The CAGE Code assignment process requires several key steps before completion. First, businesses must gather legal documentation and register in SAM.gov with accurate information. The complete process typically spans 4-6 weeks, including IRS validation (3-10 business days) and DLA assignment (5-10 business days). Entities receive notification via email upon successful assignment. Regular maintenance guarantees continued eligibility, as codes require renewal every five years. Proper preparation helps avoid common verification delays and registration errors.
Pre-Registration Requirements and Documentation
Before beginning the SAM CAGE code application process, entities must gather several critical documentation components to guarantee successful registration.
Organizations need to prepare their legal business name exactly as filed with government authorities, along with detailed ownership structure information that specifies whether the entity operates as an LLC, corporation, or other business type. The procurement system registration enables companies to participate in federal contracting opportunities.
Precise documentation of your legal business structure is essential for correct SAM CAGE registration compliance.
Essential documentation includes physical address verification materials such as utility bills or lease agreements, which validate the company’s location for DLA verification. The physical address must align with filings that demonstrate consistent business operations at that location.
Additionally, tax identification numbers (TIN, EIN, or SSN) must exactly match IRS records, requiring an IRS consent form submission.
Financial information, including banking details for electronic payments, must be accurately documented.
For U.S. entities, a Unique Entity ID (formerly DUNS number) is mandatory for completing the registration.
CAGE Code Assignment Workflow and Timing
The CAGE Code assignment process follows a systematic workflow once all pre-registration documentation has been properly assembled. The timeline typically spans 4-6 weeks, beginning with SAM.gov registration which takes 2-4 weeks. Registration accuracy greatly impacts assignment efficiency, as errors can delay the process.
Following SAM registration, entities undergo IRS consent validation before the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) reviews the application. The validation phase requires approximately 3-10 business days, with the DLA assigning CAGE codes within 5-10 additional business days. The standard CAGE code processing time is typically 10 to 15 business days from submission.
Entities receive notification via email once their CAGE code is assigned. Those who registered after August 26, 2016, must remember that codes require renewal every five years. Data discrepancies can cause significant processing delays and impact contract opportunities.
Certified Registration Specialists can expedite this process for organizations requiring faster assignment.
Verification, Notification and Maintenance Procedures
Maintaining an accurate CAGE Code requires thorough verification processes and ongoing maintenance by entities registered in SAM.gov.
Accurate CAGE Code management demands rigorous verification and regular upkeep by SAM.gov registrants.
The CAGE code verification involves validating entity information against the IRS database for TIN Match and checking for duplicate addresses in the DLA system.
When validation issues arise, notification procedures include email alerts about specific errors, and entities must contact the DLA CAGE Code office for resolution steps. These notifications typically address registration data errors or duplicate records.
Maintenance requirements mandate that entities keep CAGE code information current, especially after business location changes.
Regular verification guarantees data accuracy across SAM and DLA systems, preventing contract eligibility issues.
For error resolution, entities must rectify problems like duplicate addresses or incorrect tax information before completing SAM registration.
The SAM entity registration must be properly updated to maintain eligibility for government contract opportunities.
CAGE validation failures are communicated via email, with toll-free contact numbers available for direct assistance with resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Company Have Multiple CAGE Codes?
Yes, a company can have multiple CAGE codes. Each code corresponds to a specific physical location where the company operates.
This feature provides significant benefits for government contracting, including precise facility identification and improved tracking across systems.
Multiple CAGE codes allow for better administration of facility clearances and support accurate contract management.
Companies with several operating locations will typically maintain separate CAGE codes for each site to guarantee proper identification in government databases.
How Do I Update Information After My CAGE Code Is Assigned?
After CAGE code assignment, entities must maintain current information through SAM.gov.
For CAGE code updates or maintenance, companies should:
- Log into their SAM.gov account
- Select “Update Entity” from the dashboard
- Modify relevant business information
- Verify all changes for accuracy
- Submit the updates
Changes should be reported annually or when business details change.
For assistance with complex CAGE code updates, companies can contact the SAM Help Desk.
What Happens if My Business Location Changes?
When a business location changes, the organization must update its business address on SAM.gov to maintain accurate registration. This triggers location verification procedures through the CAGE code validation process.
The business should:
- Update both physical and mailing addresses in SAM
- Notify contract administrators of the change
- Complete any required SF-30 forms through the eMod system
- Maintain documentation of all address updates
Failure to update this information may cause validation issues and disrupt government contracts.
Are CAGE Codes Visible to the Public?
CAGE code visibility is completely public.
These identifiers are openly accessible through government databases and procurement systems. Companies should understand that CAGE codes are designed for transparent identification in the federal marketplace, unlike sensitive identifiers such as EINs or tax IDs.
Businesses are actually encouraged to share their CAGE codes widely, as they facilitate verification and credibility when pursuing government contracts.
Public access to these codes supports the transparency goals of government procurement systems.
Can I Request a Specific CAGE Code Number?
No, entities cannot request specific CAGE code numbers.
The CAGE code allocation process is entirely controlled by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), which assigns codes automatically through an internal system during SAM registration.
Despite the CAGE code significance in federal contracting, the assignment follows standardized protocols without input from entities.
The codes are issued sequentially or algorithmically based on DLA’s established procedures, and the assignment process is not customizable.