The CAGE Code, short for Commercial and Government Entity Code, is a unique, five-character identifier assigned to suppliers and contractors doing business with the U.S. federal government. Administered by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the CAGE Code is a critical component of the government’s vendor identification system and is used across federal acquisition, logistics, and payment systems.
In the context of GSA and government procurement, a CAGE Code is not merely a formality—it is a foundational requirement for participating in federal contracts, registering in government databases, and ensuring accountability and transparency in the supply chain.
Purpose and Function of a CAGE Code
The CAGE Code serves as a standardized method of identifying a specific legal entity at a specific physical location. It plays a pivotal role in:
- Vendor registration and eligibility validation
- Contracting and procurement records
- Payment and invoicing processes
- Security and export control verifications
- Tracking contractor performance and responsibility
Each CAGE Code is unique to the vendor and location, which ensures that government buyers and systems can correctly distinguish between entities, even those with similar names or parent companies.
Who Needs a CAGE Code?
Any business, organization, or institution that seeks to sell goods or services to the U.S. federal government is required to obtain a CAGE Code. This includes:
- Commercial vendors
- Small businesses
- Non-profit organizations
- Educational institutions
- Research laboratories
- Foreign entities (assigned an NCAGE Code instead)
For vendors pursuing a GSA Schedule contract, obtaining a CAGE Code is an essential step in the registration process and must be completed before a contract award.
How to Obtain a CAGE Code
Vendors in the United States are typically assigned a CAGE Code as part of their SAM.gov registration (System for Award Management). The process includes:
- Creating a Unique Entity ID (UEI), which replaces the older DUNS number.
- Registering in SAM.gov, where entity details such as legal name, address, banking information, and points of contact are submitted.
- Automatic assignment of the CAGE Code by the Defense Logistics Agency once registration is reviewed and validated.
For foreign vendors, the NATO Commercial and Governmental Entity (NCAGE) Code is issued through a similar process via national codification bureaus.
CAGE Codes are generally assigned within a few business days, although this can vary depending on entity verification and completeness of submitted information.
CAGE Code in GSA Contracting and Systems
In GSA’s acquisition ecosystem, the CAGE Code is used extensively to link a contractor’s identity across multiple systems and platforms, including:
- GSA Advantage! – Marketplace where buyers search for pre-approved vendors and products.
- eBuy – Online RFQ and RFP system tied to GSA Schedules.
- FAS Sales Reporting Portal – Tracks contract sales and performance.
- GSA eLibrary – Shows contractor profiles and authorized offerings.
- SAM.gov – The central repository for all contractor registration and status information.
Without a valid and active CAGE Code, a vendor cannot hold a GSA Schedule contract or receive federal payments.
Lifespan and Maintenance
A CAGE Code remains valid as long as the vendor maintains an active registration in SAM.gov. However, vendors must:
- Renew SAM registration annually to keep their CAGE Code active
- Update any changes in business structure, address, or point of contact information
- Monitor expiration dates and status notifications from SAM or DLA
Failure to maintain a current registration can result in deactivation of the CAGE Code, leading to procurement ineligibility and potential payment delays.
Data Tied to CAGE Codes
Each CAGE Code is associated with a wide range of data that supports government oversight and procurement management, including:
- Legal business name and DBA (if applicable)
- Physical and mailing addresses
- DUNS history (if previously used)
- Socioeconomic classifications (e.g., small business, minority-owned)
- Contract award history and performance records
- Points of contact for business and government relations
This information feeds into risk assessments, responsibility determinations, and supplier performance evaluations.
Conclusion
The CAGE Code is a foundational identifier in the U.S. federal acquisition process. For businesses seeking to engage with GSA or other federal agencies, it is a non-negotiable requirement that ensures the government can securely and accurately identify each commercial or institutional entity. Whether tracking compliance, issuing contracts, or verifying eligibility, the CAGE Code connects all elements of a contractor’s federal business profile and enables the smooth functioning of the procurement system.
