UKWhat are a UEI and a CAGE code?
The UEI (Unique Entity ID) is the 12-character identifier SAM.gov assigns your business — it replaced the DUNS number. The CAGE code is a five-character ID assigned during registration, used heavily in defense contracting. You get both through free SAM.gov registration.
The Unique Entity ID is issued directly by SAM.gov when you register (it replaced the old DUNS number in 2022) and is how every federal system identifies your company. The CAGE code (Commercial and Government Entity) is assigned automatically as part of registration and is required on most DoD paperwork, from solicitations to invoices.
You never need to pay a third party for either — both are issued free during SAM.gov registration.
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