The UEI shift replaced the 9-digit DUNS number with a 12-character alphanumeric identifier on April 4, 2022. Organizations seeking federal funding must register through SAM.gov at no cost, typically completing the process in 7-10 business days. Annual renewals are required to maintain compliance. Benefits include eliminated third-party fees, streamlined validation, and improved data accuracy across government systems. The following sections explore essential registration steps and maintenance requirements.
Understanding the Transition From DUNS to UEI
As federal agencies sought to modernize their entity identification systems, the change from Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) to Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) was initiated to create a more efficient process for organizations working with the government.
This alteration, mandated by regulations under 2 CFR Part 25, addresses several DUNS limitations, including dependency on a third-party provider and associated complexities.
The UEI advantages are significant: the identifier is issued directly through SAM.gov, eliminating third-party fees and streamlining validation processes. The new UEI consists of 12 alphanumeric characters, replacing the former 9-digit DUNS number format. For new entities, the registration process is particularly streamlined, allowing direct UEI acquisition without prior identification numbers.
UEI identifiers streamline government interactions by eliminating third-party costs and simplifying entity validation through direct SAM.gov issuance.
Originally scheduled for December 2020, the change was extended to April 4, 2022, when the federal government officially ceased using DUNS numbers.
This modification affects all entities involved with federal awards, requiring updates to SAM.gov registrations while promising improved data accuracy across government systems. Organizations receiving grant funding through NEFA programs must now obtain a Unique Entity ID to qualify for available opportunities.
How to Register and Maintain Your UEI in SAM.gov
Registering for a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.gov involves several essential steps that organizations must complete to conduct business with the federal government.
The registration process requires creating a Login.gov account, designating an E-Business Point of Contact, and providing accurate business information. The UEI is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier that replaced the DUNS number as the primary means of entity identification for federal awards. This process typically takes 7-10 business days and is completely free of charge. Organizations should note that no registration fee is required at any point in the SAM.gov registration process.
After obtaining a UEI, organizations must implement proper maintenance tips to guarantee compliance. These include completing annual renewals, updating entity information when changes occur, and regularly monitoring the SAM.gov profile for pending actions. All organizations seeking federal financial assistance must maintain active registration status to ensure uninterrupted processing of their transactions.
Organizations should utilize available technical support resources if challenges arise during registration or maintenance. The SAM.gov portal provides extensive user guides and FAQs to assist with troubleshooting common issues.
Key Benefits and System Changes of the New UEI System
The shift to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) system represents a significant advancement in federal procurement processes. By eliminating third-party dependencies, the government has achieved notable cost savings while creating streamlined processes for entity registration and validation. The UEI uniquely identifies businesses seeking to engage in federal contracts landscape and replaces the previously used DUNS number system.
| Benefit | System Change |
|---|---|
| Cost reduction | Removal of DUNS-related fees |
| Simplified validation | Direct SAM.gov integration |
| Real-time identifier assignment | Automated UEI generation |
| Enhanced transparency | Publicly accessible records |
The UEI system centralizes entity management through SAM.gov, eliminating duplicate records across federal systems. Organizations now complete fewer steps during registration, and their information updates are reflected government-wide automatically. This standardization works uniformly across all federal agencies, supporting modernized infrastructure while aligning with global identification standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Use My DUNS Number for Non-Federal Transactions?
Yes, DUNS numbers remain valid for non-federal transactions. Businesses can continue to use their DUNS numbers for private sector activities, including business credit assessments, supplier verification, and other commercial DUNS usage scenarios.
How Do Subrecipients Obtain a UEI Without Full SAM Registration?
Subrecipients can obtain a UEI through SAM.gov using the abbreviated “Get Unique Entity ID” option without completing full SAM registration. This UEI application process requires only legal name and address validation for entity identification.
What Happens if My SAM.Gov Account Becomes Inactive?
When a SAM.gov account becomes inactive, entities lose federal contracting eligibility and payment processing abilities. The inactive account consequences include disqualification from contract awards and modifications. The account reactivation process requires complete re-registration with updated documentation.
Can International Entities Obtain a UEI?
Yes, international entities can obtain a UEI through SAM.gov. The international registration process is free and mandatory for foreign organizations seeking to do business with U.S. federal government agencies, ensuring global compliance with U.S. requirements.
How Do I Update Entity Information After Receiving My UEI?
Entities can manage information updates through their SAM.gov account by selecting “Update/Review” in the registration section. After editing relevant fields, changes must be submitted through the interface for processing and validation.