CAGE Code renewal must be completed through SAM.gov by accessing the “Register/Update Entity” section. Contractors should verify documentation requirements, update core data, and submit renewals at least 30 days before expiration. Updates to business information are mandatory within 30 days of any changes, followed by notification to the contracting officer. Annual renewal maintains eligibility for federal procurement opportunities. The proper maintenance of these unique identifiers prevents procurement delays and registration lapses.
Understanding CAGE Code Lifecycle and Maintenance Requirements
When contractors engage with the Department of Defense, they must understand the critical role that CAGE codes play throughout the procurement process. These five-position alphanumeric identifiers require diligent CAGE code management throughout their lifecycle.
Contractors have specific responsibilities regarding their CAGE codes, including maintaining accurate information for the duration of any contract. Effective CAGE code updates must be performed within 30 days of any changes to business information, and contractors must notify their contracting officer promptly. Federal procurement requirements demand thorough documentation and precise information during the registration process.
The System for Award Management (SAM) portal serves as the primary mechanism for handling these updates. Regular verification of CAGE code status helps prevent contractual disruptions and guarantees compliance with Defense Logistics Agency requirements, particularly important since codes are assigned per legal entity at specific physical addresses. CAGE codes are essential for uniquely identifying commercial or government entities by location in procurement and logistics processes. These identifiers are crucial for defense contracts as they enable the DLA to track part origins in their supply chain management systems.
Step-by-Step CAGE Code Renewal Through the SAM Portal
The entire CAGE code renewal process must be completed through the System for Award Management (SAM) portal to maintain contract eligibility with the Department of Defense.
Contractors should begin by accessing www.sam.gov with their secure login credentials and directing to the “Register/Update Entity” section on the dashboard. Unique identifiers are essential for government suppliers to maintain proper tracking within the system.
- Verify documentation requirements before starting – gather your UEI, TIN, and current CAGE code information to streamline the renewal process.
- Complete entity verification by reviewing and updating all core data for accuracy.
- Follow security measures including two-factor authentication to protect sensitive business information.
- Adhere to the renewal timeline by submitting at least 30 days before expiration to prevent registration lapses that could affect contract eligibility. Annual renewal is necessary to maintain active registration status for continued eligibility for federal procurement opportunities.
- Confirm physical address accuracy as only permanent business locations where operations are consistently conducted are acceptable addresses for SAM registration and CAGE code issuance.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls in CAGE Code Renewal
Many contractors face unnecessary delays or rejection during CAGE code renewal due to preventable mistakes in their submission process. The most common errors include inconsistent entity information across platforms, outdated financial details, and typographical errors in essential fields.
To prevent these issues, businesses should implement a thorough renewal checklist that includes:
- Verifying business name and address match exactly with SAM.gov records
- Confirming bank account information is current and accurate
- Setting calendar reminders 60 days before expiration
- Using SAM.gov’s validation tools to catch formatting errors
- Ensuring all notarized documents are properly executed
Maintaining accurate data between renewal cycles is equally important. Recent updates now require providing valid physical address verification documents like utility bills during renewal, not just initial registration. Starting the renewal process early provides sufficient time to address any unforeseen challenges that may arise during submission. Federal marketplace registration through SAM.gov is essential for maintaining eligibility for Department of Defense contracts.
Regular updates to contact information and periodic reviews of the registration will streamline future renewals and prevent critical lapses in government contracting eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Company Have Multiple CAGE Codes?
Yes, companies can have multiple CAGE codes. Effective CAGE code management allows organizations with diverse operations or multiple locations to maintain separate identifiers for different business units.
Companies typically require multiple CAGE codes when they operate distinct facilities, manage different government contracts, or maintain separate business divisions. This arrangement facilitates proper tracking and administration of government contracts, though it may require additional compliance efforts as each CAGE code generally needs its own System Security Plan (SSP).
How Do CAGE Codes Differ for Foreign Entities?
Foreign entities must obtain NCAGE (NATO Commercial and Government Entity) codes instead of standard CAGE codes.
These internationally recognized identifiers function similarly but follow different application processes. Foreign businesses apply through the NATO Codification Tool or their country’s Codification Bureau, ensuring international compliance with U.S. government contracting requirements.
Unlike domestic CAGE codes, NCAGE codes require coordination with NATO-affiliated agencies and must be secured before completing SAM registration for U.S. federal contract eligibility.
What Happens to CAGE Codes During Mergers or Acquisitions?
During mergers or acquisitions, CAGE codes undergo specific transformation processes. The acquired company must continue using its original CAGE code until the government officially recognizes the merger implications through a Novation Agreement.
Both entities may retain separate CAGE codes if locations remain operational. Following acquisition processes, DLA will only update CAGE information after receiving executed Novation Agreements from contracting officers.
If a small business location closes after merging with a larger company, its CAGE code is typically canceled and replaced.
Can Inactive CAGE Codes Be Reactivated Without Starting Over?
Inactive CAGE codes cannot be reactivated through a direct process.
When a CAGE code becomes invalid due to five years of SAM registration inactivity, the entity must complete a new SAM registration.
This CAGE code reactivation fundamentally means starting over with the registration process, requiring submission of business information including legal name and physical address.
The system will either assign a new CAGE code or, in some cases, reinstate the previous one during the new registration.
Are CAGE Code Changes Required When Company Addresses Change?
Yes, CAGE code updates are required when a company’s physical address changes.
Since CAGE codes are specifically assigned based on physical location, any change to where business is conducted requires an update. Companies must update their information in SAM.gov first, followed by address verification through the appropriate channels.
This process guarantees government systems maintain accurate supplier location data. Failing to update this information could affect contract eligibility and payment processing with government agencies.