Editor's Note: This post was originally published in April 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
The General Services Administration (GSA) will assign all entities in the System for Award Management (SAM) a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). So what is a UEI, and what should you expect? That's what this blog post is going to cover.
Here, we'll go over the following:
The Purpose of UEIs
A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a number that will be assigned to all entities registered in SAM. This number will only be used for your business or entity and none else, like a social security number.
The UEI allows for a consistent "name" for your entity for the sake of verification and collecting data.
Entities that will require a UEI include:
- Public Companies
- Private Companies
- Individuals
- Institutions
- Organizations
- Nonprofits
- State Governments
- Local Governments
Benefits of the UEI System
If the purpose and application of UEIs sound familiar, then they should. It will replace the Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number.
Why the change?
The federal government has used the DUNS number to verify contractors since 1978. By 1998 it became a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirement.
For decades Dun & Bradstreet had a monopoly over government validation numbers. Switching to a UEI will create a larger competitive space for entity validation.
Plus, for federal contractors and grant seekers alike, the process of obtaining validation will be simplified due to the new identifier being generated by SAM.gov. You will not have to go through an outside entity to obtain a UEI.
Transition to the UEI
What will the transition from the DUNS number to the UEI look like?
For experienced contractors, such transitions have never been smooth. However, the UEI transition should prove to be different.
Since July 2019, the GSA has been working on developing and implementing a transition plan.
New SAM Registrations
For new SAM.gov registrants, you will obtain a UEI from SAM.gov. This will be integrated with the SAM registration process.
The process will go as follows:
- Requesting a UEI from SAM.gov
- Registering your entity to do business with the federal government.
That's it.
Check out US Federal Contractor Registration's (USFCR) SAM assistance service for help with compliance.
USFCR's SAM Registration Service
Not only will it allow your entity to conduct business with the federal government, but it also provides:
- Case Manager Support
- Registration Maintenance
- USFCR Verified Vendor Seal
- Government DSBS Profile
- SBA Set-Aside Program Qualifications
Existing SAM Registrations
If you are already registered in SAM, there is nothing that you will have to do. Your entity will automatically be assigned a UEI.
You will NOT have to:
- Update your SAM registration
- Get reregistered
During this transition phase, you might notice that you will still have a DUNS number. This is for the sake of keeping records and nothing else.
SAMMI Numbers
You may have heard about the Ernst and Young LLP GSA contract for transitioning the DUNS number to the SAM Managed Identifier (SAMMI). How does it fit with the UEIs?
The UEI will serve as an interim number until the SAMMI is introduced. SAMMI is not supposed to be finished being implemented until December 2020.
To speak with a contracting specialist about the new UEI number, call (866) 216-5343
How to Perform a UEI Lookup
Step-by-Step Guide
Visit the SAM.gov Website
Navigate to SAM.gov, the official website of the System for Award Management.
Access the Search Function
On the SAM.gov homepage, find the search bar. This is usually located at the top of the page or under a specific section labeled “Search Records.”
Enter Your Search Criteria
Input the entity’s name, DUNS number (if known), or other relevant information into the search bar. For the most accurate results, use specific keywords related to the entity.
Filter Your Search Results
Use available filters to narrow down your search results. Filters may include location, registration status, and entity type.
Review the Results
Browse through the search results to find the entity you are looking for. Click on the entity’s name to view detailed information.
Verify the UEI
The entity’s UEI will be listed in its profile. Verify that this UEI matches the entity you are dealing with.
The Purpose of UEIs
All entities registered in SAM are assigned a unique entity identifier (UEI). This number is exclusively used for your business or entity, similar to a social security number for individuals. The UEI allows for a consistent "name" for your entity for verification and data collection purposes.
Benefits of the UEI System
The UEI system replaces the Dun & Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, which the federal government has used to verify contractors since 1978. Switching to a UEI has several benefits:
- Simplified Validation: The process of obtaining validation is simplified as the new identifier is generated by SAM.gov, eliminating the need to go through an outside entity.
- Increased Competition: The switch creates a larger competitive space for entity validation.
- Direct Integration: UEIs are directly integrated into the SAM registration process, streamlining the registration and renewal processes.
Transition to the UEI
The transition from the DUNS number to the UEI has been carefully planned and implemented by the GSA since July 2019. Here’s what you need to know:
New SAM Registrations
For new SAM.gov registrants, you will obtain a UEI as part of the SAM registration process. The steps include:
Requesting a UEI from SAM.gov.
Registering your entity to do business with the federal government.
Existing SAM Registrations
If you are already registered in SAM, your entity will automatically be assigned a UEI. You will not need to:
Update your SAM registration
Get re-registered
During the transition phase, you might still see your DUNS number for record-keeping purposes.
Pro Tip: Why UEI Lookups Matter
Performing a UEI lookup is essential for pre-bid verification, compliance checks, and due diligence. Regularly checking your UEI status ensures your registration is up-to-date and compliant with federal requirements, helping you avoid potential delays or issues in the contracting process.
Understanding and using the UEI system is crucial for federal contractors and entities seeking to do business with the federal government. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily perform a UEI lookup and ensure your entity remains compliant and competitive in the federal contracting space.
For more information and assistance with federal contracting, contact USFCR. Our experts are here to help you navigate the complexities of federal registrations and ensure your business is ready for government opportunities.
To speak with a contracting specialist about the new UEI number, call (866) 216-5343.
Originally published April 30, 2020, updated June 19, 2024.
