Registration alone is not enough, but it is the way in
Registering on a supplier portal does not win contracts: it makes you visible and lets you bid when the buyer requires it. Rosters of approved suppliers are usually won through an open procedure: expression of interest, prequalification or a tender for a long-term agreement.
UN agencies: UNGM
Most UN agencies (UNDP, UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR, UNOPS, FAO, WHO…) use the UNGM portal (ungm.org). Basic registration is free; some agencies require a fuller registration level with documents. Choose your product and service codes carefully: they are what makes you appear in buyers' searches.
Long-term agreements and shortlists
Agencies and large NGOs sign long-term agreements (LTAs) or framework contracts with a few suppliers or firms, then order as needs arise. These agreements are awarded through tenders. Watch for notices that mention "long-term agreement", "framework agreement", "roster" or "prequalification": that is how you get onto these lists.
Donors and their portals
European Union: the Funding & Tenders portal and the Participant Identification Code (PIC), plus framework contracts awarded by tender. US government: registration on SAM.gov, with a UEI, is required for its contracts and awards. United Kingdom: public notices go through Find a Tender. World Bank-financed projects: borrower countries do the buying; there is no central list, so follow each project's general and specific notices.
International NGOs and the Red Cross
Many international NGOs and Red Cross societies run supplier prequalification calls country by country (transport, construction, food, vehicle rental…). They usually ask for company registration, references and tax certificates. Answer each call in the countries where you work.
Staying on the list
Keep your documents up to date, answer even small requests for quotation and deliver on time: performance evaluations count for renewals.
Today, Humanitarian Tenders lists 1,102 open tenders, including 401 invitations to bid (ITB), 313 expressions of interest (EOI), 49 requests for quotation (RFQ) and 43 requests for proposals (RFP).
Frequently asked questions
Is UNGM registration free?
Basic registration is free. UNGM also offers a paid tender alert service; it is not needed to be registered as a supplier.
How do I get onto a roster or long-term agreement?
By answering the notice that sets it up: expression of interest, prequalification or tender. These notices often mention "roster", "long-term agreement" or "framework agreement".
Can a small local company get registered?
Yes. Many buyers look for local suppliers, especially for logistics, construction and services. Start with requests for quotation and prequalification in your country.
These guides describe the most common practices. Each buyer has its own rules: the rules in the tender documents always prevail.