Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Top 10 Questions
General questions about NLM grants
Applying for a grant
How grant applications are reviewed
Priority scores and summary statements
Grant awards
Extensions, changes and reports
Revising an unsuccessful grant application
Grant appeals
The Federal DUNS Number Application Requirement
The Federal DUNS Number Application Requirement
Q: When am I required to get a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number for submission with my grant/cooperative agreement application?
A: On or after October 1, 2003, grant and cooperative agreement applications received at the NIH will be required to have a DUNS number when applying for funding support.
Q: What is a DUNS number?
A: A DUNS number is provided by Dun & Bradstreet and is a nine-digit number that uniquely identifies a business entity.
Q: How do I acquire a DUNS number for my application submission? What information do I need to obtain a DUNS number? How long does it take to get a DUNS number? What is the cost?
A DUNS number can be acquired by calling toll-free (8:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m. local time within the 48 states):
1-866-705-5711
Special Note: Always identify yourself as a Federal grant/cooperative agreement applicant/prospective applicant.
Applicants/Prospective Applicants must provide the following:
- Legal Name
- Headquarters name and address for your organization
- Doing business as (dba), or other name by which your organization is commonly recognized
- Physical Address, City, State and Zip Code
- Mailing Address (if separate from Headquarters and/or physical address)
- Telephone Number
- Contact Name and Title
- Number of Employees at your physical location
Upon receipt of the information listed above, a DUNS number will be issued within 5-10 minutes and assigned at the conclusion of the call. This request is absolutely FREE.
Q: What if my organization is part of a larger organization?
A: Organizations with multiple DUNS numbers may request a free family tree listing from Dunn & Bradstreet to help determine what branches/divisions have a number and whether the information is current. It is recommended that requests submitted provide a single point of contact for organizations with multiple DUNS numbers.
Q: What about my organization being placed on a Dun & Bradstreet Marketing List?
If you do not want your name/organization included on Dun & Bradstreetês marketing list, request to be de-listed from Dun & Bradstreetês marketing file when you are speaking with the Dun & Bradstreet representative during your DUNS number telephone request.
Q: If I am submitting a grant application from a foreign institution am I required to obtain a DUNS number?
A: A DUNS number is not required for foreign institutions.
Q: If I am an individual submitting a grant proposal do I need a DUNS number? What if I am submitting my application as an individual but have incorporated as a small non-profit or for- profit business concern? If I am an individual fellow, am I required to have submitted a DUNS number with my application submission?
A: Unaffiliated individuals are not required to submit for, or include, a DUNS number with their grant application. Individuals who have incorporated, or are part of a for-profit or non-profit business concern, are required to include a DUNS number for their company. Individual fellows who are hosted or sponsored by an organization must include that organizationês DUNS number in their application submission.
Q: Is there a dedicated website to submit for a DUNS number?
A: There is currently a dedicated website to request a DUNS number however, it is not applicable to NIH grant/cooperative agreement submissions. This website is established for commercial vendors and requires more information to obtain a number than cited above in the Q & As.
Q: What is the difference between an EIN (Entity Identification Number) and a DUNS number?
A: The NIH requires, for grant award payment, both the EIN and a DUNS number prior to the issuance of a funding award. The EIN base for the organization is the IRS Tax ID number, for individuals it is their social security number, both of which are nine-digit numbers. Organizations and individuals submitting their applications must correctly identify the EIN from the DUNS since both are 9-digit numbers. If these numbers are not correctly identified in the application, this may result in a delay in the issuance of the funding award and/or incorrect payment to the grantee organization.
Q: Is the DUNS number required in submitting my annual progress report (non-competing application — Type 5)?
A: NIH does not require a DUNS number with the submission of annual progress reports.
Q: Where can I find the policy directive in support of this administrative requirement?
A: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has issued this policy directive in the Federal Register/Vol. 68, No. 124/Friday, June 27, 2003.