The United Nations Secretariat aims to maintain a diverse and inclusive vendor database, welcoming suppliers from all Member States. To be considered for procurement opportunities, vendors must register on the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM) (www.ungm.org), the central portal for vendor registration across the United Nations system.

To engage in business with the United Nations Secretariat, vendors must meet specific registration requirements and be accepted at the appropriate level on UNGM. Detailed information on the registration process can be found here.

Best value for money

The United Nations procurement process is guided by the principle of achieving best value for money, ensuring transparency, fairness, and efficiency. Procurement requirements are fulfilled through competitive bidding, using three main solicitation methods based on the nature and estimated value of the requirement:

• Request for Quotation (RFQ): Used for lower-value purchases, RFQs invite vendors to submit quotations based on price and commercial terms. The contract is typically awarded to the lowest-priced, technically compliant offer.
• Request for Proposal (RFP): Used for higher-value or complex requirements where innovation and expertise are key. Proposals are evaluated using a two-envelope system, assessing technical merit first, followed by commercial terms. The award goes to the most responsive proposal offering the best value for money.
• Invitation to Bid (ITB): Used when requirements are well-defined and exceed the RFQ threshold. Contracts are awarded to the lowest-cost, technically compliant offer.

Vendors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with United Nations procurement policies and procedures through the United Nations Procurement Manual.

Expressions of interest

The United Nations Secretariat periodically publishes Requests for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) on both the United Nations Secretariat Procurement Division website and the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM). These EOIs provide vendors with advance notice of upcoming procurement opportunities.

Additionally, UNGM offers an automatic notification service for new EOIs. Vendors interested in being notified of relevant opportunities can find more information on the UNGM website.

Important Note: An Expression of Interest (EOI) is not a solicitation. The United Nations reserves the right to change or cancel procurement requirements at any stage. Responding to an EOI does not automatically guarantee receipt of the final solicitation. Only qualified vendors, following an objective evaluation, will receive the formal bidding documents.