# What is a Unique Entity ID (UEI)?

URL: https://us.falkview.com/glossary/uei/
Updated: 2026-11-04

> **What is a Unique Entity ID (UEI)?**
>
> The Unique Entity ID (UEI) is the 12-character identifier SAM.gov assigns to a business. It replaced the DUNS number in 2022. A full SAM.gov registration, renewed every year, is required to receive most federal contract awards, and your UEI identifies you on every bid, award and payment.

## Key facts

- Issued free of charge by SAM.gov.
- Offerors must generally be registered in SAM when they submit an offer (FAR 4.1102).
- Award history on USAspending.gov is searchable by UEI.

## Why it matters for facility-services bids

Without an active registration you can't receive the award, so check its expiry date well before a proposal is due.

## Sources

- [SAM.gov entity registration](https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration)
- [FAR 4.1102, SAM registration policy](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/4.1102)

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