Obtain a DUNS number.
Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) provides a D-U-N-S Number, a unique nine digit identification number, for each physical location of your business.
D-U-N-S Number assignment is FREE for all businesses required to register with the US Federal government for contracts or grants.
Step 1: Obtain a DUNS Number
Obtaining a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number is the first step in registering as an organization applicant in federal government systems such as Grants.gov. The instructions below describe DUNS and walk through the process of acquiring a free DUNS number.
Purpose of DUNS
A DUNS number is a unique nine-character number used to identify your organization. The federal government uses the DUNS number to track how federal money is allocated.
Before Registering for a DUNS Number
Does my organization already have a DUNS number? Most large organizations, libraries, colleges, and research universities already have a DUNS number. You should contact your grant administrator, financial department, chief financial officer, or authorizing official to identify your organization's DUNS number.
How to Register for a DUNS Number
If your organization does not yet have a DUNS number, or no one knows it, visit the Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) website 
or call 1-866-705-5711 to register or search for a DUNS number.
Registering for a DUNS number is free of charge, so if you encounter any organizations or websites soliciting a fee or charge to acquire a DUNS number it is likely a scam or fraudulent.
You will need all of the information listed below to obtain a DUNS number:
- Name of organization
- Organization address
- Name of the chief executive officer (CEO) or organization owner
- Legal structure of the organization (e.g., corporation, partnership, proprietorship)
- Year the organization started
- Primary type of business
- Total number of employees (full and part-time)