Q&A With Grady
Question: “My business is only seeking SBIR grant funding opportunities, so why would I need a CAGE code? Isn’t that only required for DoD contracts?”
Answer: CAGE is not only for DoD.
The CAGE code is issued by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), so many people assume it is strictly a DoD requirement. In reality, it functions as a government-wide identifier for entities doing business with the federal government.
Most federal contracts (civilian agencies included) expect or require a CAGE code. When you register in SAM.gov for “All Awards,” a CAGE is automatically assigned. A pure “Financial Assistance Awards Only” registration does not generate one.
This matters for dual-use opportunities. Many research and technology efforts sit at the intersection of civilian and defense agencies: NSF, NIH, DOE, NASA, and DoD programs frequently cross-pollinate. A company that has only registered for grants can miss these dual-use pathways: Phase III sole-source contracts, OTAs, multi-agency BAAs, or rapid transition opportunities that require a CAGE code. Without it, you are not positioned to respond when a dual-use opportunity opens.
Bottom line: Registering for All Awards and receiving a CAGE code keeps you ready for the full spectrum of federal R&D funding — including the dual-use opportunities that often deliver the highest impact and follow-on potential.
Small Business Innovation & Research (SBIR) funding is available to small businesses working on cutting edge technology. Your Washington APEX Accelerator SBIR Program can provide assistance with DOD, DOT, NASA and Department of Homeland Security.
August 26th 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Lacey Maker Space, Lacey, WA – Hybrid
Get clear, practical answers in plain English at our monthly hybrid event. Fast-track your federal funding journey.
The National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI), a public-private partnership led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to accelerate the development and demonstration of affordable, innovative, onsite water-reuse systems that can significantly reduce industrial water demand. View additional information on the RFP.
Explore U.S. Army ERDC’s UV-C Treatment for HAB Suppression (CyanoSTUN) Webinar Invitation: Innovation 2 Market (I2M) Patent Webinar on Tuesday, August 4, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. CT. For details and to register, visit www.erdcwerx.org/webinar-cyanostun.
AURP (the Association of University Research Parks) is the leading global organization advancing research parks and innovation districts as drivers of economic development, technology commercialization, and university-industry collaboration. For federal researchers, private-sector innovators, and universities alike, AURP and its member parks offer a unique environment to accelerate technology transfer. Aug. 5 | 2 – 2:30 p.m. ET Learn More
Join Kevin Wyss of Avadain Graphene to learn about how “graphene” is a family of materials and the strategic changes helping high-quality graphene move beyond the lab. Educational Webinar: More information Aug. 19 | Noon – 1 p.m. ET
DARPA’s Multi X Office (MXO) is seeking innovative concepts that apply the physical sciences in unconventional ways for big impact. Selected teams will be invited to Chicago on Nov. 2 to present their ideas directly to MXO program managers. Multiple awards are anticipated, with up to $500,000 available for short-term research efforts.
Showcase Your Lab in the 2027 Federal Laboratories Consortium Planner: Show off your lab’s best work in vivid color by submitting T2 visuals for the 2027 FLC Planner. View past Planners here. Showcase your lab’s achievements and submit by Aug. 17, 2026.
SWAP-USV Prize Challenge Now Open: Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and the Department of War are seeking mature USV + UAS combinations to counter low-cost asymmetric maritime threats (explosive USVs, Group 1–3 UAS, go-fast boats, and semi-submersibles). Multi-phase Prize Challenge under 10 USC 4025 with up to $100M available. Sprint 1 submissions due 10 August 2026. More information
DEFENSE TECH JAM COMING TO SEATTLE: This 48-hour innovation challenge connects the region’s world-class gaming and technology communities with defense partners to rapidly prototype solutions that address real-world training, simulation, and operational needs. September 18–20, 225 Northeastern University, Seattle WA. Learn more
DARPA-SN-26-82 | STO: High-Energy Lasers DARPA STO is seeking moderate-power, 1–20 kW high-energy laser solutions capable of operating at a high duty cycle in size, weight and power-constrained systems, including Stryker vehicles and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Closing November 30, 2026
DARPA-SN-26-89 | BTO: Real-Time Cellular Control DARPA BTO is seeking rapidly switchable, non-optogenetic protein domains for real-time cellular control and massless information transfer across cell membranes. Closing December 31, 2026
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