Federal Contracting Glossary
Unique Entity ID (UEI)
The 12-character identifier assigned in SAM.gov that uniquely identifies your business across federal systems, replacing the legacy DUNS number.
Definition
The Unique Entity ID (UEI) is the 12-character alphanumeric identifier the federal government assigns to your business when you register in SAM.gov. It replaced the DUNS number in 2022 as the official means of identifying entities across federal award systems, and it appears on your registration, your contracts, and reporting systems like FPDS and USASpending.
You obtain a UEI as part of completing — or simply validating — your entity record in SAM.gov; there is no separate fee. Alongside the UEI, contractors typically also hold a CAGE (Commercial and Government Entity) code, which is assigned through SAM/DLA and used especially in defense and logistics systems.
How this affects your proposal
Get your UEI and complete your SAM.gov registration before you pursue any federal work — you cannot be awarded a contract without an active registration. Keep your entity record, NAICS codes, and certifications current so your UEI maps to accurate eligibility data.
Common questions about unique entity id (uei)
How do I get a UEI?
You request and validate it through SAM.gov as part of entity registration. There is no charge, and the UEI is issued once your entity information is validated.
How is the UEI different from a CAGE code?
The UEI uniquely identifies your entity across all federal systems and is required for registration. A CAGE code is a separate identifier (assigned via SAM/DLA) used heavily in defense and logistics; many contractors have both.
Related terms
SAM.gov
The U.S. federal government's official system for contract opportunities and entity reg…
Simplified Acquisition
A streamlined federal buying process under FAR Part 13 for requirements at or below the…
Negotiated Procurement
A federal acquisition conducted under FAR Part 15, where the agency may hold discussion…
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