CAGE Code stands for Commercial and Government Entity code.
The Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency, (DLA) assigns the five-character ID and uses alpha numeric identifier is assigned to entities located in the United States and its’ territories.
How is a Cage Code Used?
Any company pursuing business with the Federal Government, must have a CAGE code. It supports a variety of procurement and acquisition processes throughout the U.S. Government.
CAGE codes are also used outside the United States and its territories under the NATO Codification System (NCS) and are referred to as NATO Commercial and Government Entity, NCAGE Codes. Find more information on how to obtain NCAGE codes here.
How to Get a CAGE Code?
The government does not charge for registration, assignment, and maintenance of CAGE Codes. Any company that wants to do business with the Federal Government must register at SAM.gov. During registration, you will be assigned a new CAGE Code if one doesn’t already exist. If you already have one, your information will be updated.
Once your Sam Registration is submitted, information is then routed to DLA for CAGE Code assignment. You can check your registration status with the SAM Status Tracker. Once DLA approves and assigns the code, it is sent back to SAM and included to the Entity Registration.
If you are NOT pursuing business with the Government but require a CAGE Code, you may navigate to the DLA’s website to Request One. The DLA CAGE Program Office is the only authorized source for U.S. CAGE Codes and has up to 10 business days to process all CAGE Requests.
Do CAGE Codes Expire?
As of August 26, 2016, CAGE Codes are assigned an expiration date of five years from the last update. For now, any Cage Codes updated prior to August 26, 2016 do not have an expiration date assigned.
How to Update a CAGE Code
Updating the CAGE information regularly through SAM or the CAGE office will keep it from expiring.
If you need to Update yours, you can visit the DLA’s CAGE website.
Can Cage Codes be transferred to another company?
You can transfer of a Cage Code through a Novation process: https://www.acq.osd.mil/dpap/dars/pgi/pgi_htm/PGI204_18.htm. However registering for a new CAGE is much simpler. The right way to proceed would depend on your reasons to want a transfer in the first place.
My company has two cage codes by mistake. How can i deactivate one?
For that kind of request, we recommend you reach out to the DLA CAGE code office directly at: https://cage.dla.mil/contact
If supplier is marking expired cage code on part even though cage code is updated in portal, What is the impact of this?
Yes, for DoD orders, they need to cite a cage code. You cannot get paid with an expired CAGE code. https://gtpac.org/2016/08/19/want-to-get-paid-dont-let-your-cage-code-expire/
What site can I use to search up the cage code for our suppliers?
Try this link: https://sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/searchRecords/search.jsf
I have a cage code. How do I get a contract with DOD?
Hello Dennis, glad to hear you have a cage code. For your question regarding growing your business with the DOD, you are welcome to review this resource: https://business.defense.gov/Small-Business/Marketing-to-DoD/
Your question assumes that working with the government is a straightforward process that can be answered is a short reply; it isn’t. I suggest that you enroll in our Federal Market Acceleration Program (FedMAP) for help with all the steps and complexities of winning a government contract. You can learn more at coleylearning.us/fedmap.com
Keep in mind that there are very specific requirements for the approval of pharmaceuticals for sale to the Government. Best of Luck!
how can i get Cage codes for my company
You will need one if you will be doing business with the DLA. We recommend you get one while you are registering in Sam.gov.
Is it safe or necessary to post your CAGE code on your website? I believe it should be on your Capabilities Statement, yes?
Thanks,
Eileen
Hello Eileen, Yes! You should include your CAGE code in both your capability statement and your website. Especially if you have a dedicated landing page on your site. Click here to find a capability statement example.
we are a company based in California and we have a cage code. we are opening a facility in Malaysia so my question is; can we use the same cage code as our CA HQ? or do we need to get our Malaysia facility its own cage code?
Can an India company get a CAGE code?
Yes. A company including one outside the United States, is assigned a CAGE code as a result of registering in SAM.gov.
do governments have cage codes, e.g. State agencies?
The cage codes are generated by the Defense Logistics Agency and pertains to Federal procurements. State governments normally do not use cage codes however, each states have their own individual requirements.
My cage code is blank on my Sam.gov portal. And do I need a cage code to get a grant ? Thanks
A Cage code is required to receive Federal Grants. When you register in SAM.gov a Cage code will get assigned and approved through the DLA or you can request a cage code directly from the DLA website: https://cage.dla.mil/request
I have 1 CAGE code for our legal entity. This legal entity has 2 addresses, one in Louisiana and one in New York. Do I need a separate CAGE code for the location in New York?
Charles, let me know if this helps:
SUBPART 204.18 — COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE (osd.mil)
(1) CAGE codes are assigned per legal entity at individual physical addresses (i.e., the same entity at the same physical address will not be assigned two or more CAGE codes). The only exception to this rule is when an entity has a registration in the SAM with multiple EFT addresses identified by multiple DUNS+4 numbers. In this case, each DUNS+4 number record is assigned a separate CAGE code to assist in correct processing of payments.
However, regarding the exception, now that DUNS is Done and has been replaced with UEI, this will need to be verified.
My company is a manufacturer of products used by various government entities (Navy and Coast Guard primarily). We do not sell directly to these entities but rather through our distributors. Do we need a CAGE number or does our distributor (the ultimate provider of our products) need the CAGE number?
Hi Don. Thanks for reaching out. Anyone that sells to the government will need to register in SAM.gov. Your distributor has privity of contract, so they would be the one who needs the Cage Code.