Frequently Asked Questions

Project procurement refers to the acquisition of goods, works, and services required for implementing projects financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It is essential for ensuring that development projects are delivered efficiently, effectively, and sustainably, in line with their objectives.

Corporate procurement, on the other hand, involves the acquisition of goods and services needed for the IDB’s internal operations. This includes contracting consulting firms from member countries to support the IDB’s institutional needs and to produce knowledge and tools that contribute to its development agenda.

Firms and individuals from all 48 IDB member countries can participate in project procurement processes, unless otherwise specified in the bidding documents. Entities under sanction are not allowed to participate.

To participate in an IDB-financed bidding process: 

1. Visit the Procurement Notices page to explore current opportunities.
2. Select a relevant opportunity that matches your area of expertise.
3. Follow the instructions in the notice to obtain the bidding documents directly from the project's executing agency.
4. Prepare your bid in line with the technical specifications and requirements outlined in the documents.
5. Submit your bid by the deadline specified in the notice.

You can access consolidated data on planned procurement processes, including estimated bidding dates, through the latest approved procurement plans. This information is regularly updated to reflect expected processes, starting from today’s date. Additionally, the Inframericas app provides insights into upcoming IDB-financed procurement opportunities in key sectors, helping connect infrastructure developers with local suppliers.

All open procurement opportunities are published on this site in the Procurement Notices section. Use the filters to search by country, sector, procurement type, or keywords. Each list contains the necessary documents and key submission details. 

You can also explore the opportunities through the BID for the Americas app with added features to quickly find opportunities tailored to your industry, get personalized recommendations to collaborate with trusted local partners, and receive instant notifications on changes to your favorite tenders.

While each process may have specific requirements, typical bid submissions include:

• A completed bid or proposal form
• Technical and financial proposals
• Legal incorporation documents or qualifications
• Compliance declarations

Always review the specific bidding documents for detailed instructions.

Explore standard bidding documents

• Understand the evaluation criteria and align your proposal to address them directly.
• Include all required documents and present them in a clear, organized manner.
• Follow submission instructions carefully, respecting deadlines and required formats.
• Build your track record by partnering with experienced firms or starting with smaller contracts.
• Review previously awarded contracts to gain insights into successful proposals and market expectations.

IDB project procurement is governed by two main policy documents: 

• Policies for the Procurement of Goods, Works, and Non-Consulting Services
• Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants 

These policies define the rules, procedures, and eligibility requirements for participating in IDB-financed procurement processes. The applicable version of each policy is the one in effect at the time the project is approved. 

The IDB applies procurement methods that are fit-for-purpose, adapted to the specific country, market conditions, and project characteristics, with the goal of ensuring value for money.

The choice of method depends on the type, size, and complexity of the contract. Common procurement methods include:

• International Competitive Bidding (ICB)
• National Competitive Bidding (NCB)
• Shopping (used for lower-value contracts)
• Direct Contracting (under specific, justified conditions)
• Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) for the selection of consultants

Details and specific requirements for each method are outlined in the corresponding bidding documents.

Contracts are awarded to the most advantageous bid, based on pre-established evaluation criteria. This ensures transparency, fairness, and value for money. The selected firm or individual is the one whose bid best meets the technical and/or financial requirements outlined in the bidding documents.

You can find training resources, webinars, and guides on our platform to help you better understand how to participate in IDB procurement and bidding processes.

Review our Learning Resources

The borrower is solely responsible for the implementation of the project, including the procurement and payment of goods, works, non-consulting services, and consulting services. The IDB ensures that loan proceeds are used exclusively for their intended purpose, consistent with principles of economy, efficiency, and integrity.

The IDB reviews procurement documents, evaluations, and contract awards to ensure compliance with agreed procedures. For contracts subject to ex-ante review, the Bank conducts a prior review before issuance. The Bank may declare misprocurement if substantial procedural violations or prohibited practices occur.

No. Contracts are between the borrower and the supplier, contractor, or consultant. The IDB is not a party to these contracts.

Disbursements are made at the borrower’s request, with evidence that expenditures comply with the Loan Contract and Procurement Plan. Payments may be made:

• To reimburse the borrower for eligible expenses
• Directly to the supplier, contractor, or consultant
• (Exceptionally) to a commercial bank under an irrevocable reimbursement guarantee agreement.

Note: the latter is rarely used for consulting services.

Yes.

For goods, works, and non-consulting services, IDB Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs) must be used, with minimal adjustments.

Goods            Plant            Works

For consulting services, IDB Standard Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and standard contracts must be used, subject to Bank-approved project-specific adaptations.

Consulting services

They should:

• Carefully review the technical, commercial, and contractual requirements.
• Prepare a responsive offer or proposal.
• Request clarification from the borrower if there is any ambiguity, contradiction, or restriction in the documents, within the time period allowed.

Each process is governed by the specific bidding document or RFP issued by the borrower. If inconsistencies with IDB policies are identified, concerns should be raised with the borrower in writing.

No.

• For goods, works, and non-consulting services, prices or the substance of a bid cannot be changed after submission, unless explicitly allowed under BAFO or negotiation provisions.
• For consulting services, key staff or fees cannot be changed after submission unless during negotiations or due to validity extensions that affect staff availability (in which case equivalent replacements may be accepted).

Yes. Evaluation is confidential until the Notification of Intention to Award is issued. This ensures the integrity of the process and prevents undue influence.

Yes.

• If the borrower does not respond or if there is a complaint, communication can be directed to the IDB’s Country Office and the Project Procurement Division in Washington, D.C.
• Pre-submission communications may be shared with the borrower along with the Bank’s advice.
• Post-submission complaints are handled according to whether the contract is subject to ex-ante or ex-post review.

No. The IDB does not engage in discussions or correspondence during the evaluation and review process, beyond acknowledgment of receipt, until the contract award is officially published.

• For contracts under ex-post review, complaints are referred to the borrower and assessed during project supervision.
• For ex-ante review, the Bank investigates in consultation with the borrower and may request further information.
• Complaints involving prohibited practices are handled with confidentiality and discretion.

Yes.

• First, request an explanation from the borrower.
• If unsatisfied, you may request a debriefing meeting with the IDB through the Country Office and Project Procurement Division.
• Only your own bid or proposal will be discussed, not those of competitors.