A Microsoft Word version of this letter is available for download and PRINTING.

April 10, 2009

TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:

SUBJECT:      DUNS Number and Central Contractor Registration Required for Receipt of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and U.S. Department of Education (USDE) award conditions require that grantees create and/or validate existing Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) registration and Central Contractor Registration(CCR) to be eligible to receive ARRA funds. In addition, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA) requires that grantees obtain a DUNS number and register in the CCR. 

All school districts, regional education service centers (ESCs), and charter holders that wish to receive ARRA funds must respond immediately to this requirement to be eligible to receive a Notice of Grant Award (NOGA) for any of the federal ARRA funds. The applications for some of those ARRA grant programs will be published on the TEA Opportunities Grant website on or about April 15, 2009. Therefore, it is urgent that you take these two actions immediately.

DUNS Number

The federal government has adopted the use of DUNS numbers to track how federal grant money is allocated. Requesting a DUNS number is free of charge. You can usually receive a DUNS number on the same day you apply.

Some entities already have multiple DUNS numbers. TEA will use the primary DUNS number assigned to the central headquarters for ARRA reporting purposes and reporting of other federal funds awarded to your organization.

Requesting a DUNS Number

1. To verify an existing DUNS number or to request a new DUNS number, go to the Dun & Bradstreet website at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do or call 1-866-705-5711 to request a DUNS number over the phone.
2. You will need the following information to obtain a DUNS number:

1. Legal name of organization
2. Organization address
3. Name of the Superintendent or CEO
4. Legal structure of the organization (corporation, partnership, proprietorship)
5. Year the organization started
6. Primary type of business
7. Total number of employees (full and part time)

Registering in CCR

1. You can register with CCR online at http://www.ccr.gov. From the home page, click on “Start New Registration” to register. For help, call 1-888-227-2423.
2. The following information will be needed to register in CCR:
   1. DUNS number
   2. Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Taxpayer Name used in federal tax matters
   3. Statistical information about your organization
   4. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) information, including the name of your depository financial institution, the ABA routing number, account number, and type of account
   5. An E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC)

It may take approximately 48 hours for the CCR registration to process. Your organization will be assigned a CAGE code, which you will provide to TEA for ARRA reporting purposes. You must update your CCR profile annually.

If you have further questions about registering in CCR, consult the excellent resources provided by CCR, including FAQs at http://www.ccr.gov/FAQ.aspx, a worksheet/checklist at http://www.ccr.gov/doc/UserAccount.pdf, and a user’s guide at http://www.ccr.gov/handbook.aspx .

On or about April 13, a data collection form to collect your DUNS number and CCR CAGE code will be provided to you. That data collection form and the instructions will be posted to the TEA Correspondence page at http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/taa/sortf.cgi?command=bydate when it is available.

Please be advised that TEA does not have the expertise to provide assistance or answer questions related to registering in DUNS or the CCR. All inquiries related to either must be made to the contacts identified on the respective websites.

Remember, your organization will not be eligible to receive ARRA funds until the registration for both the DUNS number and the CCR is complete. Don’t delay. Act now.

Sincerely,

Earin M. Martin, Ed.D.
Chief Grants Administrator