Dear listserv member,

For those who may have not hear yet, the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) has announced that, effective October 1, 2003, all federal grant
applicant are required to have a DUNS number. Information from the OMB
regarding this requirement and instructions for obtaining your DUNS number
follow:

DUNS Number Requirement

Beginning on October 1 all federal grant applicants must have a Dun and
Bradstreet "DUNS" number (Data Universal Numbering System) to apply for or
renew grants, or submit plans under mandatory grant programs.  The Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) announced the new requirement on June 27,
saying, "The identifier will be used for tracking purposes, and to validate
address and point of contact information."  A universal identifier also
eliminates the need for separate identification numbers in different
federal agencies.

The good news is that obtaining a DUNS number is relatively
painless.  Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no cost by simply
calling Dun and Bradstreet's dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line
at 1-866-705-5711.  The information needed to request a DUNS number is very
minimal and you will receive your number in 24 hours.

The DUNS number will be required regardless of whether the applicant is
submitting a paper application or electronically filing through
Grants.gov.  OMB Watch has received calls from nonprofits that are confused
and concerned about this new requirement.  It appears that OMB needs to do
more public education and clarify when affiliated programs and
organizations need to have separate DUNS numbers.  For this reason we are
recommending that OMB delay the implementation of the DUNS number
requirement.  We hope to clear up the confusion that nonprofits are having
surrounding this change.

Nevertheless, your organization should take proactive steps toward
obtaining a DUNS number.  Organizations can receive a DUNS number at no
cost by calling D&B's toll-free number 1-866-705-5711 or applying on-line
www.dnb.com/us/duns_update/ <http://www.dnb.com/us/duns_update/> .  It will
take up to thirty days to receive
your DUNS number when applying on-line, and it will only take 24 hours when
applying over the phone.

OMB Watch will keep you informed about any changes or delay in
implementation of the DUNS number requirement.

See the OMB Watch Fact Sheet on the DUNS Requirement at
http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/1794/1/47/
<http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/1794/1/47/>
See the OMB Notice at
http://frwebgate6.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=778110358480
+19+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve
<http://frwebgate6.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=77811035848
0+19+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve>
nburlakoff


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