What is CAGE Code?
A 5-character identifier assigned to entities that do business with the federal government, used to track contractors across contracts.
The Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code is a 5-character alphanumeric identifier assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to entities that conduct business with the federal government. U.S. firms receive a CAGE code automatically when they register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
CAGE codes serve as a universal contractor identifier across Department of Defense and other agency systems. They are used in contract documents, invoices, shipping records, and the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). Unlike UEI numbers which identify legal entities, CAGE codes can also be assigned to specific physical locations of a company.
International entities receive NATO CAGE (NCAGE) codes, which follow the same 5-character format but are assigned by the NATO codification bureau of the entity's country.
Related Terms
A 12-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to every entity registered in SAM.gov, replacing the former DUNS number.
SAM.govThe System for Award Management — the official U.S. government website where businesses register to bid on federal contracts and where agencies post opportunities.
FPDS (Federal Procurement Data System)The central database that collects and publishes data on all federal contract actions above the micro-purchase threshold.