To deactivate a UEI number in SAM.gov, the Entity Administrator must log into their account through Login.gov credentials, locate the specific entity record, and select the deactivation option. Proper verification is required, including documentation supporting the deactivation request. Once confirmed, the entity status changes to inactive, making it ineligible for federal contracts and transactions. Organizations should maintain records of the deactivation for future reference and update all internal systems accordingly. The complete process involves several critical steps for proper execution.
Understanding UEI Deactivation Processes
Every entity registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) must understand the proper procedures for UEI deactivation. The Entity Administrator, who oversees UEI management, can initiate the deactivation process when necessary. Common deactivation reasons include business closure, mergers, acquisitions, or organizational restructuring.
The deactivation process begins in the SAM.gov portal, where the Entity Administrator must log in using their credentials. After accessing the entity registration, they can navigate to the UEI section and select the deactivation option. It’s important to note that maintaining active registration status is required for all EXIM transactions and policy renewals. Institutions should be aware that registration in SAM.gov is completely free, and they should not pay third-party companies for assistance with UEI management. The UEI has become a critical identifier for entities seeking federal contracts or grants since replacing the previously used DUNS number.
SAM.gov will prompt for verification and require documentation supporting the deactivation request. Organizations should maintain records of their deactivation requests, as this information may be needed for future federal interactions or audits.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deactivating Your SAM Registration
With a clear understanding of the UEI deactivation process, organizations can now follow specific steps to complete the deactivation in the SAM system.
Entity Administrators must first log into their SAM.gov account using valid credentials to begin the process. Similar to the initial registration process, having a Login.gov account is essential to access your SAM profile for deactivation purposes.
Access to your SAM.gov account with valid login credentials is the essential first step in the deactivation process.
After logging in, locate the specific entity record in the system dashboard. Administrators should verify user permissions before proceeding, as only those with proper administrative rights can execute deactivation.
Common deactivation reasons include business closure, merger, or acquisition.
Select the deactivation option within the entity profile and carefully review all information before confirming. The system will prompt for final confirmation to prevent accidental deactivation.
After completion, verify the entity status has changed to inactive, which should be reflected within the system immediately. Remember that deactivated registrations can be reactivated if needed, but only during the 365-day active period from the original submission date.
What Happens After Deactivation and Future Considerations
Once an organization deactivates a UEI number in SAM.gov, several significant consequences immediately take effect. The entity loses its active registration status and becomes ineligible for new federal contracts, grants, or transactions.
An impact assessment should be conducted to understand how this change affects existing relationships with government agencies. Entities must develop reactivation strategies if they plan to conduct business with federal agencies in the future. After April 4, 2022, organizations can obtain a SAM UEI without requiring a DUNS number for registration or reactivation purposes.
The deactivated UEI may remain in systems for historical reference, but it cannot be used for new transactions. Organizations should update all documentation, capability statements, and internal systems to reflect this change.
For efficient management post-deactivation, companies should retain original UEI documentation, implement systematic updates across all platforms, and monitor SAM.gov regularly for compliance requirements. Remember that SAM.gov serves as the official portal for validating and storing business information required for federal procurement processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Transfer My UEI to Another Business Entity?
Transferring UEI numbers between business entities is not permitted. Each entity must obtain its own unique UEI through SAM.gov registration. UEIs are entity-specific identifiers and cannot be reassigned to different organizations.
How Quickly Does Deactivation Reflect in Government Systems?
Deactivation reflection across government systems typically occurs within 24-48 hours. The deactivation timeline varies based on government processing cycles, database synchronization schedules, and the specific systems accessing the SAM registration information.
Will Deactivation Affect My Past Federal Contracts or Grants?
Deactivation does not impact fully executed past awards. Contract continuity is maintained for completed work, with previously disbursed funds remaining unaffected. Historical obligations stay legally binding regardless of current UEI status per federal impact assessment guidelines.
Can I Request a Specific New UEI Upon Reactivation?
Entities cannot request a specific UEI during the reactivation process. The system automatically assigns or maintains the original UEI without customization options. UEI numbers are non-negotiable identifiers within federal systems.
Are There Penalties for Maintaining Multiple Active UEIS?
Organizations with multiple active UEIs may face penalty implications including reporting complications, audit issues, and potential compliance violations. While SAM.gov doesn’t automatically impose sanctions, maintaining multiple active status identifiers can create administrative and legal challenges.