The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is the primary identification number used by the U.S. federal government to uniquely identify entities, such as businesses, nonprofits, and government contractors. Replacing legacy identifiers like the DUNS number, the UEI streamlines data management, improves accuracy in federal awards, and supports easier access to contracting and grant opportunities. This article explains what a UEI is, how it is assigned, where it is used, and how entities can obtain and manage their UEI responsibly.
What Is A Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
A UEI is a single, persistent alphanumeric code assigned to an entity by the federal government. It is stored in federal databases and used across government programs to identify an organization in interactions such as registrations, applications, and reporting. The UEI is designed to be unique to each entity and remains consistent across multiple years and programs, reducing duplication and confusion in data systems.
How UEIs Are Assigned
UEIs are issued through the System for Award Management (SAM) registration process. When an entity completes the SAM registration, the system generates a UEI automatically. The UEI is generated using a standardized format that does not reveal sensitive internal information and is designed to be easily verifiable in federal records. There is no separate request form for a UEI; it is created as part of the SAM registration workflow.
Entities should ensure registration information is accurate and up to date. Any changes to legal status, ownership, or contact details should be reflected promptly in SAM to avoid mismatches during award evaluations or compliance checks.
Where UEIs Are Used
UEIs are required for federal contracting, grants, and assistance programs. They appear in award notices, progress reports, and compliance documents. Federal agencies rely on the UEI to verify entity identity, track performance, and streamline reporting across multiple programs. Beyond grants and contracts, UEIs facilitate interoperability between government systems and improve data quality for oversight and analytics.
- Contracting and procurement
- Grants and cooperative agreements
- Subawards and financial reporting
- Programmatic and performance monitoring
UEI vs. DUNS: What Has Changed
Historically, many entities used a DUNS number as a primary identifier. The federal government transitioned to the UEI to consolidate and standardize identifiers across agencies. The UEI does not require a credit agency or third-party provider to obtain, and it integrates with SAM and other federal data systems. For entities that previously held a DUNS, the UEI has replaced that function in federal workflows while maintaining continuity in data records and reporting obligations.
How To Obtain And Manage A UEI
Obtaining a UEI is part of the SAM registration process. Here is a practical workflow to ensure smooth management:
- Prepare essential documentation: legal business name, Taxpayer Identification Number, and basic organizational details.
- Register in SAM: complete the entity profile with accurate information and designate an Authorized Official.
- Receive the UEI: the system auto-generates the UEI after submission and validation.
- Verify data regularly: confirm that all registered information remains current and consistent with ongoing awards.
- Update as needed: promptly report changes such as address, legal name, or ownership to SAM.
Security, Privacy, and Compliance Considerations
UEI registration is subject to federal data handling standards. Entities should protect login credentials, monitor for unauthorized access, and ensure that data shared with federal agencies is accurate and up to date. Compliance considerations include timely reporting, proper documentation, and adherence to program-specific requirements. The UEI itself is a public identifier used within government systems; sensitive financial data and project details remain governed by separate privacy and security controls.
Common Questions About UEI
- Is a UEI required for all entities? No, UEIs are required for entities engaging with federal funding, contracts, or assistance programs. Some entities may not interact with federal programs and thus may not need a UEI.
- Can a UEI change? The UEI is designed to be persistent. The identifier itself does not change, but the associated entity information in SAM should be updated as needed.
- How can I verify my UEI? Log in to SAM, review the entity profile, and confirm the UEI displayed is correct. Federal award portals also reference the UEI for eligibility and tracking.
Practical Implications for Businesses
For businesses pursuing federal opportunities, the UEI simplifies eligibility checks and reduces duplicate records across agencies. It also improves reporting accuracy for audits and compliance reviews. Firms should integrate UEI management into their governance processes, ensuring data remains consistent across procurement, accounting, and project management systems. Having a current UEI can accelerate eligibility reviews and reduce administrative friction in federal programs.