In Plain English
Quick Answer
A five-character code the Defense Logistics Agency assigns your business for government work. You get it automatically when you register in SAM.gov. It identifies and helps pay your company.
Definition
Definition
A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is a five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to businesses that do or wish to do business with the U.S. government. It is assigned automatically during SAM.gov registration for domestic entities and is used for identity, payment, and standardization across procurement systems. Foreign entities receive an NCAGE code.
Context
Why It Matters in Bidding
The CAGE code is how the government uniquely identifies your business across procurement and payment systems, and many solicitations (especially DoD) will not process an award or invoice without it. Because it is issued during SAM registration, contractors treat CAGE and UEI as a paired prerequisite before pursuing federal work.
Example
Example
A mechanical sub's first DoD award routes payment through its CAGE code, which the contracting system uses to match the entity to its banking and representations on file.
See Also
Related Terms
FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
How do I get a CAGE code?
Domestic entities receive a CAGE code automatically when they complete SAM.gov registration; the Defense Logistics Agency assigns it, usually within a few days of validation. There is no separate application. Foreign entities instead obtain an NCAGE code before registering.
What's the difference between a CAGE code and a UEI?
Both identify your entity, but the UEI is the primary SAM.gov identifier used across all federal awards, while the CAGE code is a five-character code focused on identity, location, and payment routing, heavily used in defense and logistics systems. Most federal contractors end up with both.
Does a CAGE code expire?
A CAGE code is generally valid for five years and is renewed alongside your SAM.gov registration. Letting SAM registration lapse can push the CAGE record out of active status, which may hold up awards or payments until the registration is renewed.
What is an NCAGE code?
An NCAGE (NATO CAGE) code is the equivalent identifier for entities located outside the United States. Foreign firms must obtain an NCAGE from the appropriate NATO codification bureau before they can complete SAM.gov registration and receive a domestic CAGE-style record.
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