What Is the Purpose of an Organization Having a Dunn & Bradstreet Number?
Since 1962, Dunn and Bradstreet has issued a D-U-N-S number (Data Universal Numbering System) to more than 100 million companies and nonprofit organizations worldwide. The number is used to identify businesses for data-processing purposes.
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Features
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A D-U-N-S number is a unique nine-digit ID given to each physical location of a business, linking all franchises of a corporation together. The number remains with the company location even if it closes.
Purpose
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The data associated with a D-U-N-S number provides useful information for other businesses and creditors seeking to partner with an organization. A wealth of data is collected, including the business name, physical and mailing addresses, industry, owner’s names, payment and credit histories, as well as industry classifications. It can even provide insight into a company’s reputation in the industry.
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Government Contracts and Credit
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In October 1994, the D-U-N-S number was adopted as the standard business identifier for U.S. federal electronic commerce and is used widely by the United Nations and the European Commission, too. The data is used to track how federal money is distributed and, since 1998, has been the official government contract identification code for all suppliers and activities. Many small business owners will find it difficult to obtain credit without a D-U-N-S number.
Considerations
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When a D-U-N-S number is assigned, the organization is automatically placed on a marketing list that is sold to other companies. A request can be made to be left off this list during the application process.
More Information
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A D-U-N-S number can be obtained online from Dunn and Bradstreet or by calling 888-814-1435. While the application is free, it may take four to six weeks to receive. A $99 fee is assessed for same-day service. A D-U-N-S number needed for federal grant programs or government contracts can be obtained by calling 866-705-5711.
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