CAGE Code

What is CAGE Code?

A CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code is a five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to a discrete business location that does, or may do, business with the US federal government. It is administered by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). Where the Unique Entity ID identifies the legal entity, the CAGE code identifies a specific physical location of that entity, which is why an organization with multiple facilities can hold more than one CAGE code.

For domestic entities, a CAGE code is assigned automatically as part of the SAM.gov registration process — there is no separate application or fee. Foreign entities are assigned an NCAGE (NATO CAGE) code through a separate process before completing SAM registration. The code is used across federal systems for payment, contract administration, and logistics, and it appears on many standard contracting forms.

For vendors, the practical point is that the CAGE code is generated for you during registration; you do not buy it. Keeping the location and ownership data behind a CAGE code accurate matters because contracting and payment systems key off it, and a mismatch between the CAGE record and SAM registration can stall an award or payment.