What are Cage Codes? What is the Process to Obtain the Cage Code?

Obtaining a CAGE code for manufacturers is essential to any business who wishes to do business with the DoD. There are a few bureaucratic steps to take before receiving a CAGE code, however the good news is that there is no application fee. To begin, a business must obtain a data universal number through the data universal numbering system (DUNS). The application can be completed online or over the phone. Businesses should expect a wait time of 30 business days or so, but there is an option to expedite the process. 

Next up, a business must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to do business with the Department of Defense. You can register on the SAME website, but be prepared to have all the necessary information, which includes: DUNS Number, legal business name, physical address matching the registration, taxpayer identification number, and taxpayer name. Additionally you will need your banking details to hand such as your bank routing number, bank account number, and bank account type. 

After receiving your DUNS and registering with SAM, you can go ahead and complete the online forms to request a CAGE code through the Defense Logistics Agency. The DLA will verify your application and then ask for additional verification needed before processing the application. Be on the look out for this request, as you a response is required from you within five business days. Finally, the DLA will submit your update your record in SAM and notify your business if it is eligible for contracts of grants issued by the government. If you business includes more than one facility, then you will need to obtain multiple CAGE codes; each location needs its own CAGE code. Once you have completed all the necessary steps and obtained your CAGE code, you may be wondering when you will have to repeat the process.  CAGE codes usually have an expiration period of 5 years.  If your business information hasn’t changed in that time, the application process should be straight-forward and relatively painless. If you applied for a CAGE code prior to August 26, 2016 however, the good news is that your CAGE code has no expiration date. It is always useful to stay up to date with the latest DLA rules and regulations.

At ASAP Aerospace, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we have a wide-ranging list of CAGE codes for you source parts from. Our helpful search engine lets you type in the exact CAGE code you need. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace and defense industries, we’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts you need. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@asap-aerospace.com or call us at +1 (714) 705-4780.