What is an end-item in the context of defense articles?

An end-item in the context of defense articles refers to a complete product or system that is ready for use. This includes items that have been fully assembled and are operational, meaning they can be utilized for their intended purpose immediately without requiring additional parts or assembly.

Defining it as the smallest component would not fully capture its essence, as an end-item can also represent a final assembled state which is much larger than just a single part. Therefore, the notion that an end-item is either a standalone article or consists of multiple components brought together serves to clarify its significance in defense procurement and inventory management. Understanding this concept is crucial because it helps delineate between parts, components, and the final outputs that constitute defense readiness.