What is a CAGE code?
A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is a five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to entities that do or want to do business with the US Department of Defense and other federal agencies. The code is used in procurement, logistics, and contract management to uniquely identify a commercial or government entity at a specific address.
CAGE codes are tied to a specific location. If a company has multiple facilities, each location may have its own CAGE code. This makes CAGE a facility-level identifier in some contexts, though it is often also used to identify the legal entity as a whole.
CAGE vs NATO NCAGE: CAGE codes are issued by the US DLA for domestic entities. The NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code is the international equivalent used for foreign vendors doing business with NATO member countries. For US federal procurement, CAGE applies.
CAGE, UEI, and DUNS — what is the difference?
| Identifier | Issued by | Format | Primary use | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAGE | DLA (Defense Logistics Agency) | 5 characters (e.g., 3D6F2) | Defense procurement, exclusion records, SAM registration | Active |
| UEI | SAM.gov (GSA) | 12 characters alphanumeric | All federal procurement and grants since April 2022 | Active — primary identifier |
| DUNS | Dun & Bradstreet | 9 digits | Previously used as the primary federal identifier | Retired April 2022 |
Since April 4, 2022, the UEI is the primary identifier for federal procurement. CAGE remains in active use alongside UEI — they serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. The DUNS number is no longer accepted for federal registrations or awards.
Why CAGE matters for vendor screening
CAGE codes appear prominently in SAM exclusion records, particularly for older debarments and suspensions issued before UEI was introduced. If you are screening a vendor against the SAM exclusion list and the vendor has an older exclusion record, the CAGE code may be the only reliable identifier available.
CAGE is also used in defense-specific procurement systems (WAWF, PIEE) and in military specifications and standards. Defense contractors are typically required to have a valid CAGE code before they can receive a contract award.
How to look up a vendor by CAGE code
There are two primary ways to look up a CAGE code:
Via SAM.gov
Go to sam.gov and enter the CAGE code in the entity search. SAM.gov will return the registered entity, their active/inactive registration status, UEI, and registration expiry date.
Via KnowVendor
Enter the CAGE code directly in the KnowVendor search. The vendor profile will show SAM registration status, linked exclusion records, FMCSA data (where applicable), and OSHA inspection history — all in a single view.
How CAGE codes are assigned
A CAGE code is assigned when an entity registers in SAM.gov or submits a CAGE application to the DLA. The process is:
- Entity initiates registration in SAM.gov or directly with DLA
- DLA validates the entity name, address, and business type
- DLA assigns a five-character code unique to that entity at that address
- The CAGE code is then linked to the SAM.gov registration and the UEI
CAGE codes persist even if the entity becomes inactive in SAM. Historical procurement records, contracts, and exclusion records will continue to reference the original CAGE code.
What a CAGE code does not tell you
A CAGE code confirms identity and registration — it does not by itself confirm that a vendor is in good standing, has no exclusions, or has a clean safety record. Always combine a CAGE lookup with an exclusion check and a review of available risk data before making a contracting decision. See the due diligence checklist for a complete workflow.