Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) transition is federally required.
Having trouble obtaining a UEI?
Use the SAM.gov guide. It is THE best source. If you need help, contact their help line at (866) 606-8220. More information is below.
You can also watch this video or view the Quick Start Guide.
Here’s another resource from our friends at the Missouri Arts Council - Guide to Obtain SAM-UEI
- Is it free to get a 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.
- What information is needed to get a UEI number?
The only information needed to get a UEI are your entity’s legal business name and physical address. See more information.
- How do I add my UEI number in my organization’s profile?
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.
- What happens once I’ve entered my UEI into my organization’s profile?
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.
- What if my address is a PO Box?
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).
- Where do I get my UEI number?
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.
- The SAM.gov system rejects our Year of Incorporation, but it’s accurate. What do I do?
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.
- I need help getting my UEI, where can I go?
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.- Help For the Transition from DUNS to Unique Entity ID
- SAM.gov Contact Info - https://sam.gov/content/about/contact
- FSD.gov Portal for viewing active incidents - https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp
- Do I need a UEI to apply for APS and AOS?
A UEI is only required for Arts Organization Support (AOS) applicants. Arts Project Support (APS) applicants do not need a UEI.
- Do individuals need a UEI?
No. A UEI only applies to organizations.
- What is the difference between registering my entity and just getting a UEI number?
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.
- Does the UEI need renewed?
No. A UEI will not expire once assigned. A full entity registration does require annual renewal but is not needed for IAC purposes.
- Do I need to make an account with Sam.gov to get a UEI?
Yes. You need to set up an account to apply for the UEI number.
- Do I need to register my entity to get a UEI?
No. You only need a UEI number NOT a full entity registration.