UN procurement (UNGM) step by step

The United Nations and its agencies buy billions of dollars of goods and services every year — from vehicles and medical supplies to consultancy and construction. Almost all of it flows through one front door: the UN Global Marketplace (UNGM). Here’s how to get started.

1. What UNGM is

UNGM is the common procurement portal for the UN system — UNDP, UNICEF, WFP, WHO, FAO, UNHCR and many more. It’s where agencies publish tenders and where suppliers register once to do business with all of them.

2. Register as a vendor

Create a free UNGM account and complete your company profile — contact details, business category (UNSPSC codes for what you supply), and documents. Registration is free; be wary of anyone charging to “register you.” A complete profile also lets you receive tender alertsfor your categories and countries.

3. Know the notice types

• EOI — Expression of Interest: a market survey / shortlisting step. Register interest; don’t send prices yet.
• RFQ — Request for Quotation: small, lower-value purchases, quick turnaround.
• ITB — Invitation to Bid: goods/works where the lowest compliant price usually wins.
• RFP — Request for Proposal: services scored on quality and price (best value).

4. How the UN evaluates

UN tenders are formal and compliance-driven. Bids are typically assessed for eligibility, then technical compliance, then commercial terms — often in a two-envelope process. Follow the instructions to bidders exactly; the UN rarely allows clarifications after the fact.

5. Eligibility and ethics

• You must accept the UN Supplier Code of Conduct — covering labour, environment, anti-corruption and no sanctions/ineligibility.
• Some categories require registration in the UN Global Marketplace common vendor database at a given level before award.
• Integrity matters: fraud or collusion means removal from the vendor roster.

6. Delivery and payment

UN contracts specify Incoterms, delivery schedules and reporting. Payment usually follows verified delivery or accepted milestones, so plan your cash flow accordingly.

Start small: win an RFQ or a modest ITB to build a UN track record, then use those references to compete for larger RFPs. Set alerts for your categories and countries so the right opportunities reach you early.