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What is a UEI Number for a Business?

UEI Number for Business

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.

Who is Required to Have a UEI?

Who is Required to have a UEI

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.

Is a UEI the Same as a DUNS Number?

UEI vs. DUNS Number: Are they the same?

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.

How do I find my UEI number?

Find UEI Number

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.

Is My UEI the Same as My EIN?

No, your UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) is not the same as your EIN (Employer Identification Number).

  • The UEI is a unique identifier assigned to entities that register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to do business with the U.S. federal government. It’s used across federal agencies to track and manage awards, contracts, and grants.
  • The EIN, on the other hand, is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to businesses for tax purposes. It’s also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number and is used to identify a business entity for tax reporting and employment tax purposes.

While both are unique identifiers, they serve different purposes: the UEI for federal contracting and grants, and the EIN for tax administration. 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.

Where Do I Get a UEI?

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a distinct code given to entities like businesses and nonprofits registering with the U.S. federal government, used for managing federal contracts and awards. Since April 2022, the UEI has replaced the DUNS Number as the main identifier in federal dealings, generated by the GSA within SAM.gov. This eliminates the previous requirement for a DUNS Number, streamlining engagement with federal agencies through a government-issued identifier.

UEIs are issued through registering in SAM.gov after completing an initial review process of your entity’s information. It can be difficult to know where to start when deciding to dive into government contracting or grants, which is why USBRI has been helping businesses with it since 2011. A Certified Registration Specialist can help you complete your SAM Registration with ease and accuracy. 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.

What is a UEI?

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a distinct 12 character code given to entities like businesses and nonprofits registering with the U.S. federal government, used for managing federal contracts and awards. Since April 2022, the UEI has replaced the DUNS Number as the main identifier in federal dealings, generated by the GSA within SAM.gov. This eliminates the previous requirement for a DUNS Number, streamlining engagement with federal agencies through a government-issued identifier. In order to receive funds in any form from the federal government, you must have a UEI, as well as an active SAM Registration.

 

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.

How Do I Know if my UEI is Expired?

The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) itself, issued through SAM.gov as part of your entity registration, does not expire. However, your SAM.gov registration, which includes your UEI, must be renewed annually to remain active. If your SAM.gov registration expires, your UEI will effectively become inactive in the context of being able to receive federal contracts or grants.

To check the status of your UEI/Registration, use the tool below by entering the corresponding Company Name, CAGE Code, or UEI. You will be able to access information like expiration date, address, points of contact, NAICS Codes, and PSC Codes.

What is the SAM UEI Number?

The SAM UEI Number is the 12-character alphanumerical entity identifier assigned to businesses registered in SAM.gov. In 2022, the UEI Numbers replaced the previous identification system known as DUNS. To know what your UEI Number is, follow the steps below:

    • At the top of this page, select “Check SAM & UEI Status” in red
    • Input your company’s legal business name (as it is on the IRS Taxpayer Form) or CAGE Code (if known)
    • Allow the page to refresh and generate a brief summary of your SAM Registration which includes:
      • UEI
      • Expiration Date
      • Primary NAICS Codes
      • POC’s
      • and more

You can also access the Status Lookup Tool by clicking the button below

Need to Renew or Register?

If you need to register or renew in SAM, USBRI has been offering filing assistance for SAM Registrations for over 11 years. If you see your registration is set to expire in the next 60 days, reach out to the USBRI Help Desk to learn more about renewal processing times. Browse the USBRI Services Page by clicking the button below

How To Check UEI Expiration Date

To check your UEI/SAM Registration Expiration Date, follow the steps below:

    • At the top of this page, select “Check SAM & UEI Status” in red
    • Input your company’s legal business name, CAGE code, or UEI
    • Select “Check SAM Status NOW” and allow the page to refresh
    • The page will generate a brief summary of your SAM Registration with details such as:
      • Expiration Date
      • UEI
      • CAGE
      • NAICS codes
      • POC’s
      • and more

You can also select the button below to access the Lookup Tool and get your UEI/SAM Registration Expiration Date

Need to Renew or Register?

If your registration is set to expire within the next 60 days, it’s time to begin the renewal process. You can start by calling out help desk at 1-888-646-9998 and one of our Certified Registration Specialists would be happy to assist you and facilitate the process for you. You can also browse the service page by clicking the button below.