Fact Check: Are UEI and DUNS the same?

Are UEI and DUNS the Same?

The claim that "UEI and DUNS are the same" refers to the transition from the DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number to the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in the context of federal contracting and grants. This transition has significant implications for businesses that engage with the federal government. As of April 4, 2022, the DUNS number is no longer used, and the UEI is now the official identifier for entities registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). However, the nuances of this change warrant a closer examination to understand the differences and implications fully.

What We Know

1. Transition from DUNS to UEI: The General Services Administration (GSA) officially transitioned from the DUNS number to the UEI on April 4, 2022. The UEI is now generated by SAM.gov and is used for all federal contracts, grants, and awards 168.

2. Nature of the Identifiers: The DUNS number was a unique identifier assigned by Dun & Bradstreet, while the UEI is issued directly by the federal government through SAM.gov. The UEI is a 12-digit alphanumeric number 56.

3. Registration Process: Entities that previously had a DUNS number were automatically assigned a UEI during the transition, meaning that businesses did not need to reapply for a UEI if they already had a DUNS number 47.

4. Regulatory Requirements: The UEI is required under federal regulations, specifically 2 CFR Part 25, which governs the registration of entities for federal awards 2.

5. Implications for Businesses: The transition aims to streamline the registration process for federal contracts and grants, eliminating the need for businesses to obtain a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet 39.

Analysis

The claim that UEI and DUNS are the same is misleading. While both serve as unique identifiers for entities engaging with the federal government, they originate from different sources and have distinct operational frameworks.

• Source Reliability: The GSA (source 1) is a credible government entity, and its communications about the transition are authoritative. Similarly, the fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Education (source 2) provides official guidance on the regulatory requirements for the UEI. However, some sources, such as blogs and articles from private companies (e.g., 4, 5, 6), may have varying degrees of reliability and could be influenced by their business interests in federal contracting.

• Bias and Conflicts of Interest: Sources like FedBiz Access and SelectGCR may have a vested interest in promoting their services related to federal contracting, which could introduce bias in their presentation of the information. It is essential to consider the potential motivations behind these sources when evaluating their claims.

• Methodological Considerations: The transition process from DUNS to UEI was extensive, involving multiple stakeholders and regulatory changes. The GSA held forums and provided updates during the transition, indicating a structured approach to implementing the new system 9. However, the effectiveness of this transition in practice, particularly for businesses unfamiliar with the changes, remains an area that could benefit from further investigation.

• Additional Information Needed: To fully understand the implications of the transition, more data on how businesses have adapted to the UEI system compared to the DUNS system would be useful. Surveys or studies assessing the experiences of businesses during this transition could provide valuable insights.

Conclusion

Verdict: Misleading

The assertion that "UEI and DUNS are the same" is misleading due to the fundamental differences between the two identifiers. The DUNS number was issued by Dun & Bradstreet, while the UEI is generated by the federal government through SAM.gov. This distinction is crucial as it reflects a significant shift in how entities are identified within federal contracting and grants.

While the transition from DUNS to UEI aims to streamline processes and eliminate reliance on a private entity, the claim oversimplifies the complexities involved in this change. It is important to recognize that while both identifiers serve similar purposes, they are not interchangeable and originate from different systems.

There are limitations in the available evidence regarding the broader impacts of this transition on businesses, particularly those that may struggle to adapt to the new system. Further research could provide a clearer picture of how effectively the transition has been implemented and its implications for various stakeholders.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding federal contracting and identifiers, considering the nuances and potential biases in the sources they consult.

Sources

1. Unique Entity ID is Here - GSA. GSA
2. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Fact Sheet. U.S. Department of Education
3. Obtain a Unique Entity Identity Identifier (UEI). Grants.gov
4. Understanding UEI and DUNS Numbers: A Comprehensive Guide - FedBiz Access. FedBiz Access
5. DUNS Number vs. UEI Number - SelectGCR.com. SelectGCR
6. Is a UEI the Same as a DUNS Number? United States Business Registration
7. What Is A DUNS Number & Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)? - Sanctum Federal. Sanctum Federal
8. Out With DUNS, In With UEI: New Unique Entity Identifier Is Here. Thompson Hine
9. DUNS to be Replaced in SAM as Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) - FEDSched. FEDSched
10. Changes from DUNS Number to Unique Entity ID. NGMA