Reference Library
CAGE Code Guides
In-depth guides on CAGE codes, SAM.gov registration, small business certifications, and federal contracting — written for contractors, BD professionals, and contracting officers.
explainer
What Is a CAGE Code? A Complete Guide
What is a CAGE code? Understand the 5-character Commercial and Government Entity code, who assigns it, and why every federal contractor needs one.
CAGE Code vs. UEI: What's the Difference?
CAGE code vs. UEI — understand the difference between these two federal vendor identifiers and when each is used in SAM.gov.
NATO NCAGE Codes: How They Differ from US CAGE Codes
NATO NCAGE codes explained — how NATO CAGE codes differ from US CAGE codes and how allied nation suppliers use the NATO codification system.
CAGE Codes for International Contractors Selling to the US Government
International companies doing business with the US government — how to get a CAGE code, SAM.gov registration for foreign entities, and ITAR compliance basics.
NAICS Codes for Federal Contracting: How to Pick the Right Code
How to select the right NAICS code for federal contracting — size standards, set-aside eligibility, and how NAICS codes appear in CAGE code records.
registration
How to Get a CAGE Code — Step-by-Step Registration Guide
How to get a CAGE code: step-by-step SAM.gov registration guide for new federal contractors. Free, takes 7–10 business days.
How to Look Up a CAGE Code on SAM.gov
How to look up any CAGE code on SAM.gov — step-by-step instructions plus faster lookup alternatives.
CAGE Code Expiration: Do CAGE Codes Expire? How to Renew SAM.gov
Do CAGE codes expire? Learn the difference between CAGE code permanence and SAM.gov registration expiration — and how to renew before your registration lapses.
Do Subcontractors Need a CAGE Code?
Do subcontractors need a CAGE code? When subcontractors must register in SAM.gov and obtain a CAGE code — and when they don't.
CAGE Codes and Small Business Set-Asides: What You Need to Know
How CAGE codes connect to small business set-asides — SAM.gov socioeconomic certifications, set-aside thresholds, and how to compete.
How to Verify a Vendor's CAGE Code Before Teaming or Subcontracting
How to verify a vendor's CAGE code — due diligence steps for teaming partners, subcontractors, and supplier qualification in federal contracting.
Where Does a CAGE Code Appear? Invoices, Contracts, and Forms Explained
Learn where CAGE codes appear in the federal procurement process — SF1449 contracts, Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF) invoices, DD-250s, and vendor records.
CAGE Codes for Joint Ventures and Teaming Arrangements
Do joint ventures need their own CAGE code? How CAGE codes work for mentor-protégé JVs, 8(a) joint ventures, and teaming agreements.
compliance
CAGE Code Compliance: What Auditors and Contracting Officers Check
CAGE code compliance checklist for federal contractors — DCAA audits, contracting officer verification, SAM.gov accuracy, and common compliance mistakes.
CAGE Codes and SAM.gov Exclusions: Checking for Debarred Vendors
How to check if a vendor is debarred or suspended using their CAGE code and SAM.gov Exclusions. What debarment means and how to verify vendor eligibility.
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