Guidelines to submit a procurement protest, complaint and/or report unethical behavior related to a procurement process

In the event that suppliers believe that they have not been fairly treated in connection with a specific procurement process, suppliers may present a complaint to the UN organization responsible for the procurement process.

It affords an opportunity to file a challenge by UN suppliers who participated in an eligible competitive procurement process, and were not awarded a purchase order or contract. 

Suppliers are reminded that the process and rules may vary from one organization to another. A complaint should be filed as soon as possible after the result of the tender process has been received. In many UN organizations, it is within 10 days of receiving the formal debrief. 

Suppliers are reminded that UNGM is not involved in procurement protest procedures conducted by UN organizations. Therefore, UNGM will not respond to these queries and should not be added in copy of such queries.

In which cases this procedure is not available?

UN organizations have processes, documentation, and contact details available to all suppliers that have participated in a tendering process. Procurement protest procedures are NOT available to suppliers who did not participate in selected ITBs or RFPs. 

This mechanism does not provide an opportunity to complain about:

• An incomplete UNGM account; 

• Duplicate UNGM account;

• Not receiving or late notification of a procurement opportunity;

• Not being unable to meet the deadline;

• Not being able to contact a procurement officer prior to the submission of a procurement opportunity, or;

• When proposals/bids are rejected based on incomplete information.

What information should be provided at the time of the complaint?

1. The supplier's full name, UN supplier registration number, email and postal addresses, telephone, and fax numbers;

2. The solicitation (ITB/RFP) number, title, and name of the procurement officer;

3. A detailed statement of all (i) factual (ii) legal grounds (iii) explanation of how the supplier was prejudiced and (v) the relief/remedy/action sought;

4. All information establishing that the supplier is an interested party for the purpose of filing a procurement challenge and;

5. All information establishing the timeliness of the procurement challenge.

UN organizations' links and email addresses to submit procurement protests