The DUNS Number was replaced by a new, non-proprietary identifier that is provided by the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). This new identifier is called the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), or the Entity ID.
Submitting a registration and getting a Unique Entity ID are FREE.
What’s the difference between only getting a Unique Entity ID and registering your entity?
An entity registration allows an organization the opportunity to receive a contract or assistance directly from the federal government, not from another contractor or awardee. You need to register your entity in SAM.gov when you want to bid on federal contracts as a prime contractor or seek federal assistance as a prime awardee.
The process for entity registrations includes getting the Unique Entity ID and requires assertions, representations and certifications, and other information about your business.
The Unique Entity ID does not expire. However, registrations must be updated and renewed each year to remain in the “active registration” status. If you do not update or renew your registration, it will be in an “inactive” status, but your entity will still have its same Unique Entity ID.
Getting a Unique Entity ID only: Some entities who do business with the government may choose not to register in SAM.gov, for example, sub-awardees. In this case, those entities cannot bid directly on federal contracts as a prime contractor or seek federal assistance as a prime awardee. If this is the goal of the entity, they can go to SAM.gov and get a Unique Entity ID only (no entity registration required). The information required for getting a Unique Entity ID without registration is minimal. It only validates your organization’s legal business name and address.
Watch this video on the process to get a Unique Entity ID in SAM.gov – Click here
Quick Start Guide for Getting a Unique Entity ID
To find or request a Unique Entity Identifier (SAM), please visit www.sam.gov.