Invitation to Bid (ITB)

An Invitation to Bid (ITB) is the formal sealed-bid solicitation document used by UN agencies for purchases above USD 40,000 where technical specifications can be fully defined in advance and the contract is awarded to the lowest evaluated, substantially responsive bid.

What is an Invitation to Bid?

The ITB is the UN system's counterpart to the icb and ifb used by multilateral development banks. It applies when what the buyer needs can be described in complete, measurable specifications: a quantity of medicines, a fleet of vehicles, a defined construction scope, or a set of IT hardware items. Because the requirements are quantifiable, the evaluation does not involve a scored methodology assessment as in an rfp. Instead, bids that meet all the technical requirements are treated as substantially responsive and the lowest price wins.

UNDP, UNICEF, UNOPS, WFP, WHO, and other agencies all publish ITBs through UNGM and their own portals. Bids are submitted in sealed envelopes or through e-procurement platforms and are opened at a stated time and place, often with supplier representatives present. A bid that deviates materially from the specifications is declared non-responsive and is not evaluated further, regardless of price.

The ITB threshold in the UN system is USD 40,000, the same threshold that triggers the formal rfp route for complex services. Below USD 40,000, the buyer uses an rfq.

Why ITB matters for bidders

ITB competitions reward suppliers who read the technical specification precisely and submit a fully compliant bid. A single material deviation, such as a product that does not meet a stated standard, renders the bid non-responsive and eliminates it before price is considered. Firms that win ITBs consistently invest in compliance checklists: matching every specification line by line before submitting. Because award goes to the lowest responsive bid, price is decisive once compliance is established.

Example

UNICEF's Supply Division in Copenhagen issues an ITB for 500,000 oral rehydration salt sachets meeting WHO specifications. Bids are received from suppliers in five countries. Three bids meet all technical requirements; the lowest among those three wins the contract, regardless of which country the supplier is based in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does an ITB differ from an RFP in the UN system?

An ITB is used when requirements are fully quantifiable and award goes to the lowest compliant price. An RFP is used for complex or qualitative services where a scored evaluation of technical approach and team is needed before price is considered.

Who can respond to a UN ITB?

ITBs above USD 40,000 require UNGM Level 1 registration, which covers opportunities between USD 40,000 and USD 500,000. For contracts above USD 500,000, Level 2 registration is needed. Firms must also have the relevant UNSPSC codes on their UNGM profile to receive tender alerts.

Are UN ITBs published publicly?

Yes. ITBs at or above the formal threshold are published on UNGM and, for many agencies, on the agency's own procurement portal such as UNDP's procurement notices site or UNICEF's supply portal. Vendors registered on UNGM with matching UNSPSC codes receive automatic notifications.