Intergovernmental organizations have an implicit obligation to obtain equipment at the lowest possible cost consistent with the maintenance of adequate standards, without prejudice to the implementation of other objectives, notably ensuring equitable geographic distribution.
The UN Inter-Agency Procurement Services Unit endeavours to increase utilization of supply sources from developing and under-utilized donor countries, consistent with the principle of international competitive bidding and the procurement regulations of the United Nations system, and with maximum effectiveness, with due regard to the full implementation of the preferential arrangements for developing countries.