Getting a DUNS Number for Your Library

The possibility of sub-grants of the ARPA funds coming to NHSL, and the need for any library that will apply for these grants to have a DUNS number,  was discussed on the NH Library Director's call this week. Here are the details from Lori Fisher about DUNS numbers.

To recap, in order to apply for any grants that NHSL will offer using ARPA funds, an applicant will need to have a DUNS number at minimum for this year, and by early next year will need to have a Sam.gov registration.  These two methods allow for a unique identifying number to be assigned to each applicant, and this is a requirement of the federal grant funds we receive through IMLS.

 The easiest and fastest way to apply for and get a DUNS number is to call them at 844-596-2506.  By calling, you should get your number in 10 business days.  You can also apply online, but that takes up to 30 business days. I am working hard to get the first grant application out and available by early May, with a disbursement of funds by the end of June.  DUNS website, where you can search to see if you have a number: https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/lookup.html

 For sam.gov registration, it is a little more involved but as stated above, you will need this registration for 2022 grant applications.  Just visit the sam.gov website to start that process.

 In some emails going around, I have been asked if a library can use their municipality's DUNS number.  Yes, you can (short answer). However (long answer) our form of NH government includes requirements by NH Governor and Council means that if you do use your municipality's DUNS number, you need to communicate carefully with your town's finance officer, because Governor & Council (G&C) requires that any grants totaling $10K or more to any one entity needs to have their approval.  That means that any grants to one municipality from any NH state agency, cumulative during a fiscal year.  This is doable, but does lengthen the process and causes delays in disbursement of funds.  I'm going to make sure to ask on the application if your DUNS is yours or your municipality's, since there is this delicate nuance to keep track of.

 If anyone has questions, please reach out. But if you have even the slightest desire to potentially apply for our ARPA subgrants, I STRONGLY encourage you to get a DUNS number for your library ready to go now.

Some have also asked for grant details.  Please be patient – we are working on the details now, and are still waiting for some information from IMLS, as well as access to the funds.  I will be communicating information heavily on NHAIS & NHLTA listservs, through the NHAIS blog, and through scheduled calls/webinars as we move this forward.