Dun & Bradstreet

Dun & Bradstreet is a leading global provider of business data and analytics, offering valuable insights to help companies make informed decisions, manage risk, and drive growth. With a vast database of business information, Dun & Bradstreet supports organizations in enhancing their operations and improving strategic planning.


Dun & Bradstreet provides essential business intelligence solutions, helping companies assess risk, manage credit, and drive growth. This FAQ answers common questions about our services, including credit scores, the DUNS number, and our role in government contracting. Whether you’re a small business owner or a large enterprise, this guide will help you understand how Dun & Bradstreet can support your business success.

What Does Dun & Bradstreet Do?

Dun & Bradstreet offers business intelligence services to help companies enhance growth, manage risk, and optimize performance. The company delivers unique data solutions in three core areas: (1) business expansion, (2) risk mitigation, and (3) cost efficiency. Its actionable insights enable businesses to make informed decisions and drive improvements in these critical areas.

What Is a Good Dun & Bradstreet Score?

Dun & Bradstreet assigns different credit scores to assess various aspects of a business’s financial health. The PAYDEX score measures a company’s payment reliability on a scale of 0 to 100, with 80 or higher indicating low risk. The Delinquency Predictor Score (DPS) evaluates the likelihood of missed payments, bankruptcy, or future payment failures, ranging from 1 to 5, where 1 represents the lowest risk.

Dun & Bradstreet in Government Contracting

Dun & Bradstreet plays a crucial role in government contracting by providing essential business intelligence and creditworthiness assessments. A DUNS number (Data Universal Numbering System) was historically required for businesses seeking government contracts or grants. While the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) has replaced the DUNS number for federal registrations, Dun & Bradstreet still offers valuable data to government agencies and contractors.

Key Roles in Government Contracting:

  1. Vendor Verification – Government agencies use Dun & Bradstreet data to assess a company’s financial stability, reducing risks when awarding contracts.
  2. Risk Assessment – Dun & Bradstreet’s credit scores and risk indicators help the government evaluate a contractor’s reliability and likelihood of fulfilling obligations.
  3. Compliance & Due Diligence – Many agencies and prime contractors use Dun & Bradstreet reports to ensure businesses meet compliance standards before awarding contracts.
  4. Competitive Advantage – Businesses with strong D&B scores and positive financial history may have a better chance of winning contracts by demonstrating credibility and reliability.

Even with the shift to the UEI system, Dun & Bradstreet remains a valuable resource for businesses navigating the government contracting landscape.