The UEI system replaced DUNS numbers in federal grant management on April 4, 2022, creating significant changes in SAM.gov. Organizations previously registered automatically received new 12-character alphanumeric UEI codes, eliminating the need for third-party involvement. The shift streamlined entity identification, removed registration fees, and centralized support services. Annual SAM.gov registration renewal maintains active UEI status. Understanding these changes helps organizations navigate federal award systems more effectively.
Key Differences Between UEI and DUNS Numbers in Federal Grant Management
When the federal government shifted from DUNS to UEI for entity identification, fundamental changes occurred in how grant systems operate at their core. The change moved control from Dun & Bradstreet, a private company, to direct government oversight through SAM.gov, enhancing identification accuracy and streamlining compliance requirements. This transition ensures federal marketplace compliance for businesses seeking government contracts.
The structural differences are significant: DUNS used nine-digit numeric codes, while UEI employs 12-character alphanumeric formats specifically designed for federal systems. This alteration supports improved data validation and integration across government platforms. Existing DUNS number holders were automatically assigned UEI during the April 2022 transition period.
The process for obtaining identifiers also transformed dramatically. Unlike DUNS, which required separate registration with a third party, UEI numbers are automatically assigned within SAM.gov at no cost, eliminating delays and additional fees while centralizing entity validation within federal infrastructure. Customer support has been centralized at helpdesk for all UEI-related issues, creating a more efficient troubleshooting process.
How the UEI Transition Affects Organizations Registered in SAM.gov
Organizations previously registered in SAM.gov experienced a seamless swap to the UEI system, as the federal government automatically assigned new 12-character alphanumeric identifiers to all existing entities.
This changeover eliminated the need for third-party identifiers, greatly streamlining the entity identification process.
The shift to UEI requires attention to annual renewal requirements. All organizations must renew their SAM.gov registration yearly to maintain an active UEI status.
The registration process now offers greater data consistency across federal award systems, simplifying compliance with regulations such as 2 CFR Part 25.
During the initial changeover period (April 1-4, 2022), SAM.gov experienced temporary unavailability as systems updated.
Organizations can now view their UEI directly in their SAM.gov entity record, along with registration renewal notifications. It’s important to note that despite what some third-party companies claim, there are no charges associated with obtaining or maintaining a UEI through the official government channels.
The step-by-step process for obtaining a UEI helps businesses navigate the registration requirements efficiently while ensuring full compliance with federal contracting standards.
Timeline and Implementation Challenges of the DUNS to UEI Migration
The federal government’s shift from DUNS to UEI represents one of the most significant changes to grant management systems in recent years. The migration process began in December 2020, with the system prepared for new entities, and officially launched on April 4, 2022, after completing critical implementation phases.
Several technical hurdles emerged during this changeover, including system integration complexities and data consistency challenges between identifiers. Organizations faced the need for technical adjustments to accommodate the new government-issued identifiers through SAM.gov. The System for Award Management serves as a centralized platform for managing all federal contract information. The transition officially occurred on April 4, 2022 when UEI replaced DUNS numbers as the standard identifier.
The implementation required extensive user education about the UEI system, which eliminated third-party providers and made entity identification free.
Shifting to UEI demanded substantial education initiatives while democratizing access through a free, direct registration system.
Despite temporary system downtimes, the changeover ultimately streamlined federal award tracking while reducing administrative burdens for organizations seeking government funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Non-Us Entities Obtain a UEI for International Grant Applications?
Yes, non-US entities can obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) for international grant applications.
Foreign organizations must register in SAM.gov to receive their UEI, which is required for federal funding eligibility. The process requires obtaining an NCAGE code first, followed by SAM.gov registration, which may take six weeks or longer.
While most NIH research grants allow international eligibility, specific grant applications may have restrictions.
Foreign entities should plan early due to the extended registration timeline.
How Do I Recover a Lost or Forgotten UEI Number?
To recover a lost UEI, entities can employ several UEI retrieval methods:
- Search the SAM.gov database using the organization’s name and previous DUNS number.
- Contact the Federal Service Desk at 866-606-8220 for assistance.
- Submit a formal recovery request through SAM.gov with verification documentation.
Lost UEI solutions typically require proof of identity and may take several business days to process.
Organizations should maintain secure records of their UEI to prevent future access issues.
What Happens if My Organization Has Multiple UEI Numbers?
Organizations with multiple UEIs may face several challenges.
Managing UEI discrepancies can lead to:
- Delays in grant and contract processing
- Complications during validation processes
- Potential system errors in SAM.gov
To resolve this issue, entities should:
- Verify which UEI is correctly associated with their SAM registration
- Contact the SAM.gov help desk for assistance
- Implement controls to prevent future duplication of identifiers
Can Tribal Entities Use Alternative Identification Methods Besides UEI?
No, tribal entities cannot use alternative methods besides UEI for federal transactions.
Since April 4, 2022, the UEI has become mandatory for all entities, including tribal organizations, that engage with federal grants or contracts.
While tribal entities may maintain internal identification systems for their own purposes, the federal government exclusively recognizes the UEI for official transactions.
All tribal entities must register in SAM.gov to obtain this required identifier.
Does the UEI Transition Affect My Organization’s Credit Rating?
The UEI shift does not affect an organization’s credit rating.
Unlike DUNS numbers, which were connected to Dun & Bradstreet’s credit reporting system, UEI numbers serve solely as federal identification markers.
The shift changes how organizations identify themselves for federal grants and contracts, but has no bearing on credit scores or financial assessments.
Organizations should continue managing their business credit profiles through traditional credit-building activities, regardless of their UEI registration status.