EIN/DUNS QUESTIONS 36. What is a DUNS number?
The DUNS number is an identification number for grantees/payees and is part of a government wide project to use single identifiers for grantees of federal funds. Before one can receive a grant or contract from the Department of Education, the issuing program office must register that person’s organization with the Department. The Department identifies organizations by name, address, and one of two identification numbers: • a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number is a unique nine digit identification code that is issued to an institution by Dun and Bradstreet. Within GAPS, the DUNS number replaces the Entity Identification Number (EIN), the Payee Identification Number (PIN), and the account number that were used in the past. • a Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals To be awarded a grant or contract, you must have one of these two identification numbers.
