Resources

Procurement Frequently Asked Questions

In addition to international procurement action, field offices are authorized to undertake local and required procurement action which include a wide range of requirements.

For purchases within the authority of field offices, the Procurement Division plays a normative role in setting policies and providing advisory support. Vendors may wish to establish separate contact with field offices.

General inquiries

View all Procurement FAQ's

1. How can I register as a vendor with the UN Secretariat?

Registration as a vendor with the United Nations Secretariat and many other organizations of the UN system is done through the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM). Visit the website to create your account and to complete your application to become a registered vendor. Note: In UNGM the UN Secretariat includes the UN Procurement Division, Peacekeeping and Political Missions, Regional Economic Commissions (ECA, ECLAC, ESCAP, ESCWA), Tribunals (ICTY, ICTR, AKRT) and Offices Away from Headquarters (UNOG, UNON, UNOV).

2. Where can I find information on how and whom to contact regarding different matters?

You may visit this page.

3. Does the UN Secretariat Procurement in New York conduct purchases for the whole UN system?

No, every UN System entity (WFP, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNDP, etc.) has its own procurement capacity, expertise and portfolio. The UN Secretariat Procurement conducts procurement for the UN Secretariat in New York, Peacekeeping/Political Missions, Tribunals and Commissions. Selected Offices Away from Headquarters do have delegated procurement authority to carry out their own procurement up to established financial limits. The UN Secretariat Procurement generally conducts purchases beyond these limits and for global acquisition projects.

4. Does this mean that I have to individually contact each agency, fund and programme?

No, the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM) provides a one-stop portal for applying to become a registered vendor with 22 different Agencies, Funds and Programmes and UN Secretariat that together represents 95% of the procurement expenditure of the UN System. The UN entities use UNGM as a sourcing tool in search for suppliers, as well as to publish new business opportunities. The UNGM registration is free of charge.

5. Is there information on requests for bids/proposals?

Yes. All procurement opportunities for the UN Secretariat are published on our website in the Expression of Interest section as well as on the United Nations Global Marketplace website

Complaints

For any complaints about the activities or staff of the Procurement Division, please do not hesitate to contact us

A view of the «Non-violence» or «Knotted Gun» sculpture

Procurement
Ethical

Procurement related complains

General issues

For general procurement issues, please contact the Procurement Division: dos-pd@un.org

Debriefing and Procurement Challenges

Detailed information on Debriefing and Procurement Challenges can be found on the FAQ on Debriefing and Procurement Challenges page.

Contract awards

For procurement challenges against contract awards, please contact the Secretariat of the Award Review Board at: Award Review Board- Guidelines and Complaint Form.

Ethical related complains

Internal Complaints

For complaints to be reported to the Office of Internal Oversight Services, please contact the Investigations Division as per instructions available on the OIOS website.

Ethical issues

For all ethical issues please contact the Ethics Office Helpline: +1 (917) 367-9858 or Email: ethicsoffice@un.org

Sexual exploitation and abuse

If you have any information about sexual exploitation and abuse of anyone by employees of UN contractors or any other persons engaged and controlled by the UN contractors to perform any services under UN contracts, please do not hesitate to contact in confidence the Office of Internal Oversight Services or the Procurement Division: dos-pd@un.org