Center for Non-Profits - DUNS Requirements for Federal Grants

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DUNS Number Requirement

We thank OMB Watch for the following information:

All federal grant applicants must have a Dun and Bradstreet "DUNS" number (Data Universal Numbering System) to apply for or renew grants, or submit plans under mandatory grant programs. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will use the identifier for tracking purposes, and to validate address and point of contact information. A universal identifier also eliminates the need for separate identification numbers in different federal agencies.

Obtaining a DUNS number is relatively painless. Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by simply calling Dun and Bradstreet's dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-866-705-5711. The information needed to request a DUNS number is very minimal (see details below) and you will receive your number in 24 hours. You can also apply online www.dnb.com/us/duns_update/. It will take up to thirty days to receive your DUNS number when applying on-line.

See the OMB Watch Fact Sheet on the DUNS Requirement at http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/1794/1/47/ See the OMB Notice at http://frwebgate6.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=778110358480+19+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve

For more information: Visit http://www.hrsa.gov/grants/preview/dunsccr.htm

Details:

To obtain a DUNS number in about 10 minutes, call 1-800-333-0505 and navigate through the voice prompts as follows:

1. Enter "3" to register your business and obtain a DUNS number

2. Enter "2" for assistance

3. Enter "1" to create a new listing

4. Enter "1" for Federal Registration. At this point, a service representative will answer, and suggest that you buy the Credit Builder Service. This is not necessary 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.

5. 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)

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