation of the electronic exchange of business information. As the focal point for all defense transportation e-business development efforts, it coordinates e-business standards and requirements with defense and federal organization and commercial industry. The committee represents transportation interests at all levels of the federal government.
  2. Where do I find information on transportation DLMS?
    The DTEB web site is located at http://www.transcom.mil/dteb/. Just sign in as "guest", then proceed to the DoD Transportation implementation conventions (ICs) hyperlink. The transportation regulation can be found at: http://www.transcom.mil/j5/pt/dtr_part_ii.cfm.