Procurement for UNFPA funded projects are undertaken by UNFPA’s country office personnel (local country office procurement) or by headquarters (headquarters procurement). About 85% of the total procurement volume is carried out by headquarters. Procurement on behalf of external entities such as other UN Agencies, Governments and NGOs, is the sole responsibility of headquarters Procurement Unit. Those responsible for UNFPA procurements are to be guided by the following principles:

• Maximize economy and efficiency

• Encourage as wide a solicitation of proposals as possible to promote competition

• Encourage and/or include sources of supply indigenous either to the country being assisted and from other developing countries;

• Encourage and/or include sources of supply from underutilized major donor countries (for international procurement); and
• Promote integrity and fairness and maintain the transparency of the procurement process.

In accordance with the UNFPA Financial Regulations and Rules, the UNFPA Contracts Review Committee (CRC) at headquarters is established to formulate recommendations to the Executive Director on any contract that UNFPA proposes to enter into for a purpose totaling US$ 100,000 or more. The Executive Director approves the final decision on award of contract.