Suppliers
1. What is the benefit of becoming a registered supplier?
If you become a registered supplier with the International Federation, you have access to a wide humanitarian customer base and the opportunity to bid for contracts. A wide customer base means that order volumes may be higher. Registered suppliers also benefit from a centralized and streamlined procurement process, which is as transparent as possible.
2. My application to become a registered supplier has been rejected. What are my options?
If your application has been unsuccessful, you will receive brief feedback about the reasons for being rejected. Common reasons for rejection include:
- no relevance of the commodity or service offered
- failure to demonstrate financial stability
- inadequate supplier business experience or capacity
- failure to demonstrate technical competence or professional certification
- failure to provide adequate information when requested
You may be able to make improvements or corrections and reapply at a later date.
3. Are registered suppliers guaranteed contracts?
No, there is no guarantee of winning contracts once you are a registered supplier. However, you will have access to tenders for which you are encouraged to bid.
4. I am a registered supplier with a range of goods and services to offer. Can I apply for all tenders that are relevant?
It depends. When you register to become a supplier, you are required to submit information about specific goods and services, and you are evaluated on these. If your company offers other goods and services, which were not evaluated during registration, then you cannot submit tenders relating to them.
5. Does the IFRC pay suppliers for preparing tenders?
Unfortunately, we do not have sufficient resources to pay suppliers for their investment in preparing tenders.
6. Do you always choose the supplier with the lowest price?
No. Whilst we endeavour to find the most competitive price available, we also take into account other factors when choosing a supplier. We consider:
- ability to deliver on time
- the quality of the product or service provided
- compliance with contractual terms and conditions
- ability to meet delivery schedules
- efficiency in response to requests for information
- adherence to warranty provisions
- speed and cooperation in resolving problems and/or settlement of claims
7. How long does my registration last?
We do not set an expiry date on your registration. However, we do continuously monitor our suppliers’ performance. A supplier may be removed from the database for the following reasons:
- poor performance based on contractual compliance
- submission of false information
- bankruptcy or a decision of legal incompetence
- failure to respond to three successive invitations without reasonable explanation
- decision after initial registration that the goods or services are not needed by the International Federation
- criminal conviction or civil judgment against the supplier for any offence indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty
- filing a formal claim or lawsuit against the IFRC
Suppliers who have been removed from the registration system may be given the opportunity to reapply if they can demonstrate that the reason for removal has been corrected.
8. I have submitted a number of tenders, but have not been successful. Why?
Tendering is a competitive process and you may not always be successful, particularly if you provide goods or services that are offered by many other companies. If you are unsuccessful, you will receive feedback from a member of the IFRC. This will help you prepare a successful bid next time.