What is a CAGE Code? How to Get One for Federal Contracting

What is a CAGE Code?

CAGE stands for Commercial and Government Entity. A CAGE code is a five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to suppliers who do business with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies. It uniquely identifies your business across all government procurement systems.

Your CAGE code is tied to your specific business location. If you have multiple office locations, each can have its own CAGE code. The code stays with you permanently and is used across SAM.gov, USASpending.gov, FPDS, and all federal contracting systems.

Trapier Management LLC's CAGE code is 12LN8 — a verified SDVOSB based in Charlotte, NC.

Do I Need a CAGE Code?

Yes — if you want to:

• Receive federal government payments
• Compete for federal contracts on SAM.gov
• Get certified as an SDVOSB, 8(a), WOSB, or HUBZone business
• Subcontract on federal prime contracts
• Submit proposals to any federal agency

How to Get a CAGE Code (Free)

CAGE codes are free and assigned automatically when you register on SAM.gov. You do not apply for a CAGE code separately. The process:

1. Go to sam.gov and start your entity registration
2. Complete the Core Data section with your legal business name and EIN
3. SAM.gov automatically requests a CAGE code from DLA
4. Within 3-5 business days, your registration is active and your CAGE code appears in your SAM.gov profile
5. Your CAGE code is now permanent and searchable in government procurement systems

CAGE Code vs. UEI: What's the Difference?

Both are required for federal contracting but serve different purposes:

You need both. You get both automatically when you register on SAM.gov.

Ready to Start Finding Contracts?

Once you have your CAGE code and SAM.gov registration, Sturgeon AI's ContractMatch finds the best opportunities matched to your profile.