XL EagleCAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity code)
CAGE code stands for Commercial and Government Entity code. A CAGE code is a 5-character identifier, made of letters and numbers, that identifies a specific business location to the federal government. The Defense Logistics Agency's CAGE program assigns it, and it is used across defense and civilian agencies.
U.S. businesses get a CAGE code automatically as part of SAM registration, so you do not apply separately. Foreign businesses get the equivalent, an NCAGE code, through their own country's codification office before registering in SAM.
Why it matters to a small contractor
You will be asked for your CAGE code on quotes, defense bid systems like DIBBS, security forms, and teaming paperwork. Each separate physical location of a business can have its own CAGE code, so make sure you give the one tied to the address on your bid.
Example
A machine shop wants to quote a DLA spare-parts order on DIBBS. DIBBS asks for its CAGE code to set up the account, and the owner finds it on the shop's SAM.gov entity page.
CAGE code: common questions
How do I look up a CAGE code?
You can search entities by name, UEI or CAGE in SAM.gov, and the DLA CAGE search site also lets you look up codes and the addresses tied to them.
Do I need a CAGE code for civilian agencies, not just defense?
Yes, in practice. It is assigned to every U.S. entity that completes SAM registration for contracts, and many civilian forms ask for it too.
Can a CAGE code change?
It can if your legal entity changes, for example after a sale or a change in business structure. Moving or renaming usually means updating the CAGE record, not getting a new code, but check with the CAGE program if unsure.
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