CAGE Codes for Joint Ventures and Teaming Agreements

Federal contracting teams are built through two main structures: teaming agreements and joint ventures. Each has a distinct CAGE code profile, and understanding the difference is critical for proposal compliance and contract execution.

Teaming Agreements vs. Joint Ventures

A teaming agreement is a contractual arrangement between two legally separate companies to compete for and perform on a government contract. Each company retains its own CAGE code and SAM.gov registration. The prime contractor's CAGE code appears on the award; the subcontractor's CAGE code appears in subcontracting plans and FSRS reporting.

A joint venture (JV), by contrast, is a new legal entity formed by two or more companies to pursue a specific contract or set of contracts. Because it is a distinct legal entity, the JV typically needs its own EIN, its own SAM.gov registration, and its own CAGE code.

When Does a Joint Venture Need Its Own CAGE Code?

The SBA requires a joint venture pursuing a small business set-aside contract — including 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB set-asides — to be a registered entity with its own UEI and CAGE code. The JV must be registered in SAM.gov under the socioeconomic category that matches the set-aside. For example, an 8(a) JV must be registered as an 8(a) participant, and the 8(a) firm must be the managing venturer.

SBA Mentor-Protégé Program Joint Ventures

The SBA All Small Mentor-Protégé Program allows any SBA-approved mentor to form a JV with a protégé. These JVs can compete for any set-aside or even some full-and-open contracts. The JV must be approved by SBA before award. Once approved, the JV needs to be registered in SAM.gov — which triggers CAGE code assignment. The JV's CAGE code is distinct from both the mentor's and the protégé's codes.

What to Include in a Teaming Agreement

A well-drafted teaming agreement should reference each party's CAGE code explicitly, along with their SAM.gov UEI and registration expiration dates. Include a clause requiring each party to maintain active SAM.gov registration throughout the proposal and contract performance period. This protects the prime contractor if a teammate's registration lapses.

Subcontracting Plans and CAGE Codes

For contracts over the simplified acquisition threshold awarded to large businesses, subcontracting plans are required. These plans must identify anticipated subcontractors by CAGE code and estimated spend. Actual subcontract awards are reported through the FSRS (Federal Subaward Reporting System), which cross-references CAGE codes for accuracy. Use our CAGE Code Decoder to pull up any subcontractor's information before including them in a plan.

Verifying JV and Team Member Status

Before submitting a proposal, verify each team member's CAGE code status using the steps in our vendor verification guide. Check for active SAM.gov registration, current socioeconomic certifications, and clean FAPIIS records. For past performance review, use FedAtlas.com to examine each team member's agency history and contract vehicle coverage.

State-Level Considerations

Some states have their own small business or veteran-owned preferences for state-funded contracts. While these programs have separate certification systems, having a federal CAGE code and active SAM.gov registration is often a prerequisite for state contractor databases. Browse our state pages to understand CAGE code activity by geography.