Guides · 3 min read
What is a CAGE code?
Updated October 30, 2026
A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is a five-character identifier for a business location. Defense agencies, DLA in particular, use it everywhere: in registrations, in contracts, and in the approved-source lists that say who may make a part.
How you get one
U.S. businesses do not apply separately. A CAGE code is assigned as part of your SAM.gov registration, after your entity information is checked. Businesses outside the United States get an equivalent NATO code (NCAGE) before registering.
Where you will see CAGE codes
- Your SAM.gov registration and your contracts.
- Your DIBBS account, which is tied to your CAGE.
- Approved sources on a DLA RFQ: each acceptable manufacturer is listed by its CAGE code and part number.
- Award records, which show the winning company and its CAGE.
Using CAGE codes to find suppliers
When an RFQ lists approved sources, the CAGE code tells you exactly which manufacturer to contact. Searching the CAGE code and the part number together is the fastest way to find that manufacturer or its authorized distributors.
ZukoBid lists each source-controlled part's approved manufacturers by name, CAGE code and part number, with a ready-to-send quote request.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Rules and thresholds change; the solicitation and the official rule are the authority.
More guides
How to win your first government contract (with no experience) →How to bid on DLA's DIBBS: a beginner's guide →Can you resell products to the government? The nonmanufacturer rule, explained →What is a set-aside, and do you qualify? →How (and when) the government pays you →What is an NSN? National Stock Numbers, explained →How to read a DLA RFQ, line by line →How to find a supplier for a government contract →How to price a government bid (and still make money) →How to register on SAM.gov, step by step (it's free) →SAM.gov notice types, explained →RFQ vs. RFP vs. IFB: what is the government asking for? →Sources sought and RFIs: why answering one can win you work →How to win micro-purchases (government buys under $15,000) →Unit of issue: the small detail behind big pricing mistakes →FOB origin vs. FOB destination: who pays to ship it? →First article testing, explained →Military packaging and marking for beginners →How to find out who won a government contract, and for how much →ZukoBid is an independent service, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Figures come from public records and may contain errors; always check the official listing before you bid.