CAGE Codes Explained: What They Are and How to Find One
CAGE Codes Explained: What They Are and How to Find One
If you've spent any time around government contracting or National Stock Numbers, you've seen five-character codes like 96906 or 1ABC1 attached to suppliers. That's a CAGE code—one of the most fundamental identifiers in the federal supply system. Understanding it is essential whether you're sourcing parts, vetting a supplier, or preparing to bid on a government contract.
What Is a CAGE Code?
CAGE stands for Commercial and Government Entity. It's a five-character alphanumeric code, assigned and maintained by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), that uniquely identifies a specific business or facility at a specific location. If a company has multiple locations, each can carry its own CAGE code. In short: it's the federal system's fingerprint for a supplier.
What a CAGE Code Tells You
| Attribute | What it identifies |
|---|---|
| Format | Five characters, alphanumeric (e.g., 96906) |
| Entity | A specific legal business or manufacturing facility |
| Location | Tied to a physical address; multiple sites get multiple codes |
| Assigned by | The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) |
| Used in | NSN records, contracts, RFQs, and SAM.gov registration |
How CAGE Codes Connect to NSNs
Inside the Federal Logistics Information System (FLIS), CAGE codes are how each National Stock Number is linked to the companies approved to supply it. The cross-reference between part numbers, CAGE codes, and reference status is exactly what we break down in our guide to how FLIS identifies every military part. If you're still learning the stock number itself, start with how to read an NSN.
NCAGE: The International Equivalent
Entities located outside the United States are identified by an NCAGE (NATO Commercial and Government Entity) code. It serves the same purpose as a domestic CAGE code but is issued through the NATO codification system, allowing foreign suppliers to participate in U.S. and allied procurement.
How to Find or Look Up a CAGE Code
- Search SAM.gov. The System for Award Management lets you look up registered entities and their CAGE codes by company name or location.
- Use the DLA CAGE search. DLA maintains a public CAGE lookup tool for verifying or finding a code.
- Register to get your own. U.S. businesses are assigned a CAGE code automatically when they complete a SAM.gov registration; foreign entities request an NCAGE first.
Why CAGE Codes Matter for Contractors
For a contractor, the CAGE code is more than paperwork. It determines whether you're recognized as an approved source, links your company to the parts you're qualified to supply, and is required on quotes and contracts. When an NSN is restricted to specific approved sources, the CAGE codes on the record tell you who can legitimately bid—information that can save you from chasing an opportunity that isn't open to you. For more on reading those restrictions, see our guide to mastering NSN parts procurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CAGE stand for?
Commercial and Government Entity. It's a five-character code identifying a supplier or facility in the federal system.
Is a CAGE code the same as a UEI?
No. The Unique Entity ID (UEI) replaced DUNS in SAM.gov and identifies an entity for registration, while the CAGE code is a separate identifier used across DoD systems. A SAM registration links the two.
How do I get a CAGE code?
U.S. companies receive one automatically by registering at SAM.gov; non-U.S. companies obtain an NCAGE code through the NATO codification system.
Source With Confidence
Knowing who is behind a CAGE code is the first step; sourcing from verified, traceable suppliers is the next. NSN Parts draws on a global network of qualified sources to deliver authentic, documented components. Contact our team to put that network to work for your program.
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