If you are adding a video (e.g., .mpeg,.mov), image (e.g., tif., jpg., .png), or audio (e.g., .wav, .aif, .au, etc.) be sure to compress these files for web usage. There are different types of applications and compression methods, so please be sure to check the agency instructions for guidance on quality, resolution, and bit rate standards they allow for submission. The Data Universal Numbering System operated as a commercial enterprise focused on credit reporting and business intelligence. While effective for private sector applications, this commercial focus sometimes conflicted with government transparency and efficiency requirements. The platform integration means your UEI automatically connects with other federal systems, including FPDS (Federal Procurement Data System), Grants.gov, and agency-specific databases. This seamless connectivity reduces administrative burden and improves data consistency across the government.

Applicant FAQs

Copying and pasting data into a Grants.gov application form from Word may lead to errors in the Adobe Reader form. If using the copy and paste function, copy the information from a text editor, such as Notepad or TextEdit, which does not have proprietary fonts or special characters. If you use other attachment functions, such as those built into Adobe Reader or the menu bar, this will cause errors in the submission and the attachments will not actually transmit to the federal agency.

Video: Entity Registration

Cost elimination was a primary motivator—many businesses paid fees to expedite DUNS processing, creating an unfair advantage for larger companies. The UEI system levels the playing field by providing instant, free identification to all entities regardless of size or resources. Visit the UEI technical specifications and API information page to learn more about UEI/EVS technical specifications for interfacing systems and sample data extracts. If you operate a system that connects with IAE systems, documentation about using APIs to access SAM.gov is found at is open.GSA.gov. What should I do if I receive the message “Email Already Exists in System” and I am unable to register? If you receive the message “Email Already Exists in System,” your email address has already been used to register.

• A profile in Grants.gov corresponds to a single applicant organization the user represents (i.e., an applicant), an individual applicant, or a single federal agency (i.e., for grantors).
• Most large organizations, libraries, colleges, and research universities already have a DUNS number.
• Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
• Read the federal award-making agency’s application instructions for the file size limit for each grant application package you submit.
• If you work with multiple organizations on grant applications, you can create and manage multiple profiles within the same Grants.gov account.

The GSA coordinated with unique entity identifier update federal agencies to validate the accuracy of automatically assigned UEIs, maintaining data integrity throughout the allocation process. The General Services Administration formally declared the implementation of the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) system, marking a significant shift in government procurement processes. This announcement provided clarity for businesses seeking to update their profiles and enhance visibility in federal contracting opportunities.

This process will be necessary for each IP address you wish to access the site from, requests are valid for approximately one quarter (three months) after which the process may need to be repeated. If your entity is registered in SAM.gov today, you already have your Unique Entity ID (SAM) and it is viewable in SAM.gov. By April of 2022, the federal government will stop using the DUNS number to uniquely identify entities. At that point, entities doing business with the federal government will use a Unique Entity Identifier created in SAM.gov. New form versions with a UEI field will be created for the forms in the table below. We encourage all Grants.gov users to bookmark and regularly consult GSA’s UEI Update page in order to stay up-to-date with the latest information.

To find an entity’s Unique Entity ID (SAM), see this FAQ at our supporting Federal Service Desk, fsd.gov. The Federal Processing Registry is a premier firm dedicated to simplifying government processing. Our experienced team of experts has the knowledge and skills necessary to help you navigate the complicated world of government processing with ease. We provide personalized services tailored to meet your unique needs and requirements, making the process as stress-free and efficient as possible. Federal business requires only UEI, but DUNS may retain value for commercial credit reporting, banking relationships, and private sector opportunities.

Grants.gov integration with the UEI system ensures consistent entity verification across both contract and grant funding streams. This comparison demonstrates why the UEI system provides superior functionality for federal business. The immediate processing, zero cost, and integrated government control create significant advantages over the previous commercial model. Most applications process instantly, though complex business structures or entities with previous federal issues may require additional verification.

New Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number Requirement for Federal Contractors

Once the full transition is made, you will enter your entity’s legal business name and address into SAM.gov. If the validation service finds a match, it will display your entity’s name and address for you to confirm. The General Services Administration addressed initial issues following the UEI rollout by establishing a dedicated task force to identify and resolve system glitches. This team worked closely with federal agencies to troubleshoot integration problems, update data mapping procedures, and refine entity validation processes.

• Processing delays plagued the DUNS system, particularly for newer businesses without established commercial credit histories.
• By maintaining entity identification in-house, agencies could ensure faster processing, better data quality, and eliminate external dependencies that sometimes conflicted with government transparency goals.
• The centralized database allows agencies to access up-to-date entity information, validate contractor eligibility, and track performance across multiple contracts.
• This will also enable companies to improve internal management of operational risks and cut costs tied to collecting, cleaning, and aggregating data, and in reporting data to regulators.

Why Did the Government Replace DUNS With UEI?

The UEI implementation phase involved several key milestones that shaped the transition process. Each step was crucial in ensuring a smooth rollout of the new identifier system across government agencies and entities. Government-wide adoption ensures consistent entity identification across all procurement touchpoints.

The identifier follows your business throughout its federal journey, linking contracts, grants, compliance records, and performance history. This persistent identification ensures government agencies can quickly access your complete federal business profile. This transition allows the government to streamline the entity identification and validation process, making it easier and less burdensome for entities to do business with the federal government.

Verifying UEI Integration Across Government Platforms

The majority of applications generate UEIs immediately upon submission. Delays typically occur only when submitted information conflicts with existing federal records or requires additional verification due to complex business structures. The SAM.gov homepage prominently features UEI request functionality. This direct access means you can obtain a UEI without completing full SAM registration, though most federal contractors will eventually need to complete SAM profiles. Login.gov serves as the secure gateway to federal systems, including SAM.gov. If you’re new to federal contracting, you’ll need to create this account first using multi-factor authentication for enhanced security.

The federal government’s decision to transition from proprietary identifiers to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) system was driven by a need for increased efficiency and transparency in procurement processes. This policy shift aimed to reduce organizational risk and streamline communication between federal agencies and entities seeking contracts or grants. The transition to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) system marked a significant shift in federal procurement and assistance processes.

The foundation is led by a 16-member board of directors, all from the private sector. The cache refers to the Temporary Internet Files folder which contains a record of the items you have seen, heard, or downloaded from the web, including images, sounds and web pages. The latest versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Apple Safari are supported for use with Grants.gov. However, these web browsers undergo frequent changes and updates, so we recommend you have the latest version when using Grants.gov. Legacy versions of these web browsers may be functional, but you may experience issues.Grants.gov no longer provides support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 or below.