A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code is a unique identifier assigned to organizations that conduct or seek to conduct business with the United States federal government. This standardized code acts as the primary means of identifying an entity, its physical location, and its status within the federal supply chain and procurement system. Obtaining a CAGE Code is a foundational step for any organization looking to establish a formal business relationship with the government.
Defining the CAGE Code
The CAGE Code stands for Commercial and Government Entity Code. It serves as a unique data element identifying a specific physical address or location of a company or governmental organization. Administered by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the code is a five-character alphanumeric sequence assigned to U.S.-based entities. The format often requires the first and fifth positions to be numeric, and certain letters, such as I, O, S, and Z, are excluded to prevent confusion with numbers. The CAGE Code is tied to the entity’s certified physical address, which is maintained in the federal system to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud.
The Primary Purpose of CAGE Codes
The core function of the CAGE Code is to establish a singular, standardized identification system across numerous federal agencies, especially the Department of Defense and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). This unique identifier facilitates a streamlined process for managing logistics, procurement, and payments. The code enables the government to quickly identify, track, and verify the physical location and status of any given supplier or contractor within the expansive federal network.
The code is also integrated into the NATO Codification System (NCS), assisting in the international exchange of supply and logistics data. By associating the CAGE Code with a supplier’s part number, the system creates a reference held on the National Stock Number (NSN) record. This provides a reliable method for determining the source of a specific part or service, ensuring supply chain integrity.
Who Needs and Uses CAGE Codes
A wide range of organizations must obtain and utilize CAGE Codes to participate in federal commerce. All U.S. Federal government agencies, particularly the Department of Defense, use the codes internally for administrative and procurement purposes. Any commercial entity seeking to bid on federal solicitations, receive a contract award, or apply for federal financial assistance must possess an active code.
Prime contractors often require their subcontractors to have an assigned CAGE Code to ensure accountability and traceability throughout the supply chain. Entities that receive federal awards, grants, or cooperative agreements are also obligated to have this unique identifier. The code functions as a foundational requirement for any organization wishing to engage in financial transactions with the U.S. government.
The Relationship to Federal Registration and the Unique Entity Identifier
The CAGE Code is fundamentally linked to an entity’s registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). SAM is the primary database for all federal awardees and contractors, and registration is mandatory for any organization seeking federal contracts, grants, or financial assistance. The CAGE Code cannot be obtained without first completing the necessary registration steps within the SAM environment.
This process involves establishing the entity’s official Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), which replaced the legacy DUNS number in April 2022. The UEI is assigned by the government and is a prerequisite for CAGE Code assignment. Once the entity is registered and has its UEI, SAM transmits the verified information, including the physical address, to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The DLA then assigns the CAGE Code as a distinct identifier, complementing the UEI and SAM registration.
Obtaining a CAGE Code (The Process)
For a domestic entity, obtaining a CAGE Code is a consequence of successful registration in the System for Award Management (SAM), not a separate application. The process begins by creating an account and obtaining the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through the SAM portal. The entity must then complete the full registration by providing accurate business details, including its legal name, Tax Identification Number (TIN), and certified physical address.
Upon submission, the entity’s data is automatically routed to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for validation. The DLA performs a verification process to confirm the entity’s legal existence and the accuracy of its physical location. This validation process typically takes between two to three weeks. It may take longer if the DLA requires additional documentation to resolve discrepancies or confirm the entity’s legal existence. Once approved, the DLA automatically assigns the CAGE Code, which is then applied to the entity’s profile in SAM.gov.
CAGE Codes for International Entities
Entities located outside the United States must obtain the NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Code. The NCAGE Code acts as a unique identifier for organizations wishing to participate in the federal procurement system. It is assigned to organizations in NATO member nations and other sponsored countries seeking to conduct business with the U.S. government or NATO organizations.
The NCAGE Code is a prerequisite for foreign entities to complete their registration in the System for Award Management (SAM). Foreign entities must apply directly through their respective National Codification Bureau, or the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) if a local bureau is unavailable. This ensures international suppliers are uniquely identified and tracked within the global defense and supply chain framework.
How to Verify or Look Up a CAGE Code
Entities needing to confirm their own CAGE Code, or verify that of a potential partner or subcontractor, have access to official federal search tools. The most direct method is through the public search function on the official SAM.gov website. Searching by the entity’s name or Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) will display the associated CAGE Code. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) also provides a specialized tool called CAGE Search and Inquiry (CSI), which allows users to look up CAGE Codes and verify the associated entity information. Utilizing these official government resources ensures that the CAGE Code being referenced is active and accurately linked to the correct legal entity and physical address.