DLA Definition
CAGE vs. NCAGE Code Specifications
| Feature | CAGE Code | NCAGE Code |
|---|---|---|
| Target Entities | U.S.-based business facilities | International (non-U.S.) business facilities |
| Issuing Office | U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) | NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) |
| Registration Portal | SAM.gov (issued automatically) | NATO NSPA online portal (prior to SAM) |
| Renewal Period | Keep SAM.gov active (every 12 months) | Keep NSPA registration active on change |
💡 Expert Guidance
Expert Guidance: If your CAGE code registration is placed on a DLA Hold, do not submit a new SAM.gov registration. Instead, log directly into the DLA CAGE portal, retrieve your business address verification ticket, and submit corporate documentation (like state filings or utility bills) that match your SAM address exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official definition of DLA in compliance registry records? ▾
The term 'DLA' is defined in compliance registers as: The Defense Logistics Agency. The combat support agency of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for managing the CAGE registration system. This concept forms a primary component of corporate entity resolution and industry classification frameworks.
Which governing authority is responsible for publishing and maintaining the DLA standard? ▾
The standard for DLA is published, validated, and maintained under the direct oversight of the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). They verify updates and publish the official registers for compliance audits.
What is the standard format and character length used for DLA entries? ▾
The standard format for DLA is structured as a 5-character alphanumeric code unique to each physical facility location performing government work. This specific layout guarantees formatting uniformity and prevents collisions in corporate databases.
How is DLA utilized during regulatory compliance and entity registration? ▾
Organizations utilize DLA during verifying facility security clearances, routing defense logistics shipments, and processing invoice payments for federal awards. Having a verified identifier is essential to transact with government bodies and complete bank KYC reviews.
Are there mathematical checks or checksum algorithms associated with DLA codes? ▾
Many corporate identifiers associated with DLA utilize mathematical checks (such as the ISO 7064 Mod 97-10 check digit routine or the omission of confusing characters) to detect transcription errors during manual entries.
Does an organization's DLA identifier expire or require periodic renewal? ▾
Depending on the specific registry, identifiers associated with DLA require annual renewal (e.g. keeping SAM.gov active every 12 months, or renewing LEIs with an LOU) to ensure the registry data remains accurate.
Can a business have more than one DLA code assigned to it? ▾
For entity registrations or classification standards like DLA, a business typically has a single primary identifier or code. For secondary classifications, a business can list multiple additional DLA codes depending on the registry rules.
Is obtaining a DLA identifier free or are there registration fees? ▾
Whether obtaining a DLA identifier or standard is free depends on the registry. Federal identifiers (such as SAM.gov UEIs and CAGE codes) are completely free to obtain. However, international standards like the LEI require paying registration and annual renewal fees to the issuing LOU.
How can an auditor or compliance officer verify the status of a DLA entry? ▾
A compliance officer can verify the status of a DLA entry by querying the official registry database (such as the GLEIF index, SAM.gov public search, or the DLA portal) or by using the instant lookup tools on our site.
Is the DLA classification standard uniform across all states in the U.S.? ▾
Yes, standard guidelines governed by federal or international agencies for DLA are uniform nationwide, ensuring consistent compliance verification across all jurisdictions.
Related Guides & Tools
- How to Request and Maintain a CAGE Code for Federal Awards — Step-by-step instructions on requesting a CAGE code from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and aligning registration details.
- SIC ↔ NAICS Concordance Crosswalk — Search and map old SIC codes to modern formats.
Sources & References
- Defense Logistics Agency: Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) CAGE Search and Registration
- U.S. General Services Administration (GSA): System for Award Management (SAM.gov) Unique Entity ID Guide
- U.S. General Services Administration (GSA): GSA Unique Entity Identifier Transition Guidance
- Acquisition.gov: Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 19 - Small Business Programs
- Acquisition.gov: FAR Subpart 4.11 - System for Award Management Registration
- Acquisition.gov: FAR Subpart 4.18 - Commercial and Government Entity Code (CAGE)
- NATO Codification System (AC/135): NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) Registration Rules
- Federal Register: Transition from DUNS Number to Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Notice
- U.S. General Services Administration (GSA): SAM.gov Entity Registration Checklist and Directives
- Government Accountability Office (GAO): Federal Contractor Registry: Improvements Needed in SAM.gov