In other industries I see quite often, since the early '00s.  Anually the contractor e-spams and/or calls every subcontractor and vendor on its list asking for a new W-9.  Why?

1.  Anyone who doesn't reply is considered "inactive" and dropped off the calling list.  One easy way to "clean up our database."

2.  Gives an employee with little work something to do to keep his/her job within the company; looks good on the company job description.

3.  Gives an executive's child (college break) or relative a part-time job every January.

Your choice.  To make my life easier.  I used to just print the latest IRS form, fill in the SAME information, sign and date it January xx, 20xx, and wait for the requests.  I gave up fighting, you know the quote about a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent - in the end, the intelligent person loses because the witless wonder follows the script word-for-word,s "this is what I was told to get," end of discussion.  (I'll admit to having to make these calls eons ago for at least three companies I worked for ... in the old days of the "fax," where the bookkeeper gave me the job. At least I was pleasant and agreed, "It makes no sense, but it's what 'the company' wants in order for you to continue working with us.)