Does the World Bank directly procure goods and services?

No. For investment project financing (which represents the vast majority of Bank lending), procurement is executed by the borrowing country — typically a government ministry or Project Implementation Unit (PIU). The Bank sets the procurement rules, reviews compliance, and provides no-objection for high-value contracts, but the borrower manages the entire procurement process. The Bank does procure a small volume of goods and services for its own headquarters operations, but this is separate from project procurement.

Can firms from any country bid on World Bank-financed contracts?

Yes, with limited exceptions. World Bank procurement is open to firms from all Bank member countries (189 nations). Firms from non-member countries or sanctioned countries are ineligible. The Bank does not permit nationality-based restrictions unless explicitly approved. However, national competitive procurement (below international thresholds) may in practice attract mostly local firms due to advertising scope and contract size.

What is STEP and do I need to register?

STEP (Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement) is the Bank's online system for tracking all procurement transactions on Bank-financed projects. While not strictly required for all bidding, registration is free and provides access to procurement plans, notices, and contract data. Increasingly, borrowers use STEP for electronic submission of bids, making registration practically essential.

What are the World Bank's Standard Procurement Documents?

Standard Procurement Documents (SPDs) are mandatory templates that borrowers must use for all procurement above certain thresholds on Bank-financed projects. They include Standard Bidding Documents for goods, works, and non-consulting services, and Standard Request for Proposals for consulting services. SPDs define evaluation criteria, qualification requirements, and contract conditions. Using non-standard documents requires Bank approval and is rare.

What happens if I suspect corruption in a Bank-financed procurement?

The World Bank has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption. You can report suspected irregularities to the Bank's Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) through its confidential complaint mechanism. INT investigates allegations and can refer cases to the Sanctions Board, which has authority to debar firms and individuals. The Bank also has a formal bid protest mechanism — if you believe procurement rules were not followed, file a complaint with the borrower first, then escalate to the Bank's project team.

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

How to Find World Bank Funded Tenders

The World Bank Group finances over $70 billion annually in development projects worldwide, generating massive procurement opportunities across infrastructure, water, education, healthcare, energy, and consulting. Unlike direct procurement, the Bank funds borrowing countries that execute procurement under World Bank rules. This guide explains the STEP portal, Bank procurement regulations, and how to successfully compete for contracts on Bank-financed projects.

Official Procurement Portals

STEP (Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement)

The World Bank's end-to-end procurement tracking system. STEP records all procurement activities on Bank-financed projects — from procurement plans to contract awards. Bidders can search for opportunities, and borrowers must publish notices through STEP. Requires free registration.

Visit portal

World Bank Procurement Notices

Public-facing portal listing General Procurement Notices (GPNs), Specific Procurement Notices (SPNs), Requests for Expressions of Interest (REOIs), and contract awards across all Bank-financed projects worldwide.

Visit portal

World Bank Project Database

Comprehensive database of all Bank-financed projects, including project documents, procurement plans, and implementation status. Essential for identifying upcoming opportunities before formal notices are published.

Visit portal

UN Development Business (UNDB)

United Nations Development Business publishes procurement notices from all multilateral development banks including the World Bank. A paid subscription service that aggregates opportunities and provides advance notice of upcoming projects.

Visit portal

World Bank Standard Procurement Documents

Repository of mandatory Standard Procurement Documents (SPDs) including standard bidding documents for goods, works, and consulting services. Essential reference for understanding evaluation criteria and contract terms.

Visit portal

Key Sectors & Opportunities

Roads, bridges, railways, ports, urban transit, and municipal infrastructure represent the Bank's largest procurement category. Major civil works contracts frequently exceed $50 million and are open to international competition.

Water treatment plants, distribution networks, sanitation systems, and irrigation infrastructure. A priority sector for IDA countries. Combines civil works, equipment supply, and consulting services.

Power generation (including renewables), transmission lines, distribution networks, and energy efficiency programmes. Growing emphasis on clean energy transition creates substantial procurement for solar, wind, and grid modernization.

School and hospital construction, medical equipment, educational materials, health system strengthening consulting, and IT systems. Often bundled into large sector-wide programmes with multiple procurement packages.

Public financial management, civil service reform, digital government, statistical capacity building, and legal/regulatory advisory services. Primarily consulting contracts using QCBS or QBS selection methods.

How to Find World Bank Funded Tenders

Procurement Landscape

Legal Framework

Official Procurement Portals

STEP (Systematic Tracking of Exchanges in Procurement)

World Bank Procurement Notices

World Bank Project Database

UN Development Business (UNDB)

World Bank Standard Procurement Documents

Key Sectors & Opportunities

Tips for Suppliers

Monitor the Project Pipeline Early

Register on STEP and Set Up Alerts

Use Bank Standard Procurement Documents

Build Relationships with Borrower PIUs

Ensure Clean Compliance Records

Consider Joint Ventures for Large Contracts

Frequently Asked Questions

Automate your tender search

Related Guides

How to Find NATO Procurement Opportunities

How to Find AfDB Funded Tenders

How to Respond to a Government Tender

How to Find UN Procurement Opportunities

How to Find Government Tenders in India

How to Find Government Contracts in the United States

Ready to find tenders automatically?