If you have been researching federal grants, you have likely seen references to DUNS numbers. The DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number was, for decades, the standard business identifier required for federal grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. However, the federal government transitioned away from DUNS numbers in 2022, replacing them with the UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) system managed through SAM.gov.
This guide explains the current status of DUNS numbers, what replaced them, and what Texas businesses need to do to ensure they have the correct identifiers for federal grant applications.
DUNS Numbers Are No Longer Used for Federal Grants
As of April 4, 2022, the federal government stopped using DUNS numbers for entity identification in federal awards. The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) — generated and managed through SAM.gov — replaced the DUNS number for all federal grant and contract purposes.
If you had an existing DUNS number, your SAM.gov profile was automatically transitioned to a UEI. You do not need to take any action regarding your old DUNS number — it is simply no longer the identifier used by federal agencies.
What Is the UEI?
The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric identifier assigned by SAM.gov to entities registered in the system. The UEI serves the same purpose the DUNS number served — it uniquely identifies your business in the federal award system. Complete guide to UEI numbers.
Why the Change Was Made
The federal government transitioned from DUNS to UEI for several reasons:
- Cost: DUNS numbers were managed by Dun & Bradstreet, a private company. The federal government paid for the service. Moving to SAM.gov-managed UEIs eliminated that cost.
- Accessibility: Some businesses found the DUNS process confusing or were targeted by third-party companies charging fees for free services. SAM.gov provides a single, free registration point.
- Streamlining: Consolidating entity identification into SAM.gov simplifies the registration process for businesses and reduces the number of systems involved.
What Texas Businesses Need to Do
If You Have Never Applied for a Federal Grant
You do not need a DUNS number. Register directly on SAM.gov, which will assign you a UEI as part of the registration process. Step-by-step SAM registration guide.
If You Had a DUNS Number and an Active SAM Registration
Your SAM profile was automatically transitioned to a UEI. Log into SAM.gov to verify your current UEI and ensure your registration is active. Use your UEI (not your old DUNS number) on all future federal applications.
If You Had a DUNS Number but No SAM Registration
You need to register on SAM.gov to receive a UEI. Your old DUNS number is no longer relevant for federal purposes. Start the SAM registration process from scratch.
If Your SAM Registration Has Expired
Log into SAM.gov and renew your registration. Your UEI remains the same, but your registration must be active to receive new federal awards.
Are DUNS Numbers Still Useful?
Dun & Bradstreet still assigns and maintains DUNS numbers for their commercial credit reporting and business intelligence services. A DUNS number may still be useful for:
- Business credit monitoring through Dun & Bradstreet
- Some state or private grant programs that have not updated their requirements
- International business identification (some international organizations still use DUNS)
However, for federal grants and contracts — which represent the largest pool of government funding — the UEI is the only required identifier.
Beware of Scams
The transition from DUNS to UEI created confusion that scammers exploit. Common scams include:
- Companies charging fees to "get you a UEI number" (UEIs are free through SAM.gov)
- Phishing emails claiming your DUNS or UEI needs urgent renewal
- Services offering to "expedite" SAM registration for hundreds of dollars
SAM.gov registration and UEI assignment are completely free. Never pay a third party for services you can complete yourself on SAM.gov. How to avoid grant-related scams.
Bottom Line
DUNS numbers are no longer used for federal grants. The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), assigned through SAM.gov, replaced the DUNS number in 2022. If you are a Texas business planning to apply for federal grants, register on SAM.gov to receive your UEI. The process is free and takes 2 to 4 weeks. Do not pay third parties for services that are available at no cost through the government's own system.
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