What is cage-codes.com?


We are an independent search engine and portal about CAGE codes. There are almost 2 million businesses worldwide that have a CAGE code. We provide information about these businesses through their CAGE code, and through their CAGE “status code” and “type code”.

How to use cage-codes.com?


Anyone can search our database and find a business by city, state, country, or just by using the search bar. Visitors can also search by CAGE code, business name, or zip code, as well as by status code and type code.

What is a CAGE Code?


CAGE stands for “Commercial and Government Entity”. It is a unique five-character alphanumeric identifier that is required for a company to do business with the government. International use is performed through the NATO Codification System, or NCS, and those are NCAGE codes. Want to do business with the government, or place bids on current government work? Then you need a CAGE code.

How Are CAGE Codes Used?


CAGE codes are used when government buyers want to find suppliers for various projects or services. The buyer performs a search for suppliers of computer hardware (for example) and the search returns a list of those suppliers. Government contractors may also use the system to find CAGE codes required on their bids.

How Do I Get a CAGE Code?


You can obtain a CAGE code for your business by going to the DLA (Defense Logistics Agency) website at https://cage.dla.mil/request and filling out the information needed.

The registration system will then ask you if you already have a SAM registration for your business. If you don’t have a SAM registration, the system will ask if you plan to receive grants or contract payments. If you don’t, or you are not sure yet, click “No” and continue to get your CAGE code. If you decide later that you will in fact be interested in either contract payments or grants, you can register that in the SAM system.

What is the SAM System?


The SAM system at http://sam.gov was set up to consolidate information from other government supplier registration sites. If you decide that contract payments and grants are appropriate for your business, you MUST sign up at the SAM site. And you’ll need quite a bit of information for the SAM site:

  • A DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. If you don’t have one, you can get one in 1-2 business days at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform
  • Your business’ TIN, whether it be your SSN or you have obtained an EIN by the Internal Revenue Service.
  • You will also need to obtain your NAICS code from http://www.naics.com which is also free and you can look it up right then and there, with no waiting.
  • And, of course, you’ll need your CAGE code.

You’ll also need to have what will seem like every scrap of information about your business (but it’s really not). In addition to the four items mentioned above, you must have the following information:

  • General information about your business type, structure, etc.
  • Business financial information for EFT.
  • Executive compensation.
  • Information about company proceedings.
  • Company size metrics.
  • EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) information.
  • Disaster Relief Information (if you want to work with FEMA).
  • FAR and DFAR information.
  • Architect / Engineer information.
  • Business contact information.

The SAM site may seem like it requires a lot of effort, but it’s not as tedious as it may seem. Registration finalizes through the IRS in about 3-5 days, and after that it’s a simple annual renewal.

What are “STATUS CODES”?


“Status Codes” are one-character codes that define a company’s current status; i.e., if it is still an active company, if the company is suspended, or if the company is no longer in business. Keep in mind that it may take a while for systems to be updated, and businesses may not always promptly send the information needed. Here is the list and the code interpretations:

  • A – The business is currently in operation.
  • C – Use the indicated CAGE code, and do not use for cataloging purposes.
  • E – The company is suspended, debarred, or slated for debarment.
  • F – Obsolete. Unknown company location.
  • H – Obsolete. Company discontinued and/or CAGE code no longer required.
  • J – Production item recorded in the supply system is made to industry-wide specifications.
  • K – Production item is manufactured to or meets government-designed specification standards.
  • M – The CAGE code is referenced to a special numbering system and used with the identification of cataloging data in the Federal/NATO supply system.
  • N – Cancelled, no replacement record. Company is out of business and/or CAGE code no longer required.
  • P – Cancelled, no replacement record. Unknown company location.
  • R – Cancelled, with replacement record. Company discontinued, sold, or merged.
  • T – Joint venture of two companies in a 50/50 partnership.
  • U – Manufacturer representative that represents various companies who usually have their own CAGE code.
  • W – An individual employed by a company where that individual performs contracted work using the company name separate from the company location.
  • Y – Company still in operation but no longer wants to be considered for contracting or sells only through distributors.

What are “TYPE CODES”?


“Type Codes” are codes used to identify if the CAGE code refers to a U.S. or NATO manufacturer or non-manufacturer.
  • A – U.S. or Canadian manufacturer.
  • C – Civilian standards or standards organization.
  • E – NATO or other foreign manufacturer.
  • F – Non-manufacturer.
  • G – Service provider.
  • H – Government departments/units (including military ones).
  • I – NATO-allocated special codes.
  • M – Military standards and standards organizations.