D-U-N-S® Number Requirement
What is a D-U-N-S® number?
D-U-N-S® stands for "data universal numbering system." D-U-N-S® numbers are issued by Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) and consist of nine digits.
Why does my institution have to provide it?
OMB has adopted the use of D-U-N-S® numbers as a way to keep track of how federal grant money is dispersed. To learn more about the policy, you can read the Federal Register notice (4-page PDF).
Are all applicants required to have a D-U-N-S® number?
No. Only institutional applicants are required to provide their D-U-N-S® number. Individuals are exempt.
I am a project director. How do I find out my institution's D-U-N-S® number?
You should ask your institution's grant administrator or chief financial officer to provide your institution's D-U-N-S® number. Research universities and most colleges, independent libraries, and large organizations already have D-U-N-S® numbers.
What happens if my institution does not have a D-U-N-S® number?
The chief financial officer or authorizing official of your institution will need to register for a D-U-N-S® number. The project director should NOT apply for a number.
There are two ways to obtain a D-U-N-S® number. Your institution can use the special toll-free number for federal grant applicants: 1-866-705-5711. The process will take about ten minutes and your institution will receive a D-U-N-S® number within a couple business days. When you call, tell them that you are applying to a federal grant program and need to register for a D-U-N-S® number. You will be asked to provide the following information:
- name of institution
- address
- telephone number
- name of the head of the institution (CEO, president, director, etc.)
- type of institution (university, college, library, museum, historical society, etc.)
- total number of employees (full- and part-time)
Your institution can also register for a D-U-N-S® number via Dun & Bradstreet's website at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Please note that registration via the website may take up to thirty business days to complete.
Is there a fee for registering for a D-U-N-S® number?
No. D&B should not charge you a fee. You are also not obligated to purchase any of their products.