In government contracting, a vital component that you need to understand is the EN or Entity Identification Number. It is crucial to have a solid knowledge of this identification number because it is the primary means of identifying government contractors. In this article, we will delve deeper into what an EN is and its significance in government contracting.
The Entity Identification Number (EN) is a unique identification number assigned to each contractor when registering in the System for Award Management (SAM). SAM is a database managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), which contains essential information about government contractors and entities conducting business with the government.
The EN, also known as the DUNS number, is a nine-digit identification number for businesses and organizations. This number is necessary for any company or organization that wants to do business with the government. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requires all contractors to have a DUNS number to be eligible for government contracts.
The DUNS number is assigned and provided by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). It is a unique code that identifies the legal name, physical and mailing addresses, and other critical details of the contractor. The DUNS number also ensures that the government has a standardized method of identifying and tracking contractors, which is necessary for contract award and payment processing.
Having a valid and active EN is crucial for contractors as it is a requirement to bid on contracts, receive payments, and maintain registration with SAM. Without this identification number, contractors cannot participate in government contracting or receive payment for their services.
Additionally, maintaining a current and active DUNS number is critical for contractors as it is used by the government to monitor the performance of contractors and their subcontractors. It is also used to determine the contractor`s past performance, which is essential in awarding future contracts.
In conclusion, the Entity Identification Number (EN) or DUNS number is a critical identification number that every contractor needs to understand. It is a unique identifier assigned to each contractor that is necessary for bidding on contracts, receiving payments, and maintaining registration with SAM. Therefore, contractors must ensure that they have a valid and active DUNS number to participate in government contracting.