How to Access UN Tenders Through UNGM: Step-by-Step Guide
April 12, 2026 · 8 min read
The United Nations system spends over $22 billion per year on goods and services. From medical supplies for UNICEF to vehicles for peacekeeping operations, from IT systems for the Secretariat to construction for refugee camps, the range of procurement is enormous. Yet most suppliers have never accessed this market because they do not know where to start.
The answer is UNGM — the United Nations Global Marketplace.
What is UNGM?
UNGM (ungm.org) is the central procurement portal for the United Nations system. It serves two purposes: it is a vendor registration database where suppliers create profiles, and it is a tender publication platform where UN agencies post procurement opportunities.
More than 30 UN organisations use UNGM to publish tenders, including:
Each organisation has its own procurement rules, but UNGM provides a unified entry point.
UNGM registration levels
UNGM uses a tiered registration system. Each level unlocks additional access:
Level 1: Basic registration. You create an account with your company name, contact details, and a general description of your business. This takes about 30 minutes and gives you access to browse published tenders. However, you cannot be invited to participate in restricted tenders at this level.
Level 2: Self-registered. You provide detailed company information including financial data, quality certifications, references, and product/service categories using UNSPSC codes. Level 2 registration typically takes one to two hours to complete. This level makes your company visible to UN procurement officers searching for suppliers.
Level 3: Verified. At this level, the UN verifies the information you provided. This includes validation of financial statements, references, and certifications. Level 3 registration significantly increases your credibility and visibility. Some tenders require Level 3 registration as a prerequisite.
The recommendation is to complete Level 2 immediately and pursue Level 3 as soon as possible. Level 3 verification can take several weeks, so start early.
How to search for UN tenders on UNGM
Once registered, you can search for tenders using several filters:
Set up email alerts for your priority UNSPSC categories and target countries. UNGM sends notification emails when new matching tenders are published.
Understanding UN tender types
Invitation to Bid (ITB). Used for standard goods and straightforward services where the requirements are clearly defined. Evaluation is primarily price-based among technically compliant offers.
Request for Proposal (RFP). Used for complex services and consulting where the approach matters as much as the price. Evaluation combines technical quality (typically 70%) and price (30%).
Request for Quotation (RFQ). Used for low-value purchases. Simplified process, fewer requirements, faster decisions.
Expression of Interest (EOI). A pre-qualification step. The UN is assessing the market before issuing a formal tender. Responding to EOIs is important for being included in subsequent restricted tenders.
Long-term agreements (LTAs). Framework contracts for recurring needs. Getting onto an LTA means you receive call-off orders without competing each time. LTAs are strategically valuable.
What the UN looks for in suppliers
UN procurement decisions are based on several factors:
Competitiveness. Pricing must be competitive, though the UN does not always select the cheapest offer.
Quality. Products and services must meet specified standards. ISO certifications, industry accreditations, and quality management systems are frequently required.
Delivery capability. Can you deliver to remote locations? Do you have logistics experience in challenging environments?
Financial stability. The UN assesses whether you can finance the contract. Audited financial statements are standard requirements.
Ethics and compliance. The UN takes ethical standards seriously. Suppliers must confirm compliance with the UN Supplier Code of Conduct, including commitments on labour standards, environmental responsibility, and anti-corruption.
Sustainability. Increasingly, UN procurement considers environmental and social criteria. Sustainable products and practices can differentiate your offer.
Tips for winning UN tenders
Register at Level 3. It signals seriousness and makes you eligible for all opportunities.
Start with your strongest UN agency. Each agency has different priorities. UNICEF buys medical and educational supplies. WFP buys food and logistics. UNOPS buys construction and project services. Focus where your capabilities are strongest.
Read the UN Procurement Practitioner's Handbook. This free document explains exactly how UN procurement works internally. Understanding the evaluator's process helps you write stronger bids.
Respond to EOIs. Many suppliers ignore Expressions of Interest because they do not result in an immediate contract. This is a mistake. EOIs are the gateway to being invited for restricted tenders.
Attend UN Business Seminars. The UN Procurement Division runs seminars in various countries to help suppliers understand the system. These provide direct access to procurement officers.
Use UNSPSC codes precisely. Your UNGM profile is searched by UNSPSC code. If your codes are too broad or too narrow, procurement officers will not find you.
Beyond UNGM: Other UN procurement channels
While UNGM is the central platform, some UN tenders are also published on:
How Trinta integrates UN procurement
Trinta aggregates tenders from UNGM and individual UN agency portals into a single feed alongside government tenders from Africa, the Middle East, and the EU. This means you can monitor UN opportunities alongside national government tenders without switching between platforms.
Each UN tender is scored against your company profile using the same AI matching system, helping you identify the opportunities that best fit your capabilities across all sources.
Getting started
Create your UNGM account today, even if you are not ready to bid. Complete Level 2 registration, selecting your UNSPSC codes carefully. Set up email alerts. Then spend time browsing current and past tenders in your sector to understand what the UN buys, how requirements are structured, and what a typical timeline looks like. The UN market is large, stable, and growing. The investment in understanding it pays dividends for years.
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