UNITED NATIONS INTERIM FORCE IN LEBANON

Presented byRana Istwani

UNIFIL Procurement Section

May 2008

Overview• UNIFIL was created by the Security Council in 1978 under

resolutions 425 and 426 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security and assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the area.

• Following the July/August 2006 crisis, the Council enhanced the Force under resolution 1701 and decided that in addition to the original mandate, it would, among other things, monitor the cessation of hostilities; accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the south of Lebanon; and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.

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Statistics

Top Ten Countries Supplying goods and services to UNIFIL during the period 2007/2008 (in US$)

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Major Services Procured by UNIFIL in 2008

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Freight Forwarding

Major Goods Procured by UNIFIL in 2008

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Identifying Business Opportunities

Characteristics of a Successful Vendor

• Clear understanding of requirement for goods/services

• Market Knowledge- Experience in Business- Experience with United Nations organizations- Experience with governmental/military organizations

• Quality and Competence- References- National and International Standards of Quality- International Scope of Operations- Export Capability- Regional network of agents

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Characteristics of a Successful Vendor (continued)

• Financial Credibility- Profit and Loss statement

• Languages- English, Arabic and French

• Competitive Prices/Quotations

• Performance Evaluation

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Researching Potential Vendors

• UNIFIL Roster Database

• UNIFIL Public Website

• UN Global Market Place

• Expression of Interests.

• Market Research- World Wide Web- Newspapers/Magazines- Yellow Pages

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Procurement activities and actions are guided by the following principles

- Promotion of UN Objectives

- Fairness, integrity and transparency, through competition

- Economy and effectiveness

- Best value for money

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Guidelines for UNIFIL Procurement

• Request for Quotation – Up to 30,000 USD

• Invitation to Bid

• Request for Proposal

• Indirect Buy Options- Use Existing Long Term Agreements- Use Existing System Contracts

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Procurement Strategy / Process

Practical Tips for Vendors

• Register on UNIFIL Public Website- www.unifilonline.org

• Register on UNGM as well as other UN Agencies- www.ungm.org

• Monitor Expression of Interests available on the UNIFIL Procurement Website as well as UNPD website- www.unifilonline.org/procurement/default.aspx

• Monitor Publications posted on the newspapers and magazines.

• Always respond to a bid invitation- In case vendors are unable to offer a quotation, please advise in writing

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Practical Tips for Vendors

• Carefully read bid instructions, line items, scope of work, specifications and general conditions of contract

• Always keep UNIFIL updated in case of any change in contact details, bank details or goods and services offered

• Attend bid openings and site visits when required

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Practical Tips for Vendors

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Registration on UNIFIL’s Website - http://www.unifilonline.org/procurement/default.aspx

Questions?