FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BINCS

WHAT IS BINCS?

BINCS is an all-in-one search engine.  You can search by CAGE Code, DUNS Number, Company Name, Phone Number, SIC/State, Company State, SIC, UPC/EAN, JCP Certification number and ZIP Code. BINCS searches multiple databases, including Central Contractor Registration (CCR), the Universal Directory of Commercial Items (UDCI), the U.S./Canada Joint Certification Program (JCP), the Commercial and Governmental Entity (CAGE) file and the Interactive Government Industry Reference Data Edit and Review (IGIRDER) systems to develop a broad profile of business entities doing business with the U.S. government.

WHO OWNS THE BINCS DATA?

BINCS data is government-owned information and may not be reused or marketed for commercial use.

DO I NEED A SPECIAL BROWSER?

BINCS is accessible from any personal computer or workstation with Internet web browser capability; for example, Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, Versions 4.0 and greater.

WHAT TYPE OF SEARCHES CAN YOU DO WITH BINCS?

The BINCS application provides the United States government and its contractors the ability to look up contractors’ identification numbers and cross-reference them with other identification numbers. Identification numbers included in this look up system are CAGE, UPC, DUNS, JCP Certification No., Zip Code, State, and phone. Additional information that is also available for look up, when available, is CCR and UDCI.

HOW DO I INITIATE A BINCS SESSION?

Connect with the Business Partner Network website at https://www.bpn.gov/bincs to access BINCS.

WHAT IS A CAGE CODE?

A CAGE Code is a five (5) position code that identifies companies doing or wishing to do business with the Federal Government. The format of the code is the first and fifth position must be numeric. The second, third and fourth may be any mixture of alpha/numeric excluding I and O. All positions are non-significant.

WHY DO I NEED A CAGE CODE?

The code is used to support a variety of mechanized systems throughout the government. The code provides for a standardized method of identifying a given facility at a specific location. The code may be used for a Facility Clearance, a Pre-Award survey, automated Bidders Lists, pay processes, source of supply, etc. In some cases, prime contractors may require their sub-contractors to have a CAGE Code also.

HOW DO I GET A CAGE CODE?

Supplement (DFARS) have been amended to require contractor registration in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database prior to the award of any contract, basic agreement, blanket ordering agreement or blanket purchasing agreement, unless the award results from a solicitation issued on or before May 31, 1998. Having a CAGE Code alone is no longer sufficient to qualify a contractor to do business with DoD. Parts 204, 212, and 252 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation.

All CCR registrants are validated through the CAGE system. If you have a CAGE Code, it will be identified and applied to your Trading Partner Profile (TPP). If you do not have a CAGE Code, and are a U.S.* company, one will be assigned to you.

You can register in CCR at http://www.bpn.gov/ccr or call for assistance at 1-888-227-2423.

* Non-U.S. companies: Foreign registrants must have a NATO Commercial and Governmental Entity (NCAGE) Code assigned. If your organization does not already have an NCAGE assigned, for most countries you can obtain one by connecting to Form AC135 http://www.dlis.dla.mil/Forms/Form_AC135.asp. If you cannot submit this form by Internet, you can obtain an NCAGE by contacting the National Codification Bureau of the country where your organization is located. For a list of addresses, go to NATO POCs http://www.dlis.dla.mil/nato_poc.asp

WHO ASSIGNS AND  MAINTAINS CAGE CODES?

The Defense Logistics Information Service (DLIS) in Battle Creek, MI is the only authorized source of CAGE Codes.

IS THERE A FEE FOR CAGE CODES?

No. At this time, there are no associated subscription charges related to the assignment/maintenance of CAGE Codes.