You must obtain a D-U-N-S number if you apply for a federal contract, grant, or an ARC loan. Dun and Bradstreet (D&B), a business credit rating company, issues nine-digit D-U-N-S numbers. You can apply online at *DNB. There is no cost for obtaining the number and if you apply online you'll usually receive the number within a day. You can read more about other key numbers you should obtain for your business in Barbara Welterman's article, 'What's Your Business Number?'

I not 100% sure but I believe it's a requirement. The DUNS number is free so there's no harm getting one. D&B has paid services that you can get after you get the number. These paid services you can decide for yourself if they are worth getting or not.

As Nicole stated , DUNS are required, however you should have one any way for a business , as they help immensely with any type of business loans. It's a great strategy , as over time you can remove personal liability with a strong score (Which you need a duns for).

DUNS number serves as a purpose of a principal contractor identification code for Federal government. This has been a mandate to streamline the procurement processs- Therefore, i dont think we can even fill up their RPF without a DUNS number.

May I add to this discussion: A DUNS number is also necessary when a corporation decides to execute a stock offering on the secondary and open markets.

From all those reply => You need a DUNS number Regards

Do it. Get the number and then register on CCR (central contractor registration). It is the best thing we have ever done for our business. We sell products online (computer cables) and we have had several government agencies purchase from us. I believe because are listed on the CCR.

An aspect about getting a DUNS number that has not been mentioned is actually the very reason DUNS was started, namely, to develop and enhance your corporate credit rating. Increasingly, federal agencies are running credit checks on contractors that will be out of pocket as part of their federal contract. A good DUNS rating can be used as part of a presentation of fiscal responsibility in those RFPs where the offeror is asked to demonstrate fiscal capacity to meet the needs of the government. Jos A. Rivera, JD, President & CEO, Rivera, Sierra & Company, Inc.

This topic is now read-only. Thank you for all the replies.

In the final analysis, the answer is no, a DUNS number does not help you get a federal contract. It is merely a requirement of the process for registering as a contractor. But wait. Some agencies are using D&B to determine either credit worthiness or financial capacity.