By Business Type
CAGE Codes by Business Type
When you register in SAM.gov and receive a CAGE code, you also declare your business type and socioeconomic status. These designations determine which contracts you are eligible to bid on — including billions of dollars in contracts reserved exclusively for small businesses and underserved groups.
What are set-asides?
A "set-aside" is a federal contract that is restricted — or "set aside" — for a specific category of business. By law, the federal government targets at least 23% of all contract dollars for small businesses, and additional sub-goals exist for veteran-owned, women-owned, HUBZone, and 8(a) firms. Only companies with the matching CAGE code certification in SAM.gov can compete for these reserved opportunities.
Your certifications are visible to contracting officers through your CAGE code record. Keeping them accurate and current is critical — an expired SAM.gov registration means you lose eligibility even if you hold the certification.
Small Business Set-Aside Programs
These business types are eligible for reserved federal contract set-asides. Click any type to learn eligibility requirements and how your CAGE code reflects the designation.
Small Business
CAGE codes for small businesses doing federal contracting — SAM.gov registration, size standards, and set-asides explained.
Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
CAGE codes for woman-owned small businesses — WOSB federal contracting set-asides, certification, and SAM.gov registration.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
CAGE codes for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses — SDVOSB set-asides, VA VOSB certification, and SAM.gov registration.
Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone)
HUBZone CAGE codes — federal contracting set-asides for businesses in historically underutilized business zones.
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
8(a) CAGE codes — SBA Business Development Program for socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses.
Other Entity Types
Large businesses, nonprofits, and foreign entities also need CAGE codes.
Large Business
CAGE codes for large businesses in federal contracting — SAM.gov registration and prime contractor requirements.
Nonprofit Organization
CAGE codes for nonprofits doing federal contracting — universities, research institutes, and 501(c)(3) organizations.
Foreign Entity
CAGE codes for foreign companies doing US federal contracting — international vendor SAM.gov registration requirements.
Competitive Intelligence
See Set-Aside Awards on FedAtlas.com
Filter federal contracts by small business type and set-aside category.