DD 1149 is the go-to form for requisitioning repairs or rental equipment.

Form talk that keeps ships moving: DD 1149 and the other common Navy forms

Imagine you’re aboard a ship or at a forward staging base. A piece of equipment breaks, a special tool is needed for a mission, or rental gear is required for a temporary job. The question isn’t whether you can improvise—it’s how quickly you can get the right item to the right place. That’s where the Navy’s requisition forms come in. Each form has its own role, and using the right one keeps inventory accurate, vendors in the loop, and your operation on track.

Let me map out the players first, then I’ll show you how they fit together in real life.

Four forms, four jobs (in plain terms)

• SF 44: The quick-purchase card

• Think of SF 44 as the point-of-sale permit for small buys. It’s handy when you’re making a small purchase at a vendor and you’ll pay right there or shortly after. The form isn’t the big-ticket tool; it’s the handy, on-the-spot receipt that helps you document a quick transaction.

• When you see “small purchase,” imagine it as the Navy’s version of grabbing a sundry item on a budgeted allowance—fast, simple, and with the paperwork tied to the purchase.

• DD 1149: The requisition and shipment backbone

• DD 1149 is designed for requesting specific materials or services—things like repairs, rentals, or specialized equipment. It captures the nitty-gritty: item descriptions, quantities, delivery dates, and where it’s going.

• In the logistics flow, the DD 1149 is the heartbeat. It communicates clearly what’s needed, when, and where, so the supply folks and the vendor can align on delivery. It’s used to requisition items and arrange for the associated services or shipping that goes with them.

• DD 1155: The contract action companion

• When a formal contract action is in play—whether it’s procuring goods or services under a contract—the DD 1155 steps up. It documents orders for items under contract, often in a way that lines up with larger procurement actions.

• Think of it as the form you’d use for a more deliberate, negotiated purchase where a contract or agreed terms govern the transaction.

• SF 1449: The contract and solicitation go-to for commercial items

• SF 1449 is the template you see in competitive acquisitions for contracts involving commercial items. It’s a standardized way to solicit, award, and order under commercial terms and conditions.

• In practice, this form is common when the Navy is buying standard commercial goods or services where the terms are well-defined and competitive bids or quotes are part of the process.

Which form is the right fit for requisitioning specific items or services?

For requisitioning or receiving specific materials or services like repairs or rental equipment, the form you want is DD 1149. It’s purpose-built for describing what’s needed, in what quantity, and by when, plus the delivery location. That clarity is what keeps the supply chain from producing a headache instead of a delivery.

Why not the others in the same situation? A quick refresher helps, because in real life you’ll encounter all four forms in different contexts:

• SF 44, you use when you’ve got authority to make a small purchase on the spot and you’re handling payment at or near the time of the purchase. It’s convenient for quick, low-dollar items, not for a long or complex order.

• DD 1155 comes into play when a formal contract action is already in the mix and you’re ordering under an established agreement. It’s more about contract administration than just grabbing a part off the shelf.

• SF 1449 is the go-to when the procurement is under a competitive framework for commercial items, with formal solicitations and contract terms. It’s not a field requisition form so much as a procurement contract document.

A real-world flow you’ll recognize

Here’s how it often unfolds, in a way that keeps everything aligned and moving:

• The need is identified. A mechanic, a fleet supervisor, or a supply petty officer notes what’s required, with specifics like part numbers, descriptions, and delivery windows.

• The requisition is prepared. If the item is a repair part or rental equipment, the DD 1149 will typically be filled out with the description, quantity, required delivery date, and the delivery location. If it’s a unit that’s operating under a formal contract, you’ll see the DD 1155 or SF 1449 in the mix—depending on your unit’s workflow and the procurement framework in use.

• Approval and submission. The form travels through the chain of command or through the procurement team. The goal is to get clear authorization, the right fund control, and the correct vendor information so the vendor can quote, ship, or bill correctly.

• Receiving and matching. When the item arrives, the receiving team checks the shipment against the DD 1149 or related document, confirms part numbers, quantities, and condition, then updates the inventory system. The mission’s success often hinges on that alignment—no extra trips, no miscounts, and no double orders.

• Closeout and pay. Once the goods or services are delivered and verified, the financials are settled, and the paperwork is closed out. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the steady drumbeat that keeps the supply chain reliable.

Tips to keep your forms crisp and useful

• Be precise in the description. For DD 1149, a clear description helps supply stores and the vendor avoid substitutions or misinterpretations. If a part has a NATO stock number or a CAGE code, include it.

• Include delivery details. The delivery location and date aren’t optional; they’re essential. If you’re requesting repairs, note the expected turnaround time and any constraints (like access windows for a workshop).

• Use the correct unit and quantity. It sounds simple, but mismatches here lead to everything getting stuck in the system momentarily.

• Check the fund and cost centers. Funds discipline makes sure the right budget line is charged and that you don’t end up in a funding mess after the fact.

• Attach supporting specs. If you’re asking for a specific make/model or a rental agreement, include the relevant specs or contract references so the supplier knows exactly what’s expected.

• Keep a clean chain. When you route the form, use a consistent routing path and keep the communication concise. The fewer back-and-forth messages, the faster the delivery.

Common pitfalls (so you can sidestep them)

• Vague descriptions. If you skip details, you invite substitutions or delays. Worst case, you get a part that doesn’t fit.

• Missing delivery dates. Time is money in logistics; put a clear date and, if needed, a latest acceptable date for arrival.

• Inaccurate unit measures. Mixing up “each” with “pounds” or “sets” can derail the receiving process.

• Mismatched vendor data. Confirm the vendor address, contact, and payment terms. A single typo can slow things down.

• Skipping the documentation trail. The form is part of a larger audit trail. Keep every copy and confirmation in the right folder so you’re not chasing paperwork later.

Practical takeaways for the Navy logistics workflow

• Know the roles. It helps to remember: DD 1149 is your workhorse for requisitions of specific materials or services. DD 1155 and SF 1449 handle contract actions and competitive acquisitions, and SF 44 covers on-the-spot small purchases.

• Think end-to-end. The form you pick should align with the step in the procurement journey—ordering, contracting, receiving, or paying.

• Maintain clarity under pressure. In a high-tempo environment, crisp forms are a lifeline that keeps the ship’s supply chain steady and predictable.

• Use real-world examples. The more you relate forms to actual gear, repairs, or rental equipment your unit uses, the easier it becomes to fill them accurately and quickly.

A quick mental model you can carry forward

If you’re ever unsure which form to pull, ask two questions in your head:

• Is this a simple, small purchase with a quick turnaround? SF 44 might be your friend.

• Is this about requesting a specific item or service with a defined delivery? If yes, you’re probably looking at DD 1149.

• Is there a formal contract action under way? DD 1155 or SF 1449 steps in.

• Is the order tied to a commercial item contract under formal solicitation? SF 1449 is the likely candidate.

Closing thought: keep the rhythm steady

In Navy logistics, the forms are more than pieces of paper. They’re the tools that keep ships fed, parts available, and missions on track. The DD 1149, with its straightforward requisition focus, often stands at the center of the workflow for specific materials or services. It’s the practical, reliable lane through which supply meets need, time meets delivery, and preparation meets performance.

So next time you’re facing a requisition question in your day-to-day duties, think of DD 1149 as the dependable inshore captain of the process. It’s not flashy, but it’s essential. And in the end, that steady reliability is what keeps the whole Navy’s logistics moving—one accurate requisition at a time.