CAGE Code

Commercial and Government Entity Code

Acronyms & Abbreviations

Definition

A CAGE code is a five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to companies that do business with the federal government. It's used to identify facilities and entities in defense and federal logistics systems. A CAGE code is automatically assigned when you register in SAM.gov.

CAGE codes are managed by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and are particularly important for defense contractors. Your CAGE code identifies your specific business location — companies with multiple facilities may have multiple CAGE codes.

You need a CAGE code to bid on most defense contracts, appear in the DLA's supplier database, and participate in defense logistics programs. International equivalents are called NCAGE (NATO CAGE) codes.

Unlike the UEI, which replaced DUNS, CAGE codes remain actively used alongside UEIs. Both appear in your SAM.gov registration.

Related Terms

SAMSystem for Award ManagementUEIUnique Entity IdentifierDUNS NumberData Universal Numbering SystemDLADefense Logistics Agency

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