Welcome to our FAQ page! Get quick answers to common questions about our services and processes. Find the information you need to make the most of your experience with us. If you have questions about our platform's features and functionalities, you can find step-by-step instructions on our User Guides page.
General Questions
- What is the source of procurement notices and contract awards?
- What is the typical procurement process?
- How much does a UNDB subscription cost?
- Does a UNDB subscription automatically make me and a registered company eligible to bid on contracts?
- What is the difference between UNDB and UNGM?
- Does UNDB provide any assistance during the procurement process?
- Can UNDB staff be invited to participate in events?
- Where is the UNDB office located?
- Who can I contact for further information?
For Subscribers
- How can I find out about business opportunities in developing countries?
- Why is UNDB a paid subscription operation?
- Can an individual subscription be shared?
- How can I view the details of a notice?
- Can I set up e-mail alerts or notifications for specific notices?
- As a subscriber, am I automatically registered to do business with the UN system?
- Does World Bank require registration?
- How do I supply good directly to the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, DC?
- Where can I find the Procurement and Consultant Guidelines for Development Banks?
- Is there a standard format in writing an Expression of Interest?
- Which institutions publish with UNDB?
- Where can I get the necessary bidding documents?
- How long is a UNDB subscription valid for?
- Does UNDB have an IBAN number?
- Does UNDB offer a trial or temporary access?
- What does the “pending” account status mean?
For Development Partners
- How can I publish notices with UNDB?
- Is there a template for Procurement Notices and Contract Awards?
- What languages does UNDB publish notices in?
- Can I submit a notice to be published in two different languages?
- Can I make changes to a published notice?
- How long does it take for a submitted procurement notice to be published?
- How do I view the notice I submitted once it has been published?
- What is the cost of publishing a procurement notice or contract award?
- What are the payment options for publishing a notice with UNDB?
- Where can I find more information on participating banks and agencies?
General Questions
What is the source of procurement notices and contract awards?
UNDB receives procurement notices and contract awards from its partners daily. The majority of published procurement notices and contract awards are those that are funded by development loans. The submissions are proofread and edited for accuracy and to conform to a standard format. Top
What is the typical procurement process?
The procurement process will vary slightly from institution to institution. View the World Bank procurement framework and regulations: https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/products-and-services/brief/procurement-new-framework Top
How much does a UNDB subscription cost?
An individual UNDB subscription costs $690 USD. A corporate UNDB subscription, which consists of five individual accounts, costs $2800 USD. Top
Does a UNDB subscription automatically make me and a registered company eligible to bid on contracts?
UNDB is not a registration platform. Participation in UN agency projects requires registration with the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM). Participation in World Bank projects requires no registration. Visit the respective websites of other multilateral banks for their participation requirements: https://devbusiness.un.org/content/our-sources Top
What is the difference between UNDB and UNGM?
UNDB is the official platform for procurement information from multilateral development banks, several UN agencies, and government agencies. UNDB represents a larger market of project opportunities from international institutions. UNGM is the registration platform for UN suppliers. Registration as a vendor with UNGM is required to do business with the UN. Top
Does UNDB provide any assistance during the procurement process?
No, UNDB is not involved in the actual procurement of goods, works, or services. The bidding process in administered and managed by the implementing agency. UNDB provides contact information for the respective implementing agency at the bottom of each procurement notice for any inquiries during the application process. Top
Can UNDB staff be invited to participate in events?
Yes, UNDB staff can be invited to participate in events that are relevant and in alignment with its mandate – outreach for global projects that benefit developing countries and countries in transition. UNDB staff regularly attend seminars and forums hosted by UN agencies, multilateral development banks, Chambers of Commerce and government institutions. UNDB participation is in the interest of reaching a large pool of qualified companies and consultants. Should UNDB staff not be able to participate in a relevant event, a media kit (which includes flyers, brochures, PowerPoint presentation, etc.) can be requested for outreach use. Events deemed relevant may also be advertised on the UNDB website. Contact us for more information: https://devbusiness.un.org/contact-us Top
Where is the UNDB office located?
The UNDB main office is located at the UN Headquarters in New York City. 405 East 42 Street, S-11FW, New York, NY, 10017, USA. The UNDB liaison office is located at the World Bank in Washington, D.C., at 1818 H Street MSN: MC10-1014, Washington, DC, 20433, USA Top
Who can I contact for further information?
For more information on the procurement process, contact dbusiness@un.org. For subscription enquiries, contact dbsubscribe@un.org. Top
FAQ For Subscribers
How can I find out about business opportunities in developing countries?
As a UNDB subscriber you have access to the latest procurement notices and contracts from major development banks, several UN agencies, and government agencies. In addition, you also have access to Monthly Operational Summaries, which provide information on projects in the pipeline before scope and financing are approved by the financing institution. Top
Why is UNDB a paid subscription operation?
UNDB is a self-financed operation that serves our clients and development partners by publishing timely procurement information and making it easily accessible. As per our mandate, multilateral development banks and UN agencies advertise procurement notices on UNDB free of charge. For more than 30 years, this financing model has allowed us to build an expansive network and solid reputation as the most official and reliable source of procurement information. Top
Can an individual subscription be shared?
The individual subscription is meant to be used only by the subscriber. Should you require multiple accounts for multiple users, please visit the UNDB pricing page and consider the corporate subscription option: https://devbusiness.un.org/join-us Top
How can I view the details of a notice?
Click on the abstract to view the notice in full. A UNDB subscription is required to view the details of a notice. Top
Can I set up e-mail alerts or notifications for specific notices?
Yes, subscribers can set up multiple saved searches and e-mail alerts for notices of their interest. Visit the user guides page for detailed instructions: https://devbusiness.un.org/user-guides Top
As a subscriber, am I automatically registered to do business with the UN system?
No, a UNDB subscription does not automatically register you in the UN system. Participation in projects financed by UN agencies requires registration with the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM): https://www.ungm.org/ Top
Does World Bank require registration?
World Bank does not require registration for participation in the procurement process. World Bank financed contracts implement prequalification procedures in the process to create shortlists. These procedures are handled on a case-by-case basis. Visit the respective websites of other multilateral banks for their participation requirements. Top
How do I supply good directly to the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, DC?
The World Bank has a list of such contract on their Corporate Procurement page: https://www.worldbank.org/en/about/corporate-procurement Top
Where can I find the Procurement and Consultant Guidelines for Development Banks?
The Procurement and Consultant Guidelines for the Development Banks can be found on their respective websites. Reference links: African Development Bank Consultant Policies and Procedures - https://www.afdb.org/en/projects-operations/procurement/resources-borrowers/policies-procedures African Development Bank Procurement Policies and Procedures - https://www.afdb.org/en/projects-operations/procurement/resources-borrowers/policies-procedures Asian Development Bank Procurement Policy - https://www.adb.org/documents/adb-procurement-policy Asian Development Bank Procurement Regulations for Borrowers - https://www.adb.org/documents/procurement-regulations-adb-borrowers European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Procurement Policies and Rules - https://www.ebrd.com/work-with-us/procurement/policies-and-rules.html Inter-American Development Bank Project Procurement Policies - https://www.iadb.org/en/projects/project-procurement North American Development Bank Engagement of Consultants - https://www.nadb.org/uploads/content/files/Policies/Engagement_of_Consultants.pdf North American Development Bank Procurement Policies and Procedures - https://www.nadb.org/uploads/content/files/Policies/ProcurementGuidelinesEng.pdf World Bank Procurement and Consultant Guidelines - https://www.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/products-and-services/procurement-projects-programs Top
Is there a standard format in writing an Expression of Interest?
There is no standard format in writing an Expression of Interest. Information that should be included in the response is stated in the published procurement notice under Request for Expressions of Interest. Additional information that is recommended for inclusion in the response are organization type, related project experience, key personnel experience, contact information, etc. Top
Which institutions publish with UNDB?
Visit list of UNDB content providers here: https://devbusiness.un.org/our-sources Top
Where can I get the necessary bidding documents?
Bidding documents are provided by the implementing agencies. The information on how to get these documents can be found at the end of each published notice. Top
How long is a UNDB subscription valid for?
UNDB only offers annual subscriptions. The subscriptions are valid for 12 months from the subscription/renewal date. Top
Does UNDB have an IBAN number?
No, an IBAN number is not required for incoming transfer to the United States. Top
Does UNDB offer a trial or temporary access?
UNDB does not have a trial offer online, but access codes for a trial period are often provided for participants of a procurement event. Contact us for more information: https://devbusiness.un.org/contact-us Top
What does the “pending” account status mean?
It means that your payment is being processed. Once payment is processed, your account will be activated. Top
FAQ For Development Partners
How can I publish notices with UNDB?
Send an e-mail to dbusiness@un.org for additional information on publishing with UNDB. Top
Is there a template for Procurement Notices and Contract Awards?
There is no required template, but UNDB does provide templates for your convenience. Contact us at dbusiness@un.org for the templates. Top
What languages does UNDB publish notices in?
UNDB currently publishes notices in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Publication in other languages can be accommodated on a case by case basis. Please contact dbusiness@un.org for more information. Top
Can I submit a notice to be published in two different languages?
UNDB will publish the notice as one. It will have one reference number. The notice text (in both languages) will be published on top of each other. Top
Can I make changes to a published notice?
If you want to make changes to a published notice, send an e-mail to dbusiness@un.org. Ensure that the reference number of the notice is indicated along with the details of the changes. An exception to this method is changes to World Bank financed notices, which should be submitted through STEP or Client Connections. Top
How long does it take for a submitted procurement notice to be published?
Submitted procurement notices are published in two business days or less. Top
How do I view the notice I submitted once it has been published?
A full or corporate subscription is needed in order to search for and access full view of published notices. Subscribers can find notices in the Projects & Tenders page of the UNDB website and use the reference number or any other keyword to search for the notice. Top
What is the cost of publishing a procurement notice or contract award?
Multilateral Development Banks and UN entities can publish with UNDB at no cost. UNDB offers low advertising rates for other content providers. Contact dbusiness@un.org for a price quote. Top
What are the payment options for publishing a notice with UNDB?
Payment can be made by credit card, bank transfer, and cheque. Your notice is published after agreement confirmation of the price quote UNDB provides, after which the reference number and invoice will be sent to you via e-mail. Top
Where can I find more information on participating banks and agencies?
Visit the respective websites of the multilateral development banks and UN agencies for more information. World Bank (WB) - https://www.worldbank.org/ Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) - https://www.iadb.org/en African Union Commission (AU) - https://au.int/ Asian Development Bank (ADB) - https://www.adb.org Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) - https://www.aiib.org/en/index.html African Development Bank (AFDB) - https://www.afdb.org Banco Centroamericano de Integración Económica (BCIE) - https://www.bcie.org/en/ Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) - https://www.caribank.org European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) - https://www.ebrd.com Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) - https://eabr.org European Investment Bank (EIB) - https://www.eib.org/en/ Black Sea Trade & Development Bank (BSTDB) - https://www.bstdb.org International Finance Corporation (IFC) - https://www.ifc.org International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) - https://www.ifad.org Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) - https://www.isdb.org Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) - https://www.mcc.gov North American Development Bank (NADB) - https://www.nadb.org/ Organization of American States (OAS) - https://www.oas.org West African Development Bank (BOAD) - https://www.boad.org United Nations Procurement Division (UNPD) - https://www.un.org/Depts/ptd/welcome-united-nations-procurement-division-unpd United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM) - https://www.ungm.org/ If you couldn’t find the information you are looking for, contact us for more information: https://devbusiness.un.org/contact Top