Do I need to register on UNGM to bid on UN tenders?

Yes. UNGM (ungm.org) is the mandatory vendor registration portal for most UN agencies. Level 1 registration makes your company visible across all participating organizations. Level 2 registration with specific agencies is typically required before you can receive and respond to formal solicitations. Registration is free.

Can companies from any country bid on UN contracts?

In principle, yes. The UN encourages global competition and does not restrict participation by nationality, provided the vendor's country is a UN member state and not subject to sanctions. In practice, the UN also promotes procurement from developing countries and countries with economies in transition to support equitable geographic distribution.

What is the difference between an ITB and an RFP in UN procurement?

An Invitation to Bid (ITB) is used for goods and straightforward services where the requirement is clearly defined. Award goes to the lowest-priced technically compliant bid. A Request for Proposal (RFP) is used for complex services, consulting, or where innovation is valued. Proposals are evaluated on both technical quality and price, typically with a 60/40 or 70/30 weighting in favour of technical merit.

How long does a typical UN procurement cycle take?

Timelines vary significantly. Simple RFQs may be completed in 2–4 weeks. Formal ITBs and RFPs typically allow 4–6 weeks for bid submission, followed by 4–12 weeks for evaluation and award. Large infrastructure or framework contracts can take 6–12 months from advertisement to contract signature. Emergency procurement can be expedited to days.

Are there preferences for SMEs or businesses from developing countries?

The UN does not have formal set-asides like some national procurement systems, but it actively encourages participation from developing country suppliers and SMEs. Some agencies maintain specific programmes to build capacity among suppliers from underrepresented regions. Joint ventures and subcontracting with established UN vendors can also help smaller firms gain access.

Country GuidesApril 11, 2026Updated April 11, 202611 min read

How to Find UN Procurement Opportunities

The United Nations system procures over $22 billion annually across more than 40 specialized agencies, funds, and programmes. From humanitarian supplies and medical equipment to IT infrastructure and consulting services, UN procurement offers vast opportunities for businesses worldwide. This guide walks you through UNGM registration, agency-specific portals, and proven strategies to compete effectively.

By Tender Radar Team

Official Procurement Portals

UNGM (United Nations Global Marketplace)

The primary vendor registration and tender notification portal for the entire UN system. Vendors must register here to be eligible for most UN procurement opportunities. Offers two registration levels: Level 1 (basic, visible to all agencies) and Level 2 (agency-specific, required for formal solicitations). Also provides tender alerts, contract award data, and annual statistical reports.

Visit portal

UNDP Procurement Notices

UNDP publishes its own procurement notices for development projects worldwide, covering consulting, IT, construction, and programme supplies.

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UNICEF Supply Division

UNICEF is one of the largest UN procurers, especially for vaccines, nutrition supplies, and education materials. Publishes long-term arrangements and emergency tenders.

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WFP Procurement

WFP procures massive quantities of food commodities, logistics services, and IT equipment. Uses both UNGM and its own portal for opportunities.

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WHO Procurement

WHO procures medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, consulting services, and IT. Publishes tenders and contract awards through UNGM and its own website.

Visit portal

UNOPS Procurement

UNOPS manages infrastructure, procurement, and project management for other UN agencies. A major source of construction and infrastructure tenders.

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Key Sectors & Opportunities

Tents, shelter materials, water purification, hygiene kits, and emergency relief items. UNHCR, UNICEF, and WFP are the largest buyers. Demand surges during crises.

Vaccines, diagnostics, essential medicines, medical equipment, and health consulting. WHO and UNICEF lead procurement, particularly for global immunization and pandemic response.

Enterprise software, cloud services, cybersecurity, telecommunications equipment, and digital transformation consulting. Growing rapidly across all agencies.

Armored and non-armored vehicles, spare parts, fuel, freight forwarding, and warehousing. UN maintains one of the world's largest civilian vehicle fleets.

Management consulting, programme evaluation, legal services, translation, and training. Available across all agencies with significant annual spend.

Tips for Suppliers

Register on UNGM at Both Levels

Complete Level 1 registration to appear in the vendor database for all participating agencies, then pursue Level 2 registration with specific agencies you want to work with. Level 2 requires additional documentation (financial statements, quality certifications) but is essential for receiving formal solicitation invitations.

Target Specific Agencies

Each UN agency has distinct procurement needs and processes. Rather than applying broadly, research which agencies buy your products or services and focus your efforts. UNICEF for children's supplies, WFP for food and logistics, UNDP for development consulting, UNOPS for infrastructure.

Understand the Evaluation Criteria

UN tenders use either lowest-price-technically-compliant (ITB) or best-value (RFP) evaluation. For RFPs, technical quality often carries 60–70% weight. Invest heavily in your technical proposal — demonstrate relevant experience, propose clear methodology, and include qualified personnel.

Build a Track Record with Smaller Contracts

Start with smaller purchase orders and micro-purchasing opportunities to establish a performance record within the UN system. Positive vendor performance evaluations significantly improve your chances for larger contracts.

Leverage Long-Term Agreements

LTAs are framework contracts that guarantee you a place on the supplier roster for 2–3 years. Once awarded, you receive call-off orders without re-competing each time. Monitor UNGM for LTA solicitations in your product or service category.

How to Find UN Procurement Opportunities

Procurement Landscape

Legal Framework

Official Procurement Portals

UNGM (United Nations Global Marketplace)

UNDP Procurement Notices

UNICEF Supply Division

WFP Procurement

WHO Procurement

UNOPS Procurement

Key Sectors & Opportunities

Tips for Suppliers

Register on UNGM at Both Levels

Target Specific Agencies

Understand the Evaluation Criteria

Build a Track Record with Smaller Contracts

Leverage Long-Term Agreements

Frequently Asked Questions

Automate your tender search

Related Guides

How to Find AfDB Funded Tenders

How to Find NATO Procurement Opportunities

How to Find Government Tenders in the United Kingdom

How to Find Government Contracts in the United States

How to Find World Bank Funded Tenders

How to Respond to a Government Tender

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