A new requirement from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for grant applicants took effect on October 1, 2003. OMB has issued a policy directive to implement the requirement for grant applicants to provide a Dun and Bradstreet (D&B) Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number when applying for federal grants or cooperative agreements on or after October 1, 2003.

OMB has determined that there is a need for improved statistical reporting of federal grants and cooperative agreements. Use of the DUNS number government-wide will provide a means to identify entities receiving those awards and their business relationships. The identifier will be used for tracking purposes, and to validate address and point of contact information.

A DUNS number will be required whether an applicant is submitting a paper application or using the government-wide electronic portal (Grants.gov). The DUNS number will supplement other identifiers required by statute or regulation, such as tax identification numbers.

Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line at 1 (866) 705-5711. 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.

A DUNS number must be included in every application for a new award or renewal of an award, including applications or plans under mandatory grant programs, submitted on or after October 1, 2003.