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Obtaining a Data Universal Numbering System Number (DUNS)

Obtaining a Data Universal Numbering System number (DUNS)

In order to conduct business with the Federal Government, most organizations are required to obtain a DUNS number. Your application indicates that you are an organization that fits this requirement. Therefore, we request that your organization obtain a DUNS number so that we can continue to assist you.

The DUNS number is a unique nine-character identification number provided by the commercial company Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). You may call D&B at 1-866-705-5711 to register to obtain a DUNS number. The process to request a DUNS number takes about 10 minutes and is free of charge. Please use the following instructions to navigate through the voice prompts:

1. Dial 1-866-705-5711.

2. Enter "2" to register as a government loan/grant applicant and obtain a DUNS number

3. At this point, a service representative will answer, and suggest that you buy the Credit Builder Service. It is not necessary to purchase the service in order to do business with the Government. If you want to do business with other vendors outside the government, this is an optional service that allows you to do business using a line of credit.

4. Provide answers to the following questions:

a) Name of business
b) Business address
c) Local phone number
d) Name of the CEO/business owner
e) Legal structure of the business (corporation, partnership, proprietorship)
f) Year business started
g) Primary line of business
h) Total number of employees (full and part time)

You may also register for your DUNS number at Dun & Bradstreet's Web site: http://www.dnb.com/us.  Please note that registration via the Web site may take up to 14 business days to complete.

  1. Click on “Get a D&B DUNS Number.
  2. Input the business name. Click on “Next”
  3. Click on “Get Started” under the section “Get a DUNS Number Price NO CHARGE”

  4. Fill out the information. The information completed of the primary owner of the business, then click on submit.

  5. Complete the fields and click on “Next”.

  6. Complete the information on the following screen. You will need to scroll down the page to complete the page as soon on the next screen print.

  7. Continue to complete information and then click on “Next.”
  8. Fill out the information for each officer and click on “Next”.
  9. Complete the following two screens and click on “Next”.

You can choose to expedite getting a DUNS number or wait 30 businesses days. Click on the appropriate Next Button. This will complete the process for requesting a DUNS number.

Who needs a DUNS number?

Any institution that wants to submit a grant application to the federal government. Individual researchers do not need a DUNS number if they are submitting their application through a research organization.

Why does my institution need a DUNS number?

New regulations that took affect September 26, 2006 mandate that a DUNS number be provided on all federal grant and cooperative agreement applications. The DUNS number will offer a way for the federal government to better match information across all agencies.

Are there any exceptions to the new DUNS number rules?

Individuals who would personally receive a grant or cooperative agreement award from the Federal government apart from any business or non-profit organization they may operate are exempt from this requirement.

We are an organization new to Federal grant funding so we obviously need a DUNS number. But we don't want to be included in any marketing list. What can we do?

Inclusion on a D&B marketing list is optional. If you do not want your name/organization included on this marketing list, request to be de-listed from D&B's marketing file when you are speaking with a D&B representative during your DUNS number telephone application.

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Please send any comments or suggestions to:   craig.scroggs@ga.usda.gov

Last Updated : January 22, 2009