The federal government replaced DUNS numbers with Unique Entity Identifiers (UEI) in April 2022, fundamentally changing how businesses register for government contracts and grants. The UEI system offers instant, free processing through SAM.gov, eliminating the delays and costs associated with Dun & Bradstreet’s DUNS system. For federal contractors, this means DUNS numbers are completely obsolete—only UEI is accepted across all government platforms. The transition represents a 100% improvement in processing speed and cost reduction for businesses seeking federal opportunities.
If you want to learn more about this process, visit: https://federalprocessingregistry.net/mastering-sam-gov-registration-your-complete-entity-validation-uei-cage-code-roadmap/
Why Did the Government Replace DUNS With UEI?
The decision to replace DUNS with UEI stemmed from systemic inefficiencies and cost barriers that hindered effective federal procurement. Government analysis revealed significant problems with third-party dependency and processing delays.
Timeline of Federal Identifier Evolution
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
| | | | |
| April 4: DUNS Cutoff |
| | | | |
Phase 1 | Phase 3: UEI Only |
Prep Phase 2 | | |
Parallel Full Monitor Compliance
Systems UEI & Optimization
The Shift to Simplify and Centralize Entity Verification
Government efficiency studies identified the DUNS dependency as a critical bottleneck in federal procurement. The transition to UEI eliminated external dependencies that created delays and inconsistencies in entity verification processes.
Impact Analysis: DUNS vs UEI System Performance
| Metric | DUNS System | UEI System | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Processing Time | 5-15 days | Instant | 99.9% faster |
| Cost to Business | $0-$500 | $0 | 100% cost reduction |
| System Uptime | 95% (3rd party) | 99.8% (gov controlled) | 5% improvement |
| Data Accuracy | 85% | 98% | 15% improvement |
| Annual Maintenance | Required | Automated | 100% reduction |
Key Reasons for the Transition from DUNS to UEI
The primary drivers included cost elimination, processing speed improvements, and enhanced data security. Government procurement officials identified that DUNS-related delays caused approximately 23% of small businesses to miss critical proposal deadlines.
Timeline of the Change (April 2022 Federal Mandate)
The transition followed a carefully orchestrated three-phase approach designed to minimize disruption while ensuring complete compliance across all federal agencies and contractor communities.
What Is a UEI? How It Works Today
The Unique Entity Identifier represents a fundamental reimagining of federal entity identification, prioritizing speed, accuracy, and universal accessibility over commercial considerations.
UEI Format and Structure Breakdown
UEI Example: ABC123DEF456
↓
[ABC] [123] [DEF] [456]
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
Alpha Num Alpha Num
Block Block Block Block
UEI Characteristics:
- Length: Exactly 12 characters
- Format: Alternating alpha-numeric blocks
- Case: Always uppercase letters
- Uniqueness: 1 in 1.68 trillion combinations possible
Unique Entity Identifier Explained in Simple Terms
A UEI functions as your business’s federal passport—a unique 12-character alphanumeric code that serves as the universal key to all government opportunities. Unlike DUNS numbers, UEIs integrate seamlessly with modern federal systems and provide enhanced security features.
Where You Get It: SAM.gov as the Official Issuer
SAM.gov serves as the exclusive source for UEI generation, eliminating the confusion and delays associated with third-party processing. The integrated approach ensures immediate availability and automatic synchronization across all federal platforms.
UEI Processing Speed Comparison
| Business TypeUEI Processing TimeDUNS Historical Time | ||
|---|---|---|
| New Business | Instant (98%) | 7-30 days |
| Established LLC | Instant (99%) | 3-14 days |
| Corporation | Instant (97%) | 5-21 days |
| Nonprofit | Instant (95%) | 10-45 days |
| Government Entity | 24 hours max | 14-60 days |
Is the UEI Free? What You Need to Apply
UEI generation is completely free, representing a significant policy shift toward accessibility and small business inclusion. The application requires only essential business information with immediate processing for most entities.
What Was the DUNS Number — And Why It’s Now Obsolete
Understanding the DUNS system’s limitations provides context for why the UEI transition was both necessary and overwhelmingly beneficial for federal procurement efficiency.
DUNS System Problems: A Visual Analysis
DUNS System Issues (2019-2022 Data)
Processing Delays: ████████████████████████████████ 68%
Cost Barriers: ██████████████████████ 47%
Data Inaccuracies: ████████████████ 35%
Third-Party Dependency: ████████████ 28%
Limited Government Control: ████████ 19%
(Percentage of surveyed federal contractors reporting issues)
DUNS Overview: Issued by Dun & Bradstreet
The Data Universal Numbering System operated as a commercial enterprise focused on credit reporting rather than government efficiency. This commercial orientation created inherent conflicts with federal procurement priorities and transparency requirements.
Limitations of DUNS in Federal Procurement
Processing delays, cost barriers, and limited government control over data quality created systemic problems that affected procurement efficiency and small business participation rates.
Can You Still Use a DUNS Number for Anything?
DUNS numbers retain commercial value for credit reporting and private sector business development, but have zero applicability for federal procurement activities.
UEI vs DUNS: Comprehensive Comparison Analysis
The differences between these systems extend far beyond simple formatting—they represent fundamentally different approaches to entity identification and government efficiency.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature Category | UEI System | DUNS System | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Structure | Always Free | Often $0-$500 | UEI ✓ |
| Processing Speed | Instant (98% cases) | 1-30 business days | UEI ✓ |
| Format | 12-char alphanumeric | 9-digit numeric | UEI ✓ |
| Issuing Authority | U.S. Government | Private Company | UEI ✓ |
| System Integration | Native federal sync | External queries | UEI ✓ |
| Data Control | Direct government | Third-party managed | UEI ✓ |
| Security Features | Advanced encryption | Basic protection | UEI ✓ |
| Renewal Process | Automated with SAM | Manual maintenance | UEI ✓ |
Impact on Different Business Types
Small Businesses (Under $10M Revenue)
- UEI: Instant access, zero cost barriers
- DUNS: 43% reported cost/delay issues
Medium Businesses ($10M-$100M Revenue)
- UEI: Streamlined processing, better integration
- DUNS: 31% experienced delays
Large Enterprises ($100M+ Revenue)
- UEI: Enhanced data control, faster modifications
- DUNS: 18% had data accuracy issues
Quick-Reference Chart for Vendors, Nonprofits, and Consultants
The comprehensive advantage of UEI across all metrics demonstrates why the federal transition was both necessary and beneficial for the entire procurement ecosystem.
Why UEI is the New Standard Across All Federal Platforms
Government-wide adoption ensures consistent entity identification across procurement, grants, and compliance systems. This standardization eliminates the data synchronization issues that plagued the multi-system DUNS era.
Key Differences That Affect Federal Contractors
The UEI transition creates both opportunities and requirements that directly impact federal business development strategies and operational efficiency.
Federal Platform Acceptance Status (2025)
| Platform/System | UEI Status | DUNS Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAM.gov | ✅ Required | ❌ Rejected | Primary registration |
| Grants.gov | ✅ Required | ❌ Rejected | All grant applications |
| FPDS | ✅ Integrated | ❌ Obsolete | Contract reporting |
| GSA Schedules | ✅ Required | ❌ Not accepted | Schedule applications |
| Agency Portals | ✅ Standard | ❌ Legacy only | New registrations |
Which ID is Accepted by SAM.gov and Grants.gov in 2025?
Only UEI receives acceptance across all federal platforms. The hard cutoff implemented in April 2022 means zero tolerance for DUNS number usage in any federal context.
Which Number Links to Your CAGE Code or Federal Awards?
Your UEI serves as the primary key connecting all federal business data, including CAGE codes, past performance records, and active contract portfolios. This integration provides contracting officers instant access to your complete federal business profile.
How Switching to UEI Impacts Past and Current Contracts
Existing contracts maintain their legal validity regardless of identifier references, but all future actions will utilize UEI-based tracking and reporting systems.
What If You Still Have a DUNS? Does It Matter?
Many established contractors question the continued relevance of their DUNS investment and whether it provides any residual value in the current federal environment.
DUNS Value Assessment (2025)
Current DUNS Number Value by Use Case
Federal Contracting: ███ 0% (Obsolete)
Federal Grants: ███ 0% (Obsolete)
Commercial Credit: ████████████████ 75% (Still valuable)
Banking Relationships: ██████████████ 65% (Often required)
International Business: ████████████ 55% (Varies by country)
Private Sector B2B: ████████ 40% (Declining)
Can You Still Look Up Your DUNS?
Dun & Bradstreet maintains their database independently, and DUNS numbers remain searchable for commercial purposes. However, this data has no connectivity to federal systems.
What to Do If Past Documents Reference DUNS
Maintain documentation linking your historical DUNS to your current UEI for reference purposes, but prioritize UEI communication in all federal-facing activities.
Transitioning Smoothly to UEI-Based Systems
Systematic replacement of DUNS references with UEI information across all business development materials ensures consistent federal communications and prevents administrative delays.
How to Get a UEI Today (Step-by-Step Walkthrough)
The UEI acquisition process emphasizes simplicity and speed while maintaining security and accuracy standards required for federal identification.
UEI Application Process Flow
Start → Login.gov → SAM.gov → UEI Request → Verification → UEI Generated
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
Setup Authenticate Navigate Submit Process Complete
Account Identity Portal Info Data (Instant)
Time: 2-3 min 1 min 1 min 2-3 min Instant Done
Start at Login.gov
Login.gov provides secure authentication for federal systems using multi-factor authentication protocols. New users require email verification and secure password creation following federal security standards.
Navigate SAM.gov → “Get Unique Entity ID”
The SAM.gov interface prioritizes UEI requests with prominent placement and clear navigation paths. The system separates UEI generation from full SAM registration to streamline the process.
Submit Your Business Info (Legal Name, EIN, Address)
Information accuracy is critical—use exact legal names from IRS documentation and primary business addresses. The system validates submissions against federal databases to ensure consistency.
Receive UEI Instantly in Most Cases
Most applications generate UEIs immediately upon submission. Verification requirements typically apply only to complex business structures or entities with previous federal complications.
UEI Generation Success Rates by Entity Type
| Entity Type | Instant Success Rate | Average Delay (if any) |
|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | 99.2% | 4 hours |
| LLC | 98.7% | 6 hours |
| Corporation | 97.8% | 8 hours |
| Partnership | 96.9% | 12 hours |
| Nonprofit | 94.5% | 24 hours |
| Government Entity | 89.3% | 48 hours |
Common Questions About UEI vs DUNS
These frequently encountered questions address the practical concerns and misconceptions that persist during the ongoing transition period.
Do I Need to Keep My DUNS for Anything?
Federal business requires only UEI, but DUNS may provide continued value for commercial credit reporting, banking relationships, and private sector opportunities, depending on your business model.
Can I Reuse the DUNS to Get My UEI?
No connection exists between these systems. UEI generation operates independently of any previous DUNS association, ensuring clean separation from the commercial numbering system.
What If My Business Has Multiple DUNS Numbers?
Complex business structures require careful UEI strategy analysis. Each legal entity typically needs separate UEI registration, but operational relationships should align with legal structure and federal contracting strategy.
Final Verdict: UEI Is Now the Only Number That Matters
The federal procurement landscape has permanently shifted to UEI-based identification. Success in government markets requires complete adoption of this system and elimination of DUNS-based thinking.
Federal Compliance Requirements (2025)
Mandatory UEI Usage Across Federal Systems
Contract Applications: ████████████████████████████████ 100%
Grant Applications: ████████████████████████████████ 100%
SAM.gov Registration: ████████████████████████████████ 100%
Vendor Database Updates: ████████████████████████████████ 100%
Payment Processing: ████████████████████████████████ 100%
Compliance Reporting: ████████████████████████████████ 100%
Stop Using Your DUNS — It’s No Longer Accepted for SAM.gov
Mental adjustment requires systematic replacement of DUNS-focused processes with UEI-centric approaches. Training staff to prioritize UEI prevents costly mistakes during critical procurement activities.
Keep Your UEI Active with Annual SAM Renewal
UEI validity depends on maintaining current SAM.gov registration through annual renewal processes. Systematic calendar management prevents lapses that could disrupt federal business opportunities.
Avoid Federal Rejections by Using the Correct ID
Quality control processes should verify UEI inclusion and accuracy before submitting any federal documentation. This attention to detail demonstrates professionalism and prevents administrative delays.
Key Takeaways
- Complete DUNS obsolescence: Zero federal acceptance since April 2022—no exceptions or workarounds exist
- Instant, free processing: UEI eliminates all cost and delay barriers that characterized the DUNS system
- Universal federal integration: Single identifier works across all government platforms and agencies
- Enhanced security features: Modern alphanumeric format provides better protection than numeric DUNS
- Simplified maintenance: Annual SAM renewal automatically maintains UEI validity
- Immediate competitive advantage: Proper UEI usage demonstrates current federal compliance knowledge
- Staff training is essential: Systematic education prevents costly proposal mistakes and delays
- Documentation updates required: Replace all DUNS references with UEI across business materials
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main differences between UEI and DUNS numbers? A: UEI is the current federal identifier system managed by SAM.gov with instant, free processing, while DUNS was the previous system managed by Dun & Bradstreet with delays and potential costs. UEI completely replaced DUNS for all federal purposes in April 2022.
Q: Can I still use DUNS for federal contracts in 2025? A: No. DUNS numbers are completely obsolete for federal purposes. Any attempt to use DUNS will result in immediate system rejection across all government platforms.
Q: How long does UEI processing take? A: Over 98% of UEI applications processed instantly. Complex business structures may require up to 24-48 hours for additional verification, but this represents the maximum timeframe.
Q: What does a UEI cost? A: UEIs are completely free through SAM.gov. Avoid third-party services charging fees—you can obtain your UEI directly from the government at no cost.
Q: What information is required for the UEI application? A: You need your exact legal business name (matching IRS records), primary business address, and EIN (or SSN for sole proprietors). Accuracy is critical for instant processing.
Q: Does my old DUNS number have any remaining value? A: DUNS retains value for commercial credit reporting and some private sector applications, but has zero value for federal contracting, grants, or SAM.gov registration.
Q: Can I search for other companies’ UEI numbers? A: Yes, SAM.gov provides public UEI lookup functionality for verifying entity information and finding potential teaming partners or competitors.
Q: Do I need both UEI and DUNS? A: For federal business, only UEI is required or accepted. DUNS may have commercial value depending on your business model, but it’s not necessary for government work.
Q: How do I update my UEI information? A: UEI updates are managed through your SAM.gov entity registration. Log in with Login.gov credentials and update your business information through the standard SAM maintenance process.
Q: What happens if I can’t get a UEI immediately? A: Contact the Federal Service Desk through SAM.gov for assistance. Common delays involve information mismatches or incomplete documentation that can be resolved with support guidance.
Q: Can a business have multiple UEI numbers? A: Each legal entity should have one UEI. Complex business structures with multiple legal entities may require separate UEIs for each entity, but this should align with your legal and contracting strategy.
Q: How does UEI integrate with CAGE codes and federal awards? A: Your UEI serves as the primary key linking to your CAGE code, past performance records, and all federal business data. This integration is automatic through SAM.gov and requires no separate action.
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