The DUNS-to-UEI shift occurred on April 4, 2022, requiring entities to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier through SAM.gov at no cost, rather than through Dun & Bradstreet. Common registration challenges include name/address mismatches, outdated EINs, and validation failures. Organizations should conduct pre-submission audits, maintain accurate records, and address issues through the Federal Service Desk. Regular profile reviews help prevent complications during registration or renewal. The sections below offer specific troubleshooting techniques for persistent registration problems.
Core Changes in the DUNS-to-UEI Transition
The federal government permanently moved from the DUNS Number to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) on April 4, 2022, marking a significant change in federal registration systems.
This alteration replaced the proprietary DUNS system with a non-proprietary identifier managed directly through SAM.gov, eliminating the need for organizations to obtain a DUNS number before registering.
The impact assessment shows that all federal systems now use UEIs exclusively, with existing registrations having their UEIs automatically pre-populated in SAM. Organizations with deactivated registrations will need to complete a new registration process in both SAM.gov and Research.gov systems.
Organizations must use UEIs for all new registrations and federal transactions, including grants and contracts.
Future implications include streamlined registration processes, reduced costs for maintaining federal identifiers, and simplified entity identification across government systems.
This transition to UEI significantly enhances data management accuracy while reducing administrative burdens for both entities and government agencies involved in procurement and grant processes.
How to Obtain and Verify Your Entity’s UEI
Obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) requires maneuvering through SAM.gov‘s registration process, which replaces the previous DUNS Number system. Organizations must navigate to SAM.gov and select “Get Started” to initiate the UEI registration process.
The system generates the identifier automatically during entity registration at no cost.
For a successful application, entities should guarantee all information entered is accurate and complete all required fields. After registration, the UEI appears directly on the entity’s record within SAM.gov. Users can access this information through the Entity Management Widget.
Organizations experiencing technical difficulties during SAM.gov navigation should contact the SAM Help Desk or consult the available troubleshooting resources. Prior to registration, gathering essential entity information will significantly streamline the application process. Entities must maintain an active SAM registration to qualify for federal financial assistance, including EXIM transactions and policy renewals.
Regular maintenance of entity records guarantees the UEI remains valid for federal contracting and grant applications. The UEI is a 12-character alphanumeric value that uniquely identifies your organization when conducting business with the federal government.
Common Challenges and Solutions for UEI Registration
Many organizations encounter significant hurdles when maneuvering the UEI registration process within SAM.gov, creating potential delays in federal contract eligibility.
Common registration errors include name/address mismatches between existing records and current business information, outdated EIN details, and unreported organizational changes.
Misaligned records between federal systems and current business information remain the primary stumbling block in successful UEI registration completion.
Compliance challenges often arise from incomplete CUI documentation, unintuitive system interfaces, and technical barriers such as browser incompatibility issues.
These problems frequently result in validation failures requiring Federal Service Desk intervention. The transition from DUNS to UEI on April 4, 2022 created substantial verification and validation delays for entities.
Starting the renewal process 2-3 months in advance of expiration dates provides adequate time to resolve potential UEI validation issues.
Proper data entry and regular system updates are essential to prevent recurring complications during the registration process.
To mitigate these obstacles, organizations should:
- Conduct pre-submission audits verifying legal name/address alignment
- Implement quarterly SAM profile reviews
- Create checklist-driven renewal processes
- Seek expert consultation for complex cases like mergers or acquisitions
- Submit FSD tickets early for time-sensitive registration issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Transfer My UEI to Another Entity?
UEI numbers cannot be transferred between entities. The UEI transfer process does not exist because these identifiers are permanently linked to the original entity that registered for them.
Each legal business or organization must obtain its own unique UEI through SAM.gov registration. Entity eligibility for a UEI is based on separate registration, even in cases of mergers, acquisitions, or ownership changes.
When business structures change, the new or resulting entity must apply for a new UEI.
Do International Entities Follow Different UEI Registration Procedures?
International entities follow the same core UEI registration process as domestic organizations but with some additional requirements.
They must create a Login.gov account, validate their entity information, and designate an Entity Administrator.
However, international applicants may need supplementary documentation such as proof of foreign business registration or NCAGE codes.
The primary differences involve documentation requirements rather than procedural steps.
All entities, regardless of location, must complete annual renewals to maintain compliance with U.S. federal regulations.
How Does UEI Affect Subcontractor Reporting Requirements?
Subcontractor reporting requirements now mandate UEI instead of DUNS for all federal reporting after April 4, 2022.
This change affects subcontractor compliance across all federal systems, with no exceptions permitted.
Subcontractors must obtain UEIs through the abbreviated registration process on SAM.gov, even without completing full registration.
Reporting accuracy depends on maintaining current legal name and address information in UEI records.
Primes cannot submit subcontractor data without valid UEIs, potentially delaying payments and compliance reporting.
Will UEI Impact Existing Multi-Year Federal Awards?
The UEI change does not greatly impact existing multi-year federal awards.
These awards continue to function normally, though entities must guarantee their SAM.gov registration includes the new UEI.
Federal contracts initiated before April 4, 2022 remain valid, and no retroactive changes are required.
However, entities should verify that their UEI is properly aligned with their registration to prevent potential disruptions in funding disbursements for continuing awards.
Are There UEI Verification Requirements for State-Level Grant Programs?
State grants typically require UEI verification processes, though specific protocols vary by program.
While federal guidelines only mandate UEI possession, individual states implement verification through various methods:
- SAM.gov public search tool lookups
- Documentation requests for SAM.gov screenshots
- Application system validations
Many state programs also verify that the UEI matches the applicant’s legal structure and remains active throughout the award period.
Invalid UEIs may result in application rejection or payment delays.