What is a CAGE code?

A CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code is a five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to companies, organizations, and government agencies that do business with the federal government. It is maintained by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and is used across the federal procurement system to uniquely identify entities in contracts, solicitations, and logistics databases.

How to Get a CAGE Code

For U.S. companies, a CAGE code is automatically assigned during the SAM.gov registration process at no cost. You do not need to apply for it separately. When you complete your entity registration on SAM.gov, DLA generates and assigns your CAGE code, which typically appears within a few business days of your registration being validated. Your CAGE code will remain the same as long as your company exists and keeps its SAM registration active.

If you need a CAGE code before completing SAM registration (rare), you can request one directly from DLA through their CAGE program website. But in practice, almost every contractor gets theirs through SAM.

NCAGE Codes for Foreign Entities

Foreign companies that want to do business with the U.S. government or participate in NATO-related contracts receive an NCAGE (NATO CAGE) code through their country's national codification bureau. The NCAGE system is part of the NATO Codification System (NCS) and follows the same five-character format. Foreign entities must obtain an NCAGE code before they can register in SAM.gov.

What Is a CAGE Code Used For?

• Contract identification — Your CAGE code appears on federal contracts, purchase orders, and solicitation responses as a unique company identifier.
• Supply chain and logistics — DLA and military supply systems use CAGE codes to track manufacturers and suppliers in the federal supply chain.
• Facility clearances — The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) uses CAGE codes to identify facilities holding security clearances.
• Past performance databases — Systems like CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) reference your CAGE code to link performance evaluations to your company.

Looking Up a CAGE Code

You can look up any company's CAGE code using the CAGE Code Search on SAM.gov or DLA's CAGE program website. This is useful when you are vetting a subcontractor, researching a competitor, or checking who won a contract you bid on.