UEI replaced DUNS as the primary identifier for federal contracts on April 4, 2022. The UEI is a 12-character alphanumeric code issued through SAM.gov at no cost, while DUNS numbers are now obsolete. CAGE codes, which must be renewed every five years, track businesses at physical locations and are especially important for Department of Defense contracts. All three codes relate to government contracting, but serve different identification purposes across federal award systems.
Core Differences Between UEI, DUNS, and CAGE Codes
The identification trifecta of UEI, DUNS, and CAGE codes serves distinct purposes within government contracting systems. Each identifier type fulfills specific government requirements while operating under different administrative frameworks.
The UEI (Unique Entity Identifier), generated by SAM.gov, has replaced the DUNS number as the primary identifier for entities doing business with the federal government. Unlike its predecessor, the UEI unifies multiple identifiers across systems with an alphanumeric format. This 12-character identifier serves as verification of legitimacy for organizations seeking government contracts. The UEI was implemented to streamline processes for all federal awards and contracting activities.
The UEI system streamlines government contracting identification, replacing fragmented approaches with a single integrated alphanumeric identifier.
DUNS numbers, previously issued by Dun & Bradstreet, were nine-digit numeric codes that have been phased out in favor of the more integrated UEI system. These were essential for credit reporting purposes and served as prerequisites for government contracts.
CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) codes, by contrast, focus specifically on tracking businesses at physical locations, particularly for Department of Defense contracts. These five-character alphanumeric codes must be renewed every five years if issued after August 26, 2016, and have international equivalents known as NCAGE codes.
The Transition From DUNS to UEI: What Business Owners Need to Know
Since April 4, 2022, federal contracting systems have undergone a significant identification overhaul, replacing the longstanding DUNS number system with the government-managed Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
This change, mandated under 2 CFR Part 25, marked the culmination of a phased DUNS deprecation timeline that shifted identifier issuance responsibility from Dun & Bradstreet to SAM.gov. Local governments are also required to obtain a UEI when applying for federal funds. This transition was designed to reduce burden on entities doing business with the Federal Government. All organizations seeking to participate in federal contracts, grants, or financial assistance programs must maintain an active registration with valid credentials in the SAM system.
For business owners, the UEI registration process brings several advantages. Entities previously registered with a DUNS number were automatically assigned a UEI without requiring manual action.
New registrants now obtain their UEI directly through SAM.gov at no cost, eliminating previous fees associated with DUNS acquisition.
Key operational changes include:
- Alphanumeric UEI format versus numeric-only DUNS
- SAM.gov handling entity validation directly
- UEI integration across all federal award systems
- Mandatory UEI usage for all federal funding applications
Business owners should update documentation, verify SAM.gov profile accuracy, and use UEI for all federal reporting.
How These Codes Impact Your Federal Contracting Opportunities
Maneuvering federal contracting opportunities requires businesses to understand how identification codes directly influence eligibility and operations. The UEI, DUNS, and CAGE codes each play distinct roles in determining federal eligibility and establishing contracting compliance standards.
- Access to Solicitations – Without a valid UEI, businesses cannot view or bid on federal contract opportunities, as this identifier serves as the gateway to SAM.gov registration. Ensuring thorough preparation of your documentation can help achieve timely registration completion within the typical three to five day processing period.
- Defense Contract Qualification – CAGE codes are mandatory for defense procurement, with separate codes required for each physical facility to guarantee accurate shipment tracking. These five-character identifiers are essential because they are recognized across agencies within the federal government procurement system.
- Grant Funding Approval – Federal grants and assistance programs require current UEI validation, with expired registrations resulting in payment delays. The UEI has replaced the previously used DUNS number for all federal procurement activities.
- International Opportunities – NATO contracts and foreign military sales require both UEI and CAGE codes, creating a dual compliance requirement for businesses seeking international government work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Company Have Multiple UEIS for Different Locations?
Companies typically receive one UEI per legal entity regardless of multiple locations. The UEI serves as the primary unique identifier for a business entity as a whole.
For businesses with different physical locations, CAGE Codes are used to distinguish between specific facilities, particularly in defense contracting. Each physical location can have its own CAGE Code while sharing the same UEI.
Separate legal entities or subsidiaries would require their own SAM registrations and distinct UEIs.
How Quickly Can I Obtain a CAGE Code After Receiving My UEI?
After receiving a UEI, entities typically obtain their CAGE code during the same SAM registration process.
The CAGE code processing time generally ranges from 3-5 business days after SAM submission, assuming all documentation is correct.
In some cases, the Defense Logistics Agency may require additional verification, extending the timeline to 10-15 business days.
For expedited processing, ensuring all facility information is accurate and complete in the SAM profile is essential.
Are UEI and CAGE Codes Required for International Government Contracts?
Yes, UEI and CAGE/NCAGE codes are required for international government contracts with U.S. federal agencies.
International entities must obtain:
- NCAGE code (international equivalent of CAGE) from their national agency
- UEI through SAM.gov registration
These compliance requirements are mandatory for all foreign organizations seeking U.S. government contracts.
The process involves obtaining the NCAGE first, then completing SAM.gov registration to receive the UEI, ensuring eligibility for bidding on federal opportunities.
What Happens if My Company Relocates After Obtaining These Codes?
When a company relocates, the relocation impact varies by identifier. The UEI remains unchanged as it identifies the entity itself, not its location.
However, companies must update their address in SAM.gov within 10 days of moving. A CAGE code update is required if the registered facility address changes, necessitating a new SAM registration submission to trigger DLA verification.
Failure to complete these address updates may result in payment disruptions and contract compliance issues.
Can Subcontractors Use a Prime Contractor’s UEI or CAGE Code?
Subcontractors cannot use a prime contractor’s UEI or CAGE code. Each business entity must maintain its own unique identifiers for proper tracking and compliance with federal regulations.
Prime contractor responsibilities include guaranteeing their subcontractors obtain their own identification codes through proper registration in SAM.gov.
This separation maintains clear accountability, prevents misattribution of work, and guarantees accurate reporting for all parties involved in government contracts.