Full formBusiness & Corporate
UEIstands forUnique Entity Identifier
Full Form of UEI
What is UEI?
The Unique Entity Identifier, commonly abbreviated as UEI, is a twelve-character alphanumeric code assigned to entities that register with the System for Award Management in the United States. It officially replaced the older Data Universal Numbering System, or DUNS number, in April 2022 as the mandatory identifier for federal contractors, grantees, and cooperative agreement recipients. For Indian businesses, research institutions, and non-profit organisations, the UEI is essential when applying for United States federal grants, contracts, or international funding programmes. Indian IT service providers bidding on US government projects, exporters pursuing federal supply opportunities, and academic researchers seeking US-funded studies must obtain a UEI through SAM.gov registration before becoming eligible for any federal award. The identifier is generated automatically and free of cost during registration, though annual renewal is required to keep the entity record active. While no Indian government body administers the UEI directly, it is routinely referenced by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Department of Science and Technology, and agencies collaborating with American counterparts on joint initiatives. Awareness of UEI is occasionally tested in commerce and international business sections of competitive exams like UGC NET and various banking recruitment tests.
UEI का फुल फॉर्म
विशिष्ट इकाई पहचानकर्ता
Example
Infosys had to register on SAM.gov and obtain a UEI before submitting its bid for the United States Agency for International Development's digital transformation project in South Asia.
UEI — frequently asked questions
What is the full form of UEI?
UEI stands for Unique Entity Identifier, a twelve-character alphanumeric code issued through SAM.gov to identify entities in US federal contracting and grant systems.
Is a UEI required for Indian companies bidding on US contracts?
Yes, any Indian company, research body, or non-profit seeking US federal contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements must obtain a UEI by registering on SAM.gov.
How is UEI different from the older DUNS number?
The UEI replaced the DUNS number in April 2022 as the official federal identifier, is obtained free of charge, and is issued directly by SAM.gov without involving Dun and Bradstreet.