Federal contractors must provide a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code before a contract can be awarded when the applicable FAR requirements call for one.
FAR 52.204-16 requires an offeror to provide its CAGE code with its offer, and the code must be in place before award. For most U.S.-based businesses, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) assigns the CAGE code as part of the SAM.gov registration process rather than through a separate application.
To begin, use the officialSAM.gov Entity Registration page. You can also review the DLA CAGE website and FAR 52.204-16 for the government’s requirements.
This guide explains how the CAGE process works, who needs a CAGE code, what information to prepare, how long registration can take, and which mistakes can delay your registration.
What Is a CAGE Code?
A CAGE code is a five-character identifier assigned by the DLA CAGE Branch to identify a commercial or government entity by its location. For entities outside the United States and its outlying areas, the comparable identifier is an NCAGE code.
A CAGE code is different from a Unique Entity ID (UEI). SAM.gov issues the UEI as part of entity registration, while DLA assigns the CAGE code to eligible U.S. entities. Both identifiers can be used to identify an organization in federal procurement systems.
Federal procurement rules make the CAGE code particularly important. FAR 52.204-16 states that an offeror must provide its CAGE code with its offer and that the CAGE code is required before award.
How to Get a CAGE Code
For most U.S. businesses, the CAGE code is obtained through SAM.gov registration. If you do not already have a CAGE code, DLA assigns one as the SAM registration moves through the validation process.
1. Create or Access Your SAM.gov Account
Start by visiting the official SAM.gov Entity Registration page and sign in through Login.gov.
If you do not have an account, create one before starting the registration. Mistake to avoid: Do not begin registration through a third-party website that charges a fee.
2. Select “Register Entity”
Choose the option to register your entity if you intend to pursue federal contracts that require SAM registration.
SAM.gov also allows entities to obtain a UEI without completing a full registration. However, obtaining a UEI alone is not the same as completing an active entity registration when a solicitation requires SAM registration. Mistake to avoid: Do not assume that receiving a UEI means your business is ready to receive a federal contract.
3. Enter Your Business Information
SAM.gov will request information about your organization. Depending on your entity, this can include your legal business name, physical address, tax identification information, entity structure, ownership information, banking information, and other registration details.
Enter the information exactly and consistently with your official records. Mistake to avoid: Differences between your legal name, tax information, address, and registration data can trigger validation problems.
4. Complete the CAGE-Related Information
If your U.S. entity does not already have a CAGE code, DLA assigns one as part of the SAM registration process. You generally do not need to submit a separate CAGE application first.
If your business already has a CAGE code, make sure the existing information matches your current legal name and location. Mistake to avoid: Do not create a duplicate CAGE record simply because you cannot find your existing code.
5. Submit the SAM Registration
Review the entire registration carefully before submitting it.
After submission, SAM.gov processes the registration and the applicable validation steps take place. The official SAM.gov checklist says to allow at least 10 business days after submission for a registration to become active. If TIN or CAGE validation fails, SAM.gov will provide instructions for correcting the information and resubmitting the registration.
Timeline: DLA’s CAGE validation is only one part of the overall process. Some federal agencies advise applicants to allow 4–8 weeks for SAM.gov registration or renewal, particularly when additional validation or corrections are involved.
For planning purposes, do not wait until a contract deadline is approaching. Start your registration at least eight weeks before you expect to need an active registration, especially if this is your first registration or your business information may require validation.
6. Monitor Your Registration Status
After submission, check your registration status through SAM.gov.
If SAM.gov or DLA identifies an issue, correct it promptly and resubmit the required information. An active SAM registration includes a verified associated CAGE code, and contracting officers can verify CAGE information through SAM.gov.
Mistake to avoid: Do not assume that submitting the registration means your business is immediately active.
Understanding CAGE Code Eligibility
CAGE codes primarily apply to entities located in the United States and its outlying areas. DLA assigns these codes to identify an entity by its location.
Businesses located outside the United States and its outlying areas generally use an NCAGE code instead. FAR 52.204-16 states that international SAM registrants must obtain an NCAGE code before registering in SAM when applicable.
Your information must also pass validation. If DLA or another validation process cannot confirm your information, you must correct the problem before the registration can move forward.
Checking for an Existing CAGE Code
Before requesting a new CAGE code, check whether your business already has one.
You can use the DLA CAGE search and information system to look for existing CAGE information. SAM.gov also allows users to check an entity’s registration status using its UEI or CAGE code.
This check is especially useful if your business previously registered in SAM.gov, has worked with a federal agency, or has changed its legal name or location.
If an existing CAGE code belongs to your business, do not automatically request another one. The CAGE code must correspond to the entity’s legal name and location address.
Is There a Fee for a CAGE Code?
No. The government does not charge a fee for obtaining a CAGE code through the official process, and SAM.gov entity registration is free. Federal government resources explicitly state that there is no charge to register or maintain an entity registration.
You can hire a consultant to help with federal contracting or registration, but paying a private company is not required to obtain a CAGE code.
Mistake to avoid: Be cautious if a company tells you that you must pay it to obtain your CAGE code or activate your SAM.gov registration.
What Information Should You Prepare Before Registering?
Gathering your information before starting can make the SAM.gov process easier. Depending on your organization, prepare:
- Legal business name and physical address
- Taxpayer identification information
- Business formation and incorporation details
- Entity structure and organization type
- Ownership and control information
- NAICS and business classification information
- Banking and electronic funds transfer information
- Contact information for responsible individuals
- Predecessor or successor entity information, if applicable
- Socioeconomic or ownership classifications, where applicable
- Security-related information, if applicable
Check your documents carefully before entering the information into SAM.gov. Consistency is important because TIN and CAGE validation can affect the registration timeline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Paying for a CAGE code: The official government process does not charge a CAGE-code fee.
- Using an unofficial registration website: Register through the official SAM.gov website rather than a third-party site.
- Entering an incorrect legal name: Your SAM.gov information should match your official business and tax records.
- Using an incorrect address: The CAGE code is associated with a specific entity location, so verify the physical address carefully.
- Creating a duplicate CAGE code: Search for an existing CAGE code before assuming you need another one.
- Confusing a CAGE code with a UEI: They are separate identifiers with different purposes.
- Waiting until the last minute: SAM.gov says registration can take at least 10 business days to become active, while some federal agencies recommend allowing 4–8 weeks for the broader registration process.
- Ignoring validation problems: Respond promptly if SAM.gov requests corrections or additional information.
- Assuming a CAGE code guarantees a contract: A CAGE code satisfies an identification requirement; it does not guarantee that the government will award your business a contract.
- Forgetting renewal: SAM.gov registrations must remain active and generally require renewal every 365 days.
Conclusion
Start your registration through the official SAM.gov Entity Registration page as early as possible. For planning purposes, allow at least eight weeks before an important bid deadline, even though SAM.gov currently states that a submitted registration can take at least 10 business days to become active.
If your U.S. business does not already have a CAGE code, DLA will generally assign one through the SAM.gov registration process. Before submitting, verify your legal name, address, tax information, and other entity details carefully, then monitor the registration until it becomes active. Once active, remember to renew the registration every 365 days so it does not lapse.
