Frequently asked questions
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© IDSA/2005/Estey |
What is the purpose of UNICEF Procurement Services?
As part of its global mandate for child rights, UNICEF uses its knowledge, expertise and integrity to provide children with the appropriate supplies and services they require. Through Procurement Services, governments and non-profit organizations can use and learn from UNICEF’s procurement expertise in their own efforts to help children. In this way, more children are reached, and the capacity of national supply systems is built up. Cooperating with partners also gives UNICEF a more effective voice to advocate on children’s behalf, and adds scale and impact to UNICEF-supported country programmes.
Who is eligible for UNICEF Procurement Services?
UNICEF undertakes Procurement Services for:
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Governments
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Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
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United Nations Agencies
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International Financial Institutions
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Philanthropic organizations
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Universities
UNICEF does not undertake Procurement Services for:
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Individuals
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Profit-making entities
What does it cost to use Procurement Services?
UNICEF does not make any profit, but is required to recover its costs from providing Procurement Services, by charging a handling fee. This handling fee is incorporated into the cost estimate and is calculated as follows:
In addition:
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A 10 per cent buffer to cover market and foreign exchange fluctuations is added to the cost estimate when non-stock items are purchased. Any unused balance is returned to the partner after the accounts are finalized.
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Freight and insurance is charged at cost price, using UNICEF-contracted freight forwarders, which offer very competitive prices.
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Upon request, we can offer a separate package of technical, logistical or managerial support. The cost is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Does UNICEF make a profit from providing Procurement Services?
UNICEF does not make any profit, but is required to recover direct and indirect costs from providing Procurement Services by charging a handling fee, which varies according to the supplies or services required.
The handling fee is established at the minimum amount UNICEF reasonably concludes is required to meet the costs of providing PS, including staff, travel, communication, equipment, administrative and other overhead costs associated with offering and executing PS (including responses to requests for Cost Estimates, implementation of agreements, and processing, monitoring and reporting on PS arrangements). The fee is also used to support the supply of quality assured goods and services. UNICEF does not take part in competitive bidding.
How much does it cost to ship supplies?
The cost of shipment and insurance of the goods is included in the cost estimate, using UNICEF-contracted freight forwarders which offer very competitive rates. Our freight forwarders deliver the goods to the port of entry closest to the project site. If you request supplies to be shipped by air, the port of entry is the nearest major international airport. For sea shipments, the port of entry is the nearest major international seaport in the country where the project is to take place. The port of entry for land-locked countries varies on a case-by-case basis.
Are UNICEF’s products available to procure online?
UNICEF’s online Supply Catalogue contains detailed specifications for some 1,700 products, information on supply-related services, as well as technical bulletins for specific items. Prices are available using a password unique to every partner. Please contact us for further details. However, due to the special nature of every order, and the emphasis UNICEF places on quality service – from ensuring that the products you order are the most appropriate for your needs, through to the logistics of distributing supplies to the end user – products and services are not available to procure online.
What is the role of the Country Office in Procurement Services?
UNICEF’s network of country offices covering 155 countries and territories are a fundamental element of the global service UNICEF offers its partners. The UNICEF country office is frequently the first point of contact for many partners, and often signs the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of UNICEF. In most Procurement Services transactions, work is shared between the Procurement Services Centre based at UNICEF Supply Division, Copenhagen, and the UNICEF office in the country where the supplies and services will be used. In this way, partners benefit from UNICEF’s technical expertise, global market overview, and competitive prices, for example. They also have access to UNICEF’s presence on the ground and specialized local knowledge.
In Indonesia we coordinate all our programmes and projects through the Country Office located in Jakarta. In order to support the local regions we also have 12 field offices with dedicated staff to work with our counterparts. We cover the regions through our field offices in Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, Kupang, Makassar, Ternate, Ambon, Jayapura, Banda Aceh, Meulaboh, Medan and Nias. In addition the Banda Aceh office is in charge of UNICEF response for Tsunami relief, rehabilitation and recovery activities.
How are suppliers selected?
UNICEF suppliers are carefully chosen through a competitive pre-qualification process, on the basis of quality systems/organization, adherence to ethical standards, capacity and financial soundness. UNICEF continuously evaluates its suppliers. Samples of their products are approved before contracts are awarded, and quality checks can also be made before goods are shipped or received. All supplies entering the UNICEF Copenhagen warehouse are carefully inspected according to international standards.
I would like special markings on my supplies. Is this possible?
Yes. Please inform us at the earliest opportunity if you have any special requirements, if possible when you request the cost estimate and before the deposit of funds.
How can I find out more about UNICEF Procurement Services?
Several publications are available online, providing both general and technical information.
Please contact us if you have any additional queries.
