What is FAR 52.204-12?

FAR 52.204-12 (Unique Entity Identifier Maintenance.) is a federal acquisition regulation clause that may be included in government contracts. It falls under the ethics category.

When is FAR 52.204-12 required?

FAR 52.204-12 is typically required when the contracting officer determines it's applicable to the specific procurement. Check the solicitation's Section I for included clauses.

Does FAR 52.204-12 flow down to subcontractors?

Whether FAR 52.204-12 flows down depends on the specific clause language and contract type. Review the clause text for flow-down provisions.

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52.204-12 — Unique Entity Identifier Maintenance.

Last updated: 2026-04

Researched by the BidStride Research Team

What This Clause Requires

FAR 52.204-12 — Unique Entity Identifier Maintenance.. This clause is part of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and may be included in government contracts as a solicitation provision or contract clause.

Official Regulation Text

52.204-12 Unique Entity Identifier Maintenance. As prescribed in 4.607(c), insert the following clause: Unique Entity Identifier Maintenance (OCT 2016) (a) Definition. Unique entity identifier, as used in this clause, means a number or other identifier used to identify a specific commercial, nonprofit, or Government entity. See www.sam.gov for the designated entity for establishing unique entity identifiers. (b) The Contractor shall ensure that the unique entity identifier is maintained with the entity designated at the System for Award Management (SAM) for establishment of the unique entity identifier throughout the life of the contract. The Contractor shall communicate any change to the unique entity identifier to the Contracting Officer within 30 days after the change, so an appropriate modification can be issued to update the data on the contract. A change in the unique entity identifier does not necessarily require a novation be accomplished. (End of clause) [81 FR 67739, Sept. 30, 2016]
Source: eCFR, 48 CFR 52.204-12 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/section-52.204-12)

Compliance Checklist

(b) The Contractor shall ensure that the unique entity identifier is maintained with the entity designated at the System for Award Management (SAM) for establishment of the unique entity identifier throughout the life of the contract.
The Contractor shall communicate any change to the unique entity identifier to the Contracting Officer within 30 days after the change, so an appropriate modification can be issued to update the data on the contract.
A change in the unique entity identifier does not necessarily require a novation be accomplished.

Flow-Down to Subcontractors

No flow-down required

This clause applies only to the prime contract and does not need to be flowed down to subcontractors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This summary is for informational purposes only and reflects the BidStride Research Team's plain-English interpretation of the regulation. It is not legal advice and does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Always consult the official Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) text and qualified legal counsel for compliance decisions.