Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code

A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is a five-character alpha-numeric identifier assigned to entities located in the United States and its territories. In contrast, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code is used for entities outside the United States. The codes are assigned by the Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and are used to support various procurement and acquisition processes throughout the U.S. Government.

In order to register for a CAGE code, you must be registered in the System for Award Management, SAM system (SAM.gov).  If you do not already have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number, you will need to submit a request to Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) to provide a DUNS number (a unique nine-digit identification number) for each physical location of your business before registering in SAM. After submitting your request and it is approved through Internal Revenue Service (IRS), then CAGE validation, you will receive your CAGE code.

Entity CAGE codes are listed in Federal Logistics (FED LOG) data (nsndepot used in example) for the National Stock Number (NSN) of each item. The entity CAGE codes can be found in the CAGE Search & Inquiry on the portal to search for domestic and foreign entity CAGE Code information. The example below provides the information for a tactical quick-release sling for both the M16 and M4, which comes with NSN 1005-01-562-9457. Three CAGE codes are listed for the item; the last is Fire Force Tactical Gear, INC., with the CAGE Code of 39EH3.

Resources

M16-Series Rifles & M4/M4A1 Carbines: What Slings Are Available? https://www.psmagazine.army.mil/News/Article/1987680/m16-series-rifles-m4m4a1-carbines-what-slings-are-available/

State-of-the-art database consisting of U.S. and NATO National Stock Numbers. https://www.nsndepot.com/

External Resources

General Instructions for Registering in DUNS / SAM. https://www.fws.gov/international/pdf/sam-duns-registration-instructions.pdf

Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online

The webform where Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) provides a DUNS Number. https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/

The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is an official website of the U.S. Government. https://sam.gov/content/home

Portal to search for domestic and foreign entity CAGE Code information. https://cage.dla.mil/