Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
Yes. Obtaining a UEI and use of SAM.gov or FSD.gov sites are free services. Ignore and delete all communications you receive offering to "help" you get a SAM UEI for a hefty cost. You may receive mail, phone calls, and/or emails claiming you need to pay to register your entity or that there is a service that can help you register or obtain a UEI. These communications are scams.
The only information needed to get a UEI are your entity’s legal business name and physical address. See more information.
Log into the online system. Update your organization profile from your applicant dashboard (the home button). Select the little pencil icon to the right of "Organization", enter the UEI number, and select Save.
Contact your Regional Arts Partner and let them know. They’ll confirm it’s accurate and let IAC know you’re ready for the next steps in the payment process.
IAC PRO-TIP: Do not enter your PO Box. The SAM.gov system does not accept PO Boxes. Use the “Principal Office Address” registered with the Indiana Secretary of State (found via the INBiz Public Business Search).
The Unique Entity ID is a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned to an entity by SAM.gov.
Use this guide to assist you in this process; there is no greater resource. Unfortunately, IAC staff and their Regional Arts Partners cannot help you, as it is a federal process.
IAC PRO-TIP: Enter other dates that are close to the correct one. Our date of incorporation is in the 1960s, but for some reason 1988 worked.
Visit SAM.gov or the Federal Service Desk (FSD), at FSD.gov. You can search for help at FSD.gov any time, or request help from an FSD agent Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, via chat or phone at (866) 606-8220.
If you run into issues with validating your entity - Create an incident within SAM.gov, &/or use the contact information at the bottom of each FSD.gov help page. This has proven to get folks moving along the process once they connect with a federal representative.
- SAM.gov Contact Info - https://sam.gov/content/about/contact
- FSD.gov Portal for viewing active incidents - https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp
A UEI is only required for Arts Organization Support (AOS) applicants. Arts Project Support (APS) applicants do not need a UEI.
No. A UEI only applies to organizations.
Registering your entity allows you to bid directly on federal contracts or apply directly for federal grants. A UEI number confirms your legal business name and address and is all that is needed for the IAC. See more information.
No. A UEI will not expire once assigned. A full entity registration does require annual renewal but is not needed for IAC purposes.
Yes. You need to set up an account to apply for the UEI number.
No. You only need a UEI number, NOT a full entity registration.
Indiana Arts Commission