A system and methods for locating and drilling determinate assembly (DA) holes using a coordinate measuring device (CMD) are disclosed. A system includes a CMD having a probe tip, a guide element having a reference hole for receiving the probe tip, and a drill bushing having a drill bit guide hole for accurately drilling a DA hole at a target position. Methods for locating and drilling DA holes comprise steps of: calibrating a CMD; inserting a CMD probe into a reference hole of a guide element; positioning the CMD probe and guide element at a target position on a part; maintaining the guide element at the target position; removing the CMD probe from the guide element; inserting a drill bushing into the reference hole of the guide element; and drilling a DA hole in the part, utilizing a drill bit guide hole located in the drill bushing.