Foreign Entity
Non-US companies that sell to the US federal government need CAGE codes too. NATO CAGE codes (NCAGE codes) are assigned by the NATO Codification System and are used by allied nation suppliers. US CAGE codes are assigned to foreign entities by DLA for direct US government procurement. Foreign entities must comply with ITAR, EAR, and Buy American Act requirements depending on the contract.
How This Affects Your CAGE Code Record
When you register on SAM.gov and receive a CAGE code, your business type and socioeconomic certifications are recorded in your entity profile. Contracting officers and prime contractors can look up your CAGE code to verify these designations before teaming or awarding a subcontract. Keeping your SAM.gov registration active and your certifications current is essential — an expired registration will hide your set-aside status from any CAGE code lookup.
Registration Process
Foreign entities can register in SAM.gov and receive a US CAGE code. NATO allies use the NCAGE system — codes from NATO member countries are interoperable with US systems. Foreign entities must provide a valid business address and may need a US bank account for EFT payment compliance.
Required Certifications
- SAM.gov registration
- NCAGE (for NATO-country vendors)
- ITAR/EAR compliance (if applicable)
Key Points
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Access to US federal contract vehicles open to foreign vendors
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NATO NCAGE interoperability
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CAGE codes valid across DoD systems
Get Your CAGE Code for Foreign Entity
CAGE codes are assigned free during SAM.gov registration. Use certify.sba.gov for SBA program certifications after your SAM registration is active.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a US CAGE code and an NCAGE code?
US CAGE codes are assigned by DLA for US procurement. NCAGE codes are assigned by NATO member nations for NATO-wide codification. The two systems are mapped together in DLA databases.
Can a foreign company win a US set-aside?
No. Small business set-asides require the business to be US-based and US-controlled under SBA regulations.
Does a foreign company need a US bank account?
To receive EFT payments from US agencies, most foreign vendors need a US banking arrangement or accept international wire transfers — check with the specific agency.
Contract Data
Foreign Entity Awards on FedAtlas.com
See which Foreign Entity firms are winning federal contracts.