compliance
CAGE Codes and SAM.gov Exclusions: Checking for Debarred Vendors
A CAGE code tells you a company's identity and SAM registration status — but it does not tell you if that company is debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from federal contracting. For due diligence on teammates and subcontractors, you must check SAM.gov Exclusions separately.
What Is Debarment and Suspension?
Debarment and suspension are administrative actions that bar an entity from participating in federal contracting:
- Debarment: A formal, typically 3-year exclusion imposed after a conviction, civil judgment, or administrative proceeding. Requires an active decision by a debarring official.
- Suspension: A temporary exclusion (pending debarment proceedings or criminal charges). Can be imposed quickly when a contractor is indicted or there is compelling evidence of wrongdoing.
- Proposed Debarment: The government has initiated proceedings — the contractor can respond but is effectively excluded during the process.
How to Check the SAM.gov Exclusions List
To check if a vendor is excluded:
- Go to sam.gov
- Click 'Search' → 'Exclusions'
- Search by company name, CAGE code, or UEI
- Review any matching records for exclusion type, dates, and scope
You can also use the CAGE Code Decoder on this site to pull up entity information, then click 'View on SAM.gov' to check exclusions directly in the official system.
Do Debarred Companies Keep Their CAGE Codes?
Yes. CAGE codes are permanent identifiers — they are not revoked when a company is debarred or suspended. The CAGE code remains in DLA's system linked to the entity. However, the entity's SAM registration will show the exclusion status, and the exclusion record will appear in the SAM.gov Exclusions search.
This is why you should always check both the entity's SAM status and the Exclusions list — they are separate records.
Contractor Due Diligence: What Primes Must Check
Under FAR 9.405 and 52.209-6, prime contractors must not knowingly award subcontracts to debarred or suspended parties. Best practice for teaming and subcontracting due diligence:
- Check SAM.gov Exclusions before signing any teaming agreement
- Check again before submitting a proposal listing the partner
- Check again before executing a subcontract award
- Require all proposed subcontractors to provide their CAGE code for verification
- Include SAM compliance representations in subcontract agreements (FAR 52.209-6)
Recovering from an Exclusion
Companies can be removed from the Exclusions list after their debarment period ends, or by addressing the underlying issue (in the case of suspension). The process involves working with the relevant agency's debarring official. During exclusion, the company may still:
- Perform on existing contracts (unless the contract itself is terminated)
- Receive micro-purchases (under $10,000) from agencies that choose to do so
- Compete for contracts with specific national interest exceptions
Decode Any CAGE Code Instantly
Enter any 5-character CAGE code to see the company name, SAM status, and certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check if my own company is excluded from federal contracting?
Yes. Search your own CAGE code, UEI, or company name in SAM.gov Exclusions. If you're excluded and don't know why, contact the debarring official identified in the exclusion record.
What is the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions list?
SAM.gov Exclusions is the government-wide list of all debarred, suspended, and proposed-for-debarment parties across all federal agencies. It replaced the EPLS (Excluded Parties List System). All federal agencies and prime contractors must check this list before award.
How quickly does a new exclusion appear in SAM.gov?
Exclusions should appear within 72 hours of the debarring official's action. The exclusion record is maintained by the agency that imposed it.
See Contract History
FedAtlas.com
Full federal award data by company, CAGE code, agency, and NAICS.