The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees(UNHCR) is the largest international humanitarian organization and responsible for protecting over 17 million people worldwide. UNHCR and its implementing partners provide food, water, shelter, medical and other types of assistance to refugees worldwide in order to help refugees find safety and the means to start a normal life again. Purchases range from USD 50 million up to USD 120 million per year.

- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Expression of Interest

a.) The UNHCR intends to prequalify suppliers for the supply of Reinforced Plastic Tarpaulins

b.) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Expression of Interest for Light-Weight Emergency Tent

For further information, please contact Donald Businger.

World Health Organization (WHO)

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a United Nations specialized agency for health, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It was established in 1948 and is the lead agency for health worldwide. WHO aims for the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health. As set out in its Constitution, WHO tries to advance actively live-saving immunization and supports worldwide access to live-saving drugs and equipment for all. WHO is very active in the fight and prevention against HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. The WHO Headquarters Contract and Procurement Services (CPS) in Geneva does the purchasing of goods and services of strategic importance for the institution. Purchases range from USD 140 – 180 million per year, excluding the procurement of the PAHO (Pan American Health Organization) in Washington DC.

International Committee of The Red Cross (ICRC)

The International Committee of the Red Cross is a neutral organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence by providing them with assistance.

ICRC Purchasing Procedures:

The ICRC Headquarters Purchase Unit in Geneva undertakes the procurement of those goods and services of strategic importance for the institution. Such contracts are usually issued as tenders among ICRC’s registered suppliers for the particular product or service. ICRC Headquarters negotiates a number of "Frame Agreements" with suppliers, covering common goods (e.g. IT equipment, blankets, vehicles, tarpaulins, and plastic sheeting). These contracts are used to maintain a global standard of equipment and also to reduce administrative work. For example, tender requests for tarpaulins, blankets and kitchen sets are published in the International Herald Tribune. All suppliers must fill out and sign the "ICRC Supplier Registration Form" and the "ICRC General Conditions on Purchasing" to be pre-qualified and be part of ICRC supplier roster. Suppliers of pharmaceuticals must fill out a specific questionnaire.

Whom to contact first?

U.S. suppliers with products of interest to International Organizations in Geneva should contact Mr. Donald Businger U.S. Commercial Service, Switzerland for further information, registration documents, and key contacts.