emergency relief items compendium of generic specifications

INTRODUCTION
This present edition of the Compendium of Generic Specifications for Emergency Relief Items is a result of an initiative
undertaken by UNDP/BOM/PSO/Special Advisory Team for Crises Prevention and Recovery to produce a revised version of
the document incorporating updated technical specifications and additional practical information. The compendium has
proven to be a useful tool for improved planning, preparedness and delivery of relief assistance in a rapid, concerted and
cost-effective manner.
The last version of the Compendium was published in May 2000, as the result of a project conducted by the Inter-Agency
Procurement Services Office (UNDP/IAPSO) with the aim of developing generic specifications for emergency relief items
that are typically sourced during a disaster/emergency situation.
The updated edition of the Compendium compiles standardized generic technical specifications made available for
procurement practitioners for efficient sourcing of emergency goods in crisis situations and early recovery activities.
The objective of this publication is to contribute to enhancing the capacity for immediate crisis response and early recovery
and to make the tools and guidelines available to practitioners to facilitate more effective and efficient deployment of
goods and services in crisis and/or emergency situations.
The compendium is also intended to encourage the standardization of items in the different categories included. The
analysis of the response to a few recent emergency situations discovered that a lot of effort and time are frequently spent
in clarification of aspects related to technical specifications of required goods, hampering, therefore an efficient and
expeditious response.
The specifications of the items in the Compendium are based on the active involvement and contribution of the Cluster
Lead Agencies, which assume overall responsibility for the definition of the specifications. The compendium has been
divided in the following chapters:
Chapter Cluster Lead Agency
1. IT, Telecommunications & Power Supply UNOCHA, UNICEF and WFP
2. Shelter & Housing UNHCR and IFRC
3. Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) UNICEF
4. Basic Logistics WFP
5. Materials handling N/A
The compendium lists, for each category, the complete generic specifications for all selected items, together with
information on shipping weight/volume. An introduction chapter to every group also highlights general technical
information for practitioners. The relevant UNCCS identification number (United Nations Common Coding System) has also
been allotted to assist in the interchange of information, statistical reporting and identification of potential vendors in the
UNGM. The ‘Reference Links’ at the end of the compendium provides a quick overview of some additional useful
information the users can access from additional resources.
UNDP takes this opportunity to express its gratitude to all cooperating organizations for their continuous support in the
revision of this compendium. We trust that it will provide relevant guidance and assistance to the UNDP offices with the
planning, preparedness, budgeting and execution of assistance in emergency situations and ER activities involving the
acquisition of emergency relief items.
At present, this version of the Compendium is being released in an electronic format with the purpose of keeping it a live
document and open for any changes, suggestions and comments. We therefore encourage you to provide us with
feedback/comments to improve this product.
The Director
UNDP/BOM/PSO
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