What Is A Uei Number

Ever applied for a government grant or tried to become a federal contractor? You've probably run into a requirement for something called a UEI. The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is more than just another bureaucratic acronym; it's the key that unlocks access to crucial federal resources, partnerships, and opportunities for organizations of all sizes. In today's complex regulatory environment, understanding what a UEI is, how to obtain one, and how to properly use it is absolutely essential for navigating the world of federal funding and procurement.

Without a valid UEI, your organization may be ineligible to receive grants, contracts, or other forms of federal assistance. This could mean missing out on vital funding for research, development, infrastructure projects, or a host of other initiatives that drive growth and innovation. Grasping the intricacies of the UEI system ensures your organization remains compliant, competitive, and positioned to take full advantage of opportunities within the federal marketplace.

What questions do people have about the UEI?

What exactly is a UEI number?

A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned by the U.S. government to entities (businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, etc.) that do business with the federal government. It serves as the primary identifier for these entities in federal systems, replacing the previous DUNS number system.

The UEI is essential for any entity that wishes to apply for grants, contracts, or other forms of federal assistance. The move to UEI was designed to streamline the identification process and provide a single, non-proprietary identifier for entities interacting with the government. The System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is the official source for obtaining a UEI. Before April 2022, the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, managed by Dun & Bradstreet, was used to identify entities. However, the U.S. government transitioned to using the UEI to have greater control over the identifier and eliminate reliance on a third-party provider. The UEI is generated within SAM.gov, and it's free to obtain. Registering in SAM.gov is necessary not only to get a UEI but also to remain eligible for government contracts and grants.

Who needs a UEI number and why?

Any entity that intends to do business with the U.S. Federal Government, whether as a contractor, grantee, or in any other capacity, needs a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). This includes businesses of all sizes, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and even state, local, and tribal governments.

The UEI is crucial because it's the primary identifier used by the government to track entities and manage awards. Before April 2022, the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number served this purpose. Now, the UEI, generated through the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), has replaced it. Without a valid UEI, an organization cannot register in SAM.gov, bid on government contracts, apply for grants, or receive payments from the federal government. It streamlines the process and enhances transparency in federal procurement and financial assistance.

Obtaining a UEI is free and relatively straightforward through SAM.gov. However, it's imperative to ensure the entity registration information in SAM.gov is accurate and up-to-date. This information is linked to the UEI, and discrepancies can cause delays in processing contracts, grants, or payments. The government uses the UEI to maintain consistent records and prevent fraud.

How do I obtain a UEI number?

You can obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number through the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) website. This is a free and mandatory process for any entity that wishes to do business with the U.S. Federal Government, including receiving grants or contracts.

The process involves registering your entity in SAM.gov and completing the entity registration. As part of the registration process, SAM.gov will automatically assign your entity a UEI. You don't need to go to a separate website or pay a fee to get one. Make sure to have all relevant business information handy, such as your legal business name, physical address, taxpayer identification number (TIN), and bank account information.

Prior to April 2022, entities used a DUNS number provided by Dun & Bradstreet. The UEI is now the official identifier for federal awards. If you previously had a DUNS number, it is no longer needed for SAM.gov registration. SAM.gov provides resources and support to guide you through the registration process, including FAQs and a help desk, if you encounter any issues. It is crucial to ensure the information you provide during registration is accurate to avoid any delays or complications in receiving federal funding or contracts.

Is a UEI number the same as a DUNS number?

No, a UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) number is not the same as a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number. The UEI is a new, non-proprietary identifier created by the U.S. government, specifically for entities doing business with the federal government. The DUNS number, on the other hand, was a proprietary identifier assigned and managed by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) and previously used by the U.S. government for the same purpose.

The transition from DUNS to UEI was mandated by the U.S. government to streamline the entity identification process and to remove reliance on a private company for this crucial function. As of April 4, 2022, the UEI, generated by the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), became the official identifier for federal awards. Entities previously registered in SAM.gov automatically received a UEI. This change simplifies the process for organizations interacting with the federal government, as they no longer need to obtain a DUNS number from D&B.

Think of it this way: the DUNS number was like using a specific brand of key (D&B's key) to unlock the door to federal contracting. The UEI is like the government creating its own standard key that every eligible entity can easily obtain for free within SAM.gov. While the purpose remains the same – identifying entities – the source, management, and accessibility of the identifier are significantly different, with the UEI being a more accessible and government-controlled solution.

What information is associated with a UEI number?

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is primarily associated with the legal business name and physical address of an entity registered to do business with the U.S. Federal Government. The UEI serves as a unique identifier, replacing the previous DUNS number, and links to crucial entity information maintained within the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

Beyond just the name and address, the UEI is also linked within SAM.gov to a wealth of information about the entity. This includes its legal business name, physical address, mailing address (if different), and information about its status as an active registrant in SAM.gov. The UEI also indirectly connects to other related entity data, such as its CAGE/NCAGE code (if applicable), and any associated exclusions or debarments that might impact its eligibility for federal awards. Furthermore, the UEI facilitates tracking of federal financial assistance and contract awards. Federal agencies utilize the UEI to monitor where funds are being distributed and to ensure accountability. Therefore, the UEI acts as a key that unlocks a comprehensive profile of an entity’s interaction with the federal government, primarily centered on its SAM.gov registration details and its award history. This system is crucial for transparency and oversight in federal contracting and grant-making processes.

How long is a UEI number valid?

A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is valid indefinitely, meaning it does not expire as long as the entity remains active and continues to do business with the U.S. Federal Government. However, it's crucial to keep your entity registration information updated in SAM.gov to maintain the validity and usability of your UEI.

While the UEI itself doesn't have an expiration date, the associated entity registration in SAM.gov needs to be actively maintained. This involves regularly reviewing and updating your entity's information, including contact details, business size, NAICS codes, and other relevant data. Failing to keep this information current could lead to issues with receiving payments or being considered for federal contracts and grants. Think of it like having a driver's license; the license number is always yours, but the license needs to be renewed periodically to remain valid for driving purposes.

Maintaining an active and accurate SAM.gov registration ensures that the government has the most up-to-date information about your organization. This helps streamline processes related to procurement, grant administration, and other federal interactions. To maintain an active SAM.gov registration, you'll need to renew it every year.

Where is a UEI number used?

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is primarily used by the U.S. federal government for entities doing business with or receiving funding from the government. It serves as the single, authoritative identifier for tracking these entities across various systems and for reporting purposes.

Specifically, the UEI is essential for entities registering in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov), the official U.S. government system that consolidates the Central Contractor Registration (CCR), Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA), and Excluded Parties List System (EPLS). SAM.gov is used by entities that want to do business with the federal government or receive federal grants or assistance. The UEI is required to complete the registration process and bid on contracts, apply for grants, and receive payments.

Beyond SAM.gov, the UEI is incorporated into various other federal systems and databases used by agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the National Institutes of Health. This allows for standardized tracking of entities across different government programs and ensures data integrity. It replaced the DUNS number as the primary entity identifier for federal awards on April 4, 2022. The UEI aims to streamline the federal procurement and grant processes by providing a single, non-proprietary identifier.

Hopefully, that clears up any confusion about UEI numbers! They're a pretty important piece of the puzzle when dealing with the US government. Thanks for reading, and we hope you'll come back soon for more easy-to-understand explanations!