What is a CAGE code?

What a CAGE code identifies

DLA describes the code as a standardized way to identify a facility at a specific location. It is used for suppliers, government agencies and other organizations. On solicitations and awards it is how the government names the company that makes, supplies or wins an item, which is why you see it next to NSNs and part numbers.

How it relates to SAM.gov and the UEI

The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is where a company registers to do business with the government. Registration is free. Two identifiers come out of it:

• Unique Entity ID (UEI). SAM.gov generates it after it validates your legal business name and physical address. It is the first step of registration.
• CAGE code. It is requested in the Core Data section of the registration. A U.S. entity that does not have one answers no, and SAM.gov assigns one after the registration is submitted. An entity that already has one has its record updated.

The two are separate. GSA states that the UEI does not affect CAGE codes, and the FAR calls the unique entity identifier a separate identifier from the CAGE code. DLA says CAGE processing can take up to 10 business days, and it names a Check Entity Status Tool for following progress.

Entities outside the United States use an NCAGE code, the NATO version. SAM.gov's checklist says non-U.S. entities must request one before starting a registration.

Where the code shows up

• On contracts. The FAR says an offeror must give the contracting officer the CAGE code for its location before an award above the micro-purchase threshold, when the solicitation requires SAM registration or a UEI. The contracting officer puts the code in the contract and in the electronic data sent to other systems. If the offeror is owned or controlled by another entity, that entity's CAGE code and legal name are also required.
• On DIBBS. A DIBBS user ID is the company's CAGE code followed by 01, and you can search solicitations by an approved manufacturer's CAGE code. See how to bid on DIBBS.
• On item records. DLA's PUB LOG data links CAGE codes to NSNs and part numbers, so you can see which CAGE codes are tied to an item.

How to look one up or request one

DLA's CAGE Public site lets you search for codes and also has sections to request or update one. For a new U.S. business, DLA's guidance is that the code is created as part of SAM registration, so the registration is the route to follow.

SAM.gov registration must be renewed every 365 days. Updating contacts does not renew it. DLA recommends starting the renewal 45 days before expiration.

On NSN Explorer

NSN pages on this site list part numbers with their CAGE codes and show the supplier on each past award, with a link back to the official record. Browse open solicitations, look up an item through the home page search, or read the supplier guide for the whole path from registration to quote.

Keep reading

• How to bid on DIBBS
• What is an NSN?
• Glossary of government parts purchasing terms