Sustainable Procurement Framework

When is procurement considered sustainable? And why is it important to UNOPS?

Procurement is called sustainable when it integrates requirements, specifications and criteria that are compatible and in favour of the protection of the environment, of social progress and in support of economic development, namely by seeking resource efficiency, improving the quality of products and services, and, ultimately, optimizing costs.

UNOPS mandatory Sustainable Procurement Framework prescribes sustainability criteria for certain solicitation types and categories of goods, services and works. This includes ICT equipment (desktops, laptops, monitors, projectors, [multifunctional] printers); vehicles; generators; cleaning products; cleaning services; clothing and uniforms; furniture and furnishings; office supplies (copy paper, printer ink, writing instruments); events and conferences; consulting services; medical devices; and pharmaceuticals.

All potential suppliers must be prepared to respond to such sustainability requirements if you want to increase your likelihood of being awarded a contract with us.

Examples of sustainability clauses you might encounter in our tenders:

Technical/environmental sustainability: environmental management systems, use of sustainable materials for the goods and their packaging, social well-being and health and safety policies for employees, employment opportunities for local communities, labour rights, reduction of packaging, energy efficiency, etc.
Gender: gender equality policies/action plans in place, threshold of minimum per cent of female tenders/tender lots reserved to women-owned businesses, etc.

Sustainability in our procurement

Sustainable procurement aims to protect the environment, promote social progress and support economic development by integrating environmentally friendly practices, resource efficiency and cost optimization.

How sustainability criteria are embedded in our procurement process

Solicitation: This stage involves creating tender documents that include evaluation criteria, including the sustainability criteria based on the market’s maturity and the procurement category. Where mandatory, the DRiVE Supplier Sustainability Questionnaire is also included in the solicitation/tender document.
Evaluation: During the evaluation stage, we assess offers based on the criteria stated in the tender documents. We conduct background checks on the vendor(s) recommended for the award, which might include verifying the responses provided in the DRiVE Supplier Sustainability Questionnaire or conducting an ethical reputation check.
Contract finalization and issuance: When finalizing contracts with suppliers, we embed sustainability considerations into the contract. This may include specific requirements related to improvements or reporting on sustainability criteria. If any potential risks are identified, we mitigate them through contract clauses or corrective action plans.
Contract management: Throughout the contract period, we actively monitor suppliers' sustainability performance. We engage suppliers through programmes like DRiVE by conducting site visits and verifying their responses. We also regularly evaluate their performance, particularly focusing on sustainability requirements and key performance indicators included in the contract.

Key recommendations to vendors

When bidding for Invitations to Bid (ITBs) and Request for Proposals (RFPs) for goods and services, or Request for Quotations (RFQs) for specific goods and services, be prepared to meet:

At least one technical/environmental sustainability criterion or a gender-related criterion
Additionally, ITBs and RFPs will require completion of the Delivering Responsibility in Vendor Engagement (DRiVE) questionnaire – a supplier sustainability questionnaire

When bidding for ITBs and RFPs for goods and services for an awarded amount above $1 million, as well as for long-term agreements (LTAs) for goods and services, be prepared to meet:

At least one technical/environmental sustainability criterion and at least one gender-related criterion
Completion of the DRiVE supplier sustainability questionnaire

When bidding for ITBs, RFPs, and LTAs for works and for all Expressions Of Interest (EOIs) and Pre-Qualifications (PQs), be prepared to complete the DRiVE supplier sustainability questionnaire.

Resources

UNGM Sustainable Procurement Indicators

How we procure

UN Global Compact

UN Supplier Code of Conduct

Gender mainstreaming at UNOPS

UN tenders that incorporate all three pillars of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) are marked with a sustainable procurement logo in UNGM. Check these business opportunities if you want to demonstrate your commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.

If you are a small supplier, be aware that UNOPS might allow joint ventures, so collaboration with other small suppliers can be a way of being awarded bigger contracts.

Site Navigation

Sub Navigation - Competencies

Quick Links

Sub Navigation - Competencies

Latest

Projects & Locations

Multi-Country Programmes

UNOPS SPOTLIGHT

Sub Navigation - Competencies

Sub Navigation - Competencies

Our Story

Governance

Resources

UNOPS SPOTLIGHT

Sub Navigation - Competencies

Search

Popular Searches

Custom Search

Site Navigation

UNOPS SPOTLIGHT

Main Navigation

Search

Change Language

Sustainability in our procurement

Key recommendations to vendors