Central Contractor Registration (CCR) System
Notice: Contractors
currently doing business with USDA and potential vendors, are encouraged to
register in the CCR. Effective October 1, 2003, the Federal Acquisition
Regulation (FAR), requires that contractors be registered in the CCR database
before they can be awarded contracts. Existing contracts which will be in effect
beyond December 31, 2003, will be modified to include the requirement that contractors
be registered in CCR by December 31, 2003.
FAR Change:
- The change to the FAR (Federal Acquisition Circular 2001-16)
published on October 1, 2003
- Effective October 1, 2003, Per FAR 4.11 prospective contractors
shall be registered in the CCR database prior to award of a contract, basic
agreement, basic ordering agreement or blanket purchase agreement.
- Contracting officers must modify these types of existing
contractual agreements that have periods of performance extending beyond December
31, 2003, to include the requirement to register in the CCR database. Contractors
under these modified contracts must be registered by December 31, 2003.
What is CCR?
- CCR is a Government-wide initiative to house data on contractors
selling to the Government in a single database, for the purpose of increasing
the visibility of vendor sources and to establish a common source of vendor
data.
- The information in CCR is entered and maintained by each
contractor, and is stored for all Federal agencies to use.
- The contractors are responsible for the accuracy and currency
of their information.
Registration in CCR via the World Wide Web
- The preferred method for registration is via the world
wide web at http://www.ccr.gov.
- A handbook and a copy of the registration template are available
at that site under the tab titled "CCR Handbook." Contractors may
wish to download the handbook and registration template prior to starting
the on-line registration. This will enable the contractor to review and obtain,
as necessary, the information required to complete the on-line registration
process.
Registration by mail
- While registration via the world wide web is the preferred
method, contractors without such Internet access or who would prefer not to
register on-line, can register by submitting the registration template to
the Department of Defense, Central Contractor Registration 74 Washington Ave.,
N., Suite 7, Battle Creek, MI 49017-3084.
- Contractors may obtain the paper copy registration template
and CCR Handbook from the CCR Customer Assistance Center which can be contracted
at toll free 1-888-227-2423.
Registration Process
- The first step in registering is to obtain a Data Universal
Numbering System (DUNS) number, which is a unique nine character identification
number provided by the commercial company Dun and Bradstreet (D&B).
- To request a DUNS number call D&B at the toll free
number 1-866-705-5711. Obtaining a DUNS number through this process is
free of charge.
- As a result of obtaining a DUNS number you might be included
on D&B's marketing list that is sold to other companies. If you do not
want your name/company included on this marketing list, request that your
name/company be removed from the marketing list.
- Once you/your firm has a DUNS number you can begin the process
to register in the CCR database.
- If registering on-line go to http://www.ccr.gov.
One the left side of the page click on "Start New Registration."
You will need your DUNS number to start this registration.
- If you are registering using the paper copy of the registration
template, complete the form, including your DUNS number, and mail to the
address indicated above.
Access to the CCR Database – Caution regarding TPIN number
- The CCR is designed to be a highly secure, single repository
of vendor information.
- Contractors are required to enter financial information
into CCR for the purpose of facilitating payments. This financial information
is only accessible by authorized Government representatives and the contractors
themselves.
- Once the registration is complete, each contractor receives
a Trading Partner identification Number (TPIN) that is his/her secure/confidental
password. The TPIN is not to be used on contracts or other Government
paperwork. Contractors should not release the TPIN outside their organization.
The TPIN is the contractor's confidential password to allow the contractor
to access his/her data in the CCR database. The contractor needs both his/her
DUNS number and TPIN number to access his/her data. At a minimum, contractors
will need to access their data annually to renew/update their registration
information. Annual renewal/update is required to keep CCR registrations active.
Informational Links
The USDA Procurement Policy Division point of contact for CCR
implementation within USDA is Pat Honda who can be contacted at pat.honda@usda.gov,
telephone 202-720-8924, fax 202-720-8972.
Notice to Contractors Selling
Food Commodities:
See Farm Service Agency, Commodity Operations - Notices to the Trades at
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/daco/notices.htm. See Notices: BCD #63 and #59 to
bulk grain contractors; DODD #157 and #153 to domestic commodity contractors;
and EDO #135 and #130 to export commodity contractors.
Caution:
Fraudulent letters allegedly from USDA and also from Department of Transportation
have been sent to vendors requesting completion of CCR worksheets or verification
of Trading Partner Identification Numbers (TPINs). If you receive such
letters, faxes or telephone calls, they should be disregarded. Your TPIN
number should never be given to anyone. A Security Alert is posted on
the CCR website. Please review this notice.
Date: 4/25/03 - Updated 11/19/03 - Last Updated
01/14/2004
Notice
on integration of PRO-Net and CCR to create one portal for entering and searching
small business sources