An invitation to bid is used to procure goods or works valued at US $200,000 or more. It does not require prospective bidders to specify the manner of production, technical approaches or management/supervision of required activities. The invitation to bid only requests details on costs to meet precise specifications for goods. The method may also be used in procuring construction works or services that can be quantitatively and qualitatively defined.
Opening competition to the international market provides equal opportunity to all eligible vendors. It entails a public advertisement in globally accessible media. The following conditions must be met: a. The procurement opportunity should be advertised on UNDP’s corporate website; b. It should be posted in the UN Global Marketplace (i.e., www.ungm.org); and c. Advertisements should remain online for a minimum of two weeks.