52.204-16
Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting
Offerors must provide a valid CAGE or NCAGE code with their proposal, ensuring accurate entity identification and compliance with federal contracting requirements.
Overview
FAR 52.204-16 requires offerors to provide a valid Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code with their proposals, ensuring accurate identification of entities involved in federal contracts. The provision outlines how to obtain a CAGE or NATO CAGE (NCAGE) code, depending on the entity’s location, and mandates that the code corresponds to the offeror’s name and address. It also addresses requirements for immediate and highest-level owners, as well as subcontractors needing access to classified information. The regulation emphasizes that offers should not be delayed pending receipt of a CAGE code and provides resources for obtaining and maintaining these codes.
Key Rules
- CAGE Code Requirement
- Offerors must provide a CAGE code with their offer, matching their name and location address, and insert the word "CAGE" before the number.
- Obtaining a CAGE/NCAGE Code
- U.S. entities obtain CAGE codes via SAM registration or directly from the DLA CAGE Branch; foreign entities obtain NCAGE codes from their country’s codification bureau or NSPA.
- Owner and Subcontractor Codes
- CAGE codes are also required for immediate and highest-level owners (per FAR 52.204-17/52.212-3(p)), and for subcontractors needing access to classified information (per FAR 52.204-2).
- No Offer Delay
- Submission of offers should not be delayed while waiting for a CAGE code assignment.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Ensure offerors and relevant subcontractors provide valid CAGE codes; verify codes for all required entities.
- Contractors/Offerors: Obtain and report accurate CAGE/NCAGE codes for themselves, owners, and applicable subcontractors; ensure codes match name and address.
- Agencies: Oversee compliance and provide guidance on CAGE code requirements.
Practical Implications
- This provision ensures traceability and accountability of all entities involved in federal contracts. Failure to provide accurate CAGE codes can delay awards or result in noncompliance. Contractors must be proactive in obtaining and maintaining valid codes for themselves and relevant parties, especially when classified information is involved.