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CAGE Codes for Joint Ventures and Teaming Arrangements

Teaming and joint ventures are central to federal contracting strategy — especially for small businesses competing on large contracts. Understanding when a joint venture needs its own CAGE code (and when it doesn't) is critical for compliance and payment setup.

Does a Joint Venture Need Its Own CAGE Code?

It depends on the type of joint venture and how the contract will be structured:

  • JV as the contracting entity (wins the contract in the JV's name): The JV must register in SAM.gov and obtain its own CAGE code. This is required for 8(a) JVs, mentor-protégé JVs competing as a unit, and any JV that will receive direct government payment.
  • Teaming arrangements (prime + subs, not a formal JV): The prime contractor's CAGE code is used. Each subcontractor needs their own CAGE code only if they will receive direct government payments (e.g., under a subcontract with government payment flows).

8(a) Joint Ventures and CAGE Codes

SBA's 8(a) program allows 8(a) firms to form joint ventures with non-8(a) partners to pursue contracts beyond their individual capacity. Per SBA regulations (13 CFR 124.513), these JVs must:

  • Be registered in SAM.gov with their own CAGE code
  • Have a written JV agreement meeting SBA's requirements
  • Be approved by the SBA district office before the contract award

The 8(a) partner must still perform the applicable percentages of work (at least 40% of the labor cost on construction; at least 40% of cost of performance for services).

Mentor-Protégé Joint Ventures

SBA's All Small Mentor-Protégé Program (ASMPP) allows a large business (mentor) to form a JV with a small business (protégé). These JVs can compete for contracts as if they were the protégé's size — but must have their own SAM registration and CAGE code when bidding as the JV entity. The protégé must be the managing member of the JV.

Teaming Agreements vs. Joint Ventures

A teaming agreement is not a JV — it's a contractual commitment between a prime and proposed subcontractor(s) to pursue a specific contract together. Key differences:

Teaming AgreementJoint Venture
Separate legal entity?NoYes
Separate CAGE code?NoYes (usually)
Who wins the contract?Prime contractorThe JV entity
Set-aside eligibilityBased on primeBased on JV structure + SBA rules

How to Register a Joint Venture in SAM.gov

To register a JV in SAM.gov:

  1. Form the JV as a legal entity in your state (LLC or partnership)
  2. Obtain an EIN for the JV from the IRS
  3. Register the JV at sam.gov — it's treated as a new entity
  4. DLA will assign a new CAGE code to the JV
  5. For 8(a) or mentor-protégé JVs, obtain SBA approval before bidding

Decode Any CAGE Code Instantly

Enter any 5-character CAGE code to see the company name, SAM status, and certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

When a JV wins a contract, which CAGE code goes on the award?

The JV's own CAGE code (if it has one) goes on the contract. If the contract is awarded to the prime in a teaming arrangement, the prime's CAGE code is used.

Can a JV that is small business set-aside eligible use the protégé's 8(a) status?

Yes — per SBA rules, an approved 8(a) JV (between an 8(a) firm and another entity) can compete for 8(a) set-asides even if the combined JV would otherwise exceed the size standard. SBA's mentor-protégé rules govern this.

Does each JV member need their own CAGE code?

Yes. Each member of the JV must maintain their own active CAGE code and SAM registration independently. The JV also needs its own registration if it will contract directly with the government.

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