Final answer:
The 13-character number is a CAGE Code used for control of non-NSN items, essential for logistics and supply chain management in defense and government sectors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 13-character number referred to is a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code, which is used for permanent or temporary control of selected non-National Stock Number (NSN) items. These numbers are crucial for identifying manufacturers and suppliers within various databases and facilitating logistics and supply chain management for defense and government entities. For example, numbers such as 1-938168-13-5 and 978-1-938168-13-0 could be part of a database and used to ensure that equipment, products, or services are consistent and traceable, typically within military or government sectors.