Businesses of all sizes should know of a significant change in the way government grants and contracts will be handled. The General Services Administration (“GSA”) announced in an interview with Nextgov.com that they are changing vendors for their federal contractor numbering system – better known as the DUNS (“Data Universal Numbering System”). The system update won’t likely look different for companies right away, but here’s what you should know moving forward.
What is the DUNS?
The Data Universal Numbering System is a long-held practice for assigning businesses or organizations a unique identifier that can be used when applying for grants or contract opportunities through the government. The GSA runs contracting programs is the agency responsible for making sure businesses follow correct procedures when looking to be awarded government business – including ensuring their application includes a valid DUNS.
Since 1962, Dun & Bradstreet has managed much of the system, including the DUNS program – an addition to the system brought about by regulation in 1998. For twenty years, D&B has held the contract for managing validation and records. That all changed last year when the GSA announced they were opening up the role to competing bids.
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