Unique Entity ID (SAM)
All agencies that receive funds from the Federal government are required to have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). This includes agencies that receive reimbursement for the USDA Child Nutrition Programs.
The UEI is assigned through the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov. Detailed instructions on obtaining a UEI are located on the Unique Entity ID (SAM) Transition webpage and on this handout.
Additional Information:
1. SAM.gov gives the option for organizations to make their UEI information public on SAM.gov. The recommendation from DPI is to answer yes by unchecking a box on public information. If left checked, this indicates the organization does not want their information available for public use, thereby preventing the State from verifying the agency’s UEI number.
2. There are two options when ‘Get Started’ is selected on the Sam.gov webpage:
1. Get Unique Entity ID (SAM): Use this option if the organization will not be applying directly for federal funds. Most recipients that plan to participate in CACFP should choose this option. OR
2. Register Entity: Use this option if the organization will be applying directly for federal funds.
IMPORTANT: The company name associated with your UEI must match the name of your legal business entity identified on the IRS documentation and the agency name in your contract. UEI is FREE.
The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) must verify each agency participating in the USDA Child Nutrition Programs has a UEI. The UEI is reported to the DPI using Online Services.
Refer to the Instructions for reporting the UEI to the DPI for the USDA Child Nutrition Programs. This will only need to be entered once, even if your agency participates in multiple Child Nutrition Programs.
Contact the CNT with questions at CNT@dpi.wi.gov or 608.267.9129.