Federal Contracting Acronym
CAGE
Commercial and Government Entity Code
Plain-English definition
Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) codes are assigned to entities and facilities doing business with the government. They support shipping, invoicing, and security processing alongside the UEI. International entities may use NATO CAGE (NCAGE) codes. CAGE data appears in SAM registration and in defense supply chains.
Why it matters
Facility-level CAGE issues can block shipment, property accountability, or security clearance processing on classified work.
Where you will see it
SAM registration, DD forms, shipping addresses on contracts, and subcontractor onboarding packets.
Example in context
A contractor adds a new performing location and obtains a CAGE code before bidding a contract requiring that site.