Category: SAM Registration

A UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) number for a business is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to entities, including businesses, that register to do business with the U.S. federal government. This identifier is used within the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and is required for any entity looking to bid on federal contracts, apply for federal grants, or conduct any business directly with the federal government.

The UEI is generated by the General Services Administration (GSA) and serves multiple purposes:

• Identification: It uniquely identifies an entity within federal systems, facilitating easier management and tracking of contracts, grants, and transactions.
• Streamlining Transactions: The UEI helps in streamlining procurement and grant processes by providing a single, standardized identifier for each entity across various federal agencies.
• Transparency and Efficiency: By using the UEI, the federal government aims to enhance the transparency and efficiency of its operations and procurement processes.

If you need a UEI, or are unsure if you have one, USBRI can assist with the entire process. We have been helping businesses for over 11 years with registering and renewing SAM Registrations, as well as other Federal Certifications. Call the Help Desk at (888) 646-9998 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST to find out more about how USBRI can help you get started with government contracting.

Entities required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) include any organization, business, non-profit, or individual that intends to do business with the U.S. federal government. This requirement encompasses those:

• Applying for federal contracts,
• Receiving federal grants,
• Receiving federal awards,
• And conducting business or transactions that involve federal funding.

Specifically, if you are involved in any of the following activities, you need a UEI:

1. Federal Contracting: Entities seeking to bid on federal government contracts must have a UEI for identification in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
2. Federal Grants and Awards: Organizations applying for federal grants or looking to receive federal awards must register in SAM.gov and obtain a UEI.
3. Subcontractors and Subgrantees: In some cases, subcontractors and subgrantees working on federal contracts or grants may also be required to obtain a UEI for transparency and reporting purposes.
4. Other Federal Financial Transactions: Entities involved in other types of financial transactions with the federal government, such as loans and intergovernmental agreements, may also need a UEI.

If you need a UEI, or are unsure if you have one, USBRI can assist with the entire process. We have been helping businesses for over 11 years with registering and renewing SAM Registrations, as well as other Federal Certifications. Call the Help Desk at (888) 646-9998 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST to find out more about how USBRI can help you get started with government contracting.

No, a UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) is not the same as a DUNS number (Data Universal Numbering System). While both serve as unique identifiers for entities, they are issued by different organizations for different purposes:

• DUNS Number: Issued by Dun & Bradstreet, a DUNS number was previously required for businesses to register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and to bid on federal contracts or grants. It has been used globally as a standard business identifier. However, it is no longer required for federal grants or contracting.
• UEI: As of April 2022, the General Services Administration (GSA) started issuing the UEI directly through SAM.gov, replacing the DUNS number as the official identifier for entities registering to do business with the federal government. The UEI is now used for all federal contracts, grants, and awards, streamlining the process by eliminating the need for a third-party identifier.

If you need a UEI, or are unsure if you have one, USBRI can assist with the entire process. We have been helping businesses for over 11 years with registering and renewing SAM Registrations, as well as other Federal Certifications. Call the Help Desk at (888) 646-9998 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST to find out more about how USBRI can help you get started with government contracting.

Having access to your Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is extremely important when it comes to any government contracting opportunities or federal grant applications. Not having obtained a UEI through SAM.gov automatically disqualifies entities and businesses from all federal contracts and grants. To see what your entity’s UEI is, or to check if you even have one, you can use the steps below:

• Visit www.USBRI.us to access the tool
• Click the red “Check SAM & UEI Status” button in the top right corner
• Search by company name, CAGE Code, or UEI
• Answer the security question
• Press “Check SAM Status NOW”
• Results and details are immediately shown, such as UEI, CAGE Code, NAICS Codes, PSC Codes, SAM Expiration Date, SAM Status, Points of Contact, etc.

If you are unable to find it, or if you believe there is an error, please call the Help Desk and speak with a Certified Registration Specialist (CRS) for assistance at (888) 646-9998 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST.

A CRS can also provide assistance in acquiring a new or renewing an existing UEI, CAGE Code, or SAM Number.