Codes, numbers and registration
What is a CAGE code?
Commercial and Government Entity code
A CAGE code is the five-character identifier the Defense Logistics Agency assigns to a specific facility of an entity doing business with the federal government, and it is issued automatically as part of SAM.gov registration for U.S. entities.
Also written as: commercial and government entity code, CAGE, NCAGE.
CAGE identifies a location, not a company: an organisation with several facilities can hold several CAGE codes. It is used heavily in defence logistics, supply chains and technical data systems, which is why it is administered by DLA rather than by the SAM.gov programme office.
For a U.S. entity registering in SAM.gov there is nothing separate to apply for — the code is assigned during registration. Non-U.S. entities obtain an NCAGE code through the NATO system before completing registration.
Like the UEI, it is free. Services charging to "obtain your CAGE code" are charging for a step the registration performs on its own.
Where the code shows up in practice: on solicitations and contracts, in the technical data and cataloguing systems that defence buyers work from, and in the public award record, where it identifies which of a company's facilities performed. If a buyer or a prime asks for "your CAGE", they want the code attached to the location that will do the work, which for a single-site business is simply the one you were issued.
What this means when you bid
You do not apply for a CAGE code separately. Complete the SAM.gov registration and it is assigned.
CAGE code compared with the terms it gets confused with
CAGE code vs UEI
CAGE identifies a facility and comes from DLA; the UEI identifies the entity and comes from SAM.gov.
What UEImeans →Where this definition comes from
Federal contracting is one of the few fields where the authoritative answer is free, public and one click away. These are the sources this page is built from — go and read them.
- DLA — CAGE program→
The Defense Logistics Agency assigns CAGE codes.
- SAM.gov→
The official federal registration and solicitation system. Free.
This page explains a term in plain English and cites the authority it comes from. It is not legal advice, and the regulation governs where this page and the regulation differ.
Free tools for government contractors
Knowing the term is one thing. These free tools do something with a CAGE code. No login, no credit card.
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CAGE code— common questions
- What is a CAGE code?
- A CAGE code is the five-character identifier the Defense Logistics Agency assigns to a specific facility of an entity doing business with the federal government, and it is issued automatically as part of SAM.gov registration for U.S. entities.
- What is the difference between CAGE code and UEI?
- CAGE identifies a facility and comes from DLA; the UEI identifies the entity and comes from SAM.gov.
- Why does a CAGE code matter when you are bidding?
- You do not apply for a CAGE code separately. Complete the SAM.gov registration and it is assigned.
Related terms
- UEI — Unique Entity ID
- SAM.gov registration