The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages CAGE codes through its CAGE Program Office, overseeing assignment, maintenance, and integration processes. DLA verifies entity information submitted via the System for Award Management (SAM) before assigning codes to U.S. companies, while coordinating with NATO for non-U.S. entities requiring NCAGE codes. The agency maintains multiple systems including CAGE Workbench and Web Services to support federal procurement platforms, ensuring standardized contractor identification across government databases. Proper understanding of DLA’s role facilitates smoother government contracting experiences.

CAGE Code Assignment and Maintenance Responsibilities

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) oversees the entire lifecycle of Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) codes through its dedicated CAGE Program Office. As the sole authority for domestic CAGE Code assignment, DLA plays a critical role in facilitating government contracting processes nationwide.

The CAGE Code registration process begins when entities register in the System for Award Management (SAM). After submission, information routes to DLA for verification and code assignment, often requiring additional documentation for complex cases. Once approved, the CAGE Code links to the entity’s SAM profile. Following proper documentation preparation helps ensure a smooth registration experience and minimizes potential delays.

Entities must perform CAGE Code updates regularly through either SAM or DLA’s dedicated website. This maintenance guarantees continued eligibility for government contracts and prevents code expiration. For entities requiring updates to CAGE code records, written requests are accepted from both the entities themselves and government offices.

DLA monitors information accuracy and may suspend codes with outdated information. DLA has developed multiple systems including CAGE Workbench and CAGE Web Services to better manage the identification process for government suppliers.

System Integration With Federal Procurement Platforms

While functioning as the backbone of federal contracting systems, CAGE codes integrate across multiple procurement platforms to create a unified identification framework for government vendors. This integration enhances system efficiency by guaranteeing data consistency across various government databases, including the System for Award Management (SAM). Federal contractors must maintain accurate registrations to remain eligible for government work.

CAGE codes facilitate procurement transparency through standardized contractor identification, enabling seamless data sharing between agencies. The codes are embedded in key procurement processes through FAR clauses such as 52.204-16, which mandates their use in federal contracts.

The DLA maintains several management tools that support this integration, including CAGE Search & Inquiry and CAGE Web Services, which enable automated interactions with databases. The DoD Procurement Toolbox provides additional resources to help users understand and navigate CAGE code requirements within the federal acquisition system.

DLA’s integration tools like CAGE Search & Inquiry enable seamless automated database interactions across federal procurement systems.

Regular verification processes guarantee the accuracy of CAGE information, supporting contract management and performance tracking across federal procurement systems. The DLA offers these unique identifiers without charge as part of the complete SAM registration process.

Global Coordination of NATO Commercial And Government Entity Codes

Numerous international entities rely on a coordinated system of NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) codes, managed through a partnership between the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).

This collaboration guarantees consistent identification of non-US entities conducting business with NATO nations.

International compliance requires foreign companies to register through the NATO Codification Tools ePortal, administered by NSPA.

Once submitted, the NCAGE registration undergoes validation via email confirmation to the entity’s point of contact.

DLA then records and maintains these NCAGE codes in its master file, assuring standardization across borders.

While DLA handles CAGE codes for US entities, NSPA oversees NCAGE assignment for international businesses.

This coordinated approach enhances transparency in global procurement processes and streamlines contractor identification throughout the NATO alliance.

The System for Award Management serves as the primary platform for U.S. companies to obtain their CAGE codes during registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Typically Take to Receive a CAGE Code?

CAGE code processing typically follows a standard timeline of 3-5 business days after submission for routine applications.

Most applicants receive approval within the first week, while cases requiring additional information may extend to 2-3 weeks.

Complex applications can take up to 25 business days.

Application timelines vary based on documentation completeness, DLA workload, and verification requirements.

No expedited service is available, and processing delays may occur during high-volume periods or when additional documentation is requested.

Can a Company Have Multiple CAGE Codes for Different Divisions?

Yes, a company can have multiple CAGE codes for different divisions.

Division CAGE codes are assigned when each division operates as a separate legal entity, conducts distinct business activities, or maintains different physical locations.

These CAGE code distinctions enable accurate tracking of government contracts at a granular level.

To obtain separate codes, divisions must provide legal formation documentation or demonstrate they are entities in good standing.

Each division’s CAGE code must be separately managed for compliance purposes.

What Happens to a CAGE Code When a Company Is Acquired?

When a company is acquired, CAGE code management depends on operational continuity. Companies may retain existing CAGE codes if business operations remain largely unchanged.

The acquisition process requires notification to contracting officers within 30 days of any changes affecting the CAGE code. If contracts transfer to the acquiring company, a Novation Agreement is typically required for CAGE code transfer.

Documentation confirming the acquisition may be requested to process updates properly.

Are CAGE Codes Required for All Government Contracts Regardless of Size?

Yes, CAGE codes are required for all government contracts regardless of size.

Every business bidding on federal contracts must obtain a CAGE code before contract award, with no exceptions based on contract value.

This five-character identifier serves as a mandatory verification element in the procurement process, ensuring proper vetting of all suppliers.

Businesses must register in SAM to receive their CAGE code to maintain eligibility for any government contracting opportunity.

How Often Do CAGE Codes Need to Be Renewed or Validated?

CAGE codes do not require separate renewal or direct validation processes. They remain valid indefinitely unless a company’s SAM registration becomes inactive for five or more years.

CAGE code validation occurs automatically during the annual SAM registration renewal, which businesses must complete every 365 days. Companies should verify their CAGE code information for accuracy during this annual renewal to maintain eligibility for federal contracts and guarantee compliance with government procurement regulations.