UEI (Unique Entity Identifier)
The standardized identifier assigned to entities registered in SAM.gov, replacing the DUNS number.
Full Definition
The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric code automatically assigned by SAM.gov to every entity that registers in the System for Award Management. The UEI officially replaced the DUNS number (previously assigned and managed by Dun & Bradstreet at a cost to businesses) as the government-wide standard entity identifier effective April 4, 2022, under a General Services Administration policy directive. Unlike the DUNS system, UEI assignment is completely free and handled within SAM.gov during the registration process. The UEI is used across all federal award systems including contract solicitations, grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and interagency transactions. Entities must maintain an active SAM.gov registration with a valid UEI to be eligible for new federal awards, and the identifier is validated against the entity's legal business name and physical address in SAM.gov records.
Why It Matters
Your UEI is required for virtually every federal contracting activity including registering in SAM.gov, submitting proposals, receiving contract awards, reporting in FPDS and CPARS, and receiving payment through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) system. Small businesses should note their UEI immediately upon SAM.gov registration and include it in their standard proposal templates, capability statements, and business correspondence with government agencies. Because the UEI is tied to your SAM.gov registration, allowing your registration to lapse renders your UEI inactive, which can delay contract awards and payments. Set calendar reminders at least 60 days before your annual SAM.gov renewal deadline. If your company undergoes a legal name change, merger, or address change, update your SAM.gov registration promptly to keep your UEI information accurate and avoid compliance issues on active contracts.
Example
A newly formed small business completes their SAM.gov registration and receives UEI number QH5KGLJZ8N44. They include this identifier in the header of every proposal, their GSA Schedule application, and their capability statement. When responding to an Army RFP, the solicitation instructions require the UEI on the cover page and in Block 12 of the SF 33. The contracting officer uses the UEI to verify active SAM.gov registration, confirm the firm's small business size representation, and check the exclusions database before making the award.
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