The UN Secretariat, as most other UN system organizations, uses the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM) as its platform for vendor registration. Vendors may select the level of registration based on the business activity they wish to participate in, that best matches their capacity, business scope and commercial strategy.

Why Register?

To do business with the UN Secretariat you need to be a registered vendor. Registering with the UN Secretariat is the first step to be considered for participation in tendering exercises. Registering with the UN Secretariat through UNGM will provide access to all UN Secretariat entities, including Field Missions, Offices away from Headquarters, Economic Commissions, Tribunals, and other UN Secretariat entities.

Fundamentals for Applying to Register Online in UNGM

1. Eligibility Criteria (a prerequisite):

Pre-requisites for Eligibility (Accessible Version): As part of the registration process, vendors are required to declare that they meet the pre-requisites for eligibility.

UN Supplier Code of Conduct (Accessible Version): Vendors are also required to comply with the UN Supplier Code of Conduct.

Registration Assistance & Support: An interactive UNGM guide to supplier registration.

2. Criteria for different levels of registration

Meeting the Registration Criteria: It is highly recommended that your company prepares in advance to meet the registration criteria for applying online to efficiently process your application. Depending on the Level of Registration being applied for, the documents listed below under Basic, Level 1 and Level 2 should be ready for uploading in Adobe Acrobat.pdf file format. Other basic information such as names, owners, principals, address, contact information, telephone, e-mail, etc. will be requested through the on-screen application form. Registration at Basic Level is mandatory to participate in UN Secretariat tender exercises.

All vendors are encouraged to start the registration process at Level 1. Only vendors interested in contracts up to $150,000 should register at Basic Level. After completion of registration at Level 1, vendors can upgrade to Level 2 registration at any time.

Evaluation of Applications for registration: Each application will be evaluated by the UN Secretariat based on compliance with the eligibility criteria and the criteria for the required levels of registration such as completeness and quality of information provided, relevance of the goods or services, references, experience, evidence of ability to perform, and the overall financial soundness of the vendor. Successful vendors will be notified of the completion of their registration by e-mail addressed from the UNGM Registry.

Important Tips and Information

Selection of codes from the United Nations Standard Product and Services Code (UNSPSC): the UN Secretariat uses the UNSPSC codes to search vendors for bidding opportunities. It is important for vendors to note that, they are limited to select up to seven (7) UNSPSC. The UN Secretariat will take into consideration ONLY the first seven (7) codes listed on the screen in your company’s application. Therefore, vendors are encouraged to prioritize and limit their selection of the UNSPSC codes to ensure that their “core” goods and/or services are fully represented.

Change of Company Status/Information: When the status of your company changes from the time of registration, you are required to update your company’s profile in UNGM by submitting the most current and valid copy of the document issued by your public authority that confirms said status without delay.

Invitations to tendering exercises: Submitting a completed application through UNGM does not mean that you will be automatically included in the Database. Registration will depend on the result of the evaluation. The UN Secretariat will attempt to include all registered vendors in vendor solicitations for each commodity category.

GSA Contracts: For companies in the USA, you are advised that the United Nations, under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, is eligible to receive full benefits under GSA Contracts where applicable.

Registration Assistance and Support: If you require further technical or substantive help in completing the registration requirements, please forward your inquiry to the Enabling and Outreach Services at this e-mail address: register@un.org or for support in one of the official United Nations languages you may contact the Staff Members below:

For assistance with registering as a vendor with the UN Secretariat, please call us at +1-212-963-4816 or email register@un.org.

Thank you for your interest in the United Nations Secretariat procurement activities. To find business opportunities with the UN Secretariat please visit our Expressions of Interest webpage