The Unique Entity ID (UEI) is now the primary identifier for federal contracting, replacing DUNS numbers. Businesses must register on SAM.gov to obtain this free, automatically generated identifier. The UEI facilitates streamlined tracking of federal awards, guarantees data consistency across government systems, and integrates with E-Verify for contractor compliance. Annual renewal of SAM registration maintains valid UEI status, essential for pursuing federal contracts. Further exploration reveals important compliance requirements and management processes.
The Essential Role of UEI in Federal Contracting Process
The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) serves as the cornerstone of modern federal contracting, providing a structured system for identifying and tracking businesses that engage with government agencies. This standardized identifier delivers significant UEI benefits, including streamlined tracking of federal awards and enhanced data consistency across government systems.
The UEI facilitates proper oversight by creating a transparent trail for each contract and grant, enabling agencies to monitor performance effectively. The UEI replaced DUNS numbers for improved transparency in federal procurement systems. The transition to UEI was implemented by the General Services Administration to eliminate third-party involvement previously required with DUNS Numbers. While implementing the system presented initial UEI challenges for some businesses, the resulting accountability improvements have strengthened public trust in government procurement processes.
The unique coding system enables precise management of contracts, reducing administrative burdens by simplifying the bidding process. This centralized approach to identification guarantees regulatory compliance while supporting efficient contract administration throughout the award lifecycle.
How to Obtain and Manage Your UEI Through SAM.Gov
Maneuvering the UEI registration process through SAM.gov requires careful attention to detail and proper documentation from prospective federal contractors. Entities seeking a UEI must complete registration on SAM.gov by providing their legal name, physical address, and contact information for the entity administrator.
Navigating SAM.gov’s UEI process demands precision and complete documentation from entities pursuing federal contracting opportunities.
Upon successful registration, the system automatically generates the 12-character alphanumeric identifier at no cost.
Managing UEI records involves logging into SAM.gov and accessing the entity management widget in the workspace. The UEI appears below the DUNS number in entity profiles and remains unchanged unless administrative errors occur. An Entity Administrator can view registration status through the Workspace menu on SAM.gov.
To maintain valid UEI status, contractors must renew their SAM registration annually. This streamlined approach eliminates third-party involvement, making government interactions more efficient while ensuring compliance with federal requirements. The transition from DUNS to UEI represents a significant improvement in government transparency. UEI registration is a mandatory requirement for all businesses looking to participate in federal government contracting opportunities.
UEI Integration With E-Verify and Other Federal Systems
Since the shift from DUNS to UEI on April 4, 2022, federal contractors must integrate their Unique Entity Identifier with E-Verify and other federal systems to maintain eligibility for government contracts.
This integration guarantees consistent identification across federal platforms and accurate contractor verification.
E-Verify Updates for Contractors
Program Administrators can now update the UEI field in their company’s E-Verify profile, replacing the previous DUNS number requirement. The UEI must be obtained from SAM.gov before updating the E-Verify company profile. Compliance with these requirements is critical as significant penalties may apply for employers who fail to properly verify employment eligibility through the system.
Federal contractors with FAR E-Verify clause contracts must verify employment eligibility for all new hires and existing employees working on federal contracts.
These contractor compliance measures exclude contracts under 120 days, valued below $150,000, or involving COTS items.
Employees with valid security clearances or HSPD-12 credentials may also receive exemptions from the verification process.
The UEI serves as the primary identifier for all entities in government procurement transactions, enhancing transparency and simplifying the registration process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UEI Visible to the Public on SAM.Gov?
UEI visibility on SAM.gov depends on the entity’s registration choices.
By default, UEI numbers are publicly accessible through the SAM.gov search function. However, entities can opt out of public display during registration.
When an organization chooses this privacy option, their UEI and registration information becomes visible only to users logged in with proper credentials.
Public access to UEI information remains available for most registered entities unless they specifically select the opt-out option.
Can Foreign Entities Obtain a UEI for U.S. Federal Contracting?
Yes, foreign entities can obtain a UEI for U.S. federal contracting.
The foreign entity requirements mandate that all non-U.S. organizations conducting business with the federal government must register in SAM.gov.
The UEI application process for foreign entities requires first obtaining an NCAGE code, then completing SAM.gov registration with matching legal business name and address information.
There are no blanket exemptions, and validation documentation must be properly translated and notarized.
How Long Does UEI Validation Typically Take After Submission?
The UEI validation process typically takes 10 business days after submission for most entities to become active.
Initial reviews complete within 3 business days if no issues arise. However, external validation checks, such as IRS/TIN verification, can extend the timeline to the full 10 days.
For entities requiring CAGE code integration, the process may take 4-6 weeks.
Foreign entities often experience longer validation periods, sometimes exceeding 6 weeks for document authentication.
Are Subcontractors Required to Obtain a UEI?
Yes, subcontractors are required to obtain a UEI number as of April 2022 for federal contracting processes.
While subcontractors do not need to complete the full SAM registration, they must secure a UEI to be properly identified in federal systems.
Prime contractors determine specific UEI requirements based on their reporting needs.
The UEI acquisition process is streamlined for subcontractors, requiring less administrative burden than full SAM registration while ensuring compliance with federal subcontracting requirements.
Can Multiple UEIS Be Assigned to One Business Entity?
According to federal regulations, multiple UEIs cannot be assigned to a single business entity.
The UEI system follows a strict one-identifier-per-legal-entity framework. Each legal business entity with a unique tax identification number (EIN) receives only one UEI, regardless of multiple locations or branches.
Different subsidiaries with separate EINs qualify for their own UEIs, but divisions within the same legal structure must share a single UEI.