NCAGE codes, assigned by NATO Support and Procurement Agency, are mandatory for non-U.S. entities seeking government contracts. Unlike U.S.-based CAGE codes, NCAGE registration must precede SAM.gov registration with exact name and address matching between systems. International contractors must verify eligibility, submit applications through the NSPA e-portal, and maintain accurate information to prevent rejections. The 1-10 day approval process establishes the foundation for successful federal procurement participation.
Essential Differences Between CAGE and NCAGE Codes
Geolocation forms the fundamental distinction between CAGE and NCAGE codes in government procurement identification systems. CAGE codes are specifically assigned to entities within the United States and its outlying areas, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Conversely, NCAGE codes are designated for entities located outside these regions.
The assignment authorities also differ between the two systems. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Contractor and Government Entity Branch manages CAGE codes for U.S.-based entities, while the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) oversees NCAGE assignments for international contractors. Commercial CAGE codes are essential for businesses engaging in Department of Defense transactions.
Despite these differences, both code types serve identical purposes as unique identifiers for organizations seeking to conduct business or receive financial assistance from the U.S. federal government. Non-U.S. businesses must first obtain an NCAGE Code before they can register in SAM.gov and receive a UEI.
Step-by-Step NCAGE Registration for International Contractors
Steering through the NCAGE registration process requires careful preparation and attention to detail for international contractors seeking to do business with the U.S. government.
The process begins with confirming entity eligibility and gathering business identification details that must match across all systems.
CAGE Code compliance is mandatory for all entities pursuing U.S. government contracts.
International entities must then access the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) e-portal to search for existing codes before submitting a new application.
Foreign organizations must verify through NSPA’s e-portal whether they already have an NCAGE code before initiating a new application.
Once submitted, NSPA reviews the application and assigns an NCAGE code, which typically becomes searchable in the CAGE Search tool within 1-10 business days.
Contractors must guarantee their legal business name and address are identical across NCAGE, DUNS, and SAM records.
After receiving the NCAGE assignment, entities can proceed with SAM registration, allowing 12-15 business days for full integration.
Remember that physical address verification is a critical component of the NCAGE Code request procedure.
SAM.gov Integration Requirements for NATO Suppliers
After securing an NCAGE code, NATO suppliers must next address critical SAM.gov integration requirements to conduct business with the U.S. government. The integration process demands perfect alignment between NCAGE and SAM.gov registration details, particularly the legal business name and address information.
Foreign entities must complete their NCAGE registration before initiating the SAM.gov process, as the system requires valid NCAGE codes during the registration workflow. Any discrepancies between these two systems will trigger application rejections or delays.
Ongoing maintenance is equally important; suppliers must update both systems simultaneously when business information changes. Regular renewal of both registrations guarantees continued eligibility for U.S. federal procurement opportunities.
Failure to maintain this integration results in suspension from contracting eligibility. The initial registration process typically requires several days to weeks for proper system validation and approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Process an NCAGE Code Application?
Standard NCAGE code applications typically take 3-10 calendar days to process.
After approval, the data requires an additional 1-4 days to synchronize with U.S. databases for SAM.gov integration.
Emergency applications may be processed within 3 business days when justified.
The total timeline, including synchronization, generally ranges from several days to two weeks, depending on application accuracy and completeness.
Can a Single Entity Have Multiple NCAGE Codes?
Yes, a single business entity can have multiple NCAGE codes when operating at different physical locations.
Each separate facility, division, or subsidiary at a unique address requires its own distinct NCAGE code.
For example, a company with headquarters in Germany and manufacturing facilities in France would need separate codes for each location.
This requirement guarantees proper identification of specific facilities within the NATO procurement system for contracting purposes.
What Happens if My Company Location or Name Changes?
When a company’s location or name changes, prompt action is required. The entity must:
- Update information in the System for Award Management (SAM)
- Guarantee CAGE/NCAGE code aligns with current legal name and location
- Submit supporting documentation for verification
Failure to update this information can result in:
- Ineligibility for contract awards
- Payment delays
- Potential contract termination
- Compliance audits
- Damage to reputation in government procurement systems
Are NCAGE Codes Permanently Assigned or Do They Expire?
NCAGE codes obtained after August 26, 2016 expire every five years and require renewal.
Those obtained before this date do not expire. However, a CAGE code will expire if the associated SAM.gov registration remains inactive for five or more years.
The code gets automatically renewed whenever the SAM registration is renewed.
Contractors must maintain current CAGE codes throughout contract performance and communicate any changes to contracting officers within 30 days.
How Do I Verify the Authenticity of a Supplier’s NCAGE Code?
To verify a supplier’s NCAGE code authenticity, organizations should:
- Search the code in the CAGE Search and Inquiry (CSI) system.
- Verify it appears in the NATO Support and Procurement Agency portal.
- Confirm the address in SAM.gov exactly matches the NCAGE registration address.
- Check that the code information has been forwarded to the DLA CAGE Program Office.
Validation can be completed through both SAM.gov and NSPA databases, typically within 1-10 business days after assignment.