What are Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs)?
PQQs, or Pre-Qualification Questionnaires, are documents used in procurement processes to assess and pre-screen potential suppliers or contractors before inviting them to submit full bids.
They are an evaluation tool to determine whether suppliers meet the basic requirements and qualifications set by the buyer or organisation issuing the procurement opportunity. PQQs help streamline the procurement process by identifying and shortlisting suppliers who have the necessary capabilities, experience, and resources to deliver the required goods or services.
What is the purpose of a PQQ?
The purpose of a PQQ is to gather essential information about suppliers and their suitability for a particular contract.
The questionnaire typically consists of a series of questions covering various aspects of the supplier's organisation, such as:
Their financial stability
Technical expertise
Relevant experience
Capacity
Quality assurance processes
Health and safety practices
Environmental policies
Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
By requesting this information upfront, buyers can efficiently evaluate suppliers and identify those who are most likely to meet their needs. PQQs often include scoring or weighting criteria, enabling buyers to objectively compare suppliers based on their responses. The suppliers with the highest scores are typically shortlisted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the procurement process, such as submitting a full bid or participating in further discussions or negotiations.
Why are PQQs so important?
PQQs play a crucial role in ensuring that the procurement process is fair, transparent, and efficient. They help buyers identify suppliers with the necessary qualifications and capabilities, reducing the risk of engaging with unsuitable or unqualified suppliers. PQQs also save time and resources by narrowing down the pool of potential suppliers, allowing buyers to focus on evaluating detailed bids from the most qualified candidates.
It is important for suppliers to carefully complete PQQs and provide accurate and comprehensive information. The responses should highlight the supplier's strengths, demonstrate their expertise and experience in relevant areas, and showcase their ability to meet the buyer's requirements. Remember, well-prepared PQQ responses increase the chances of being shortlisted and progressing further in the procurement process.
How have PQQs changed post-Brexit?
Post-Brexit, PQQs remain an important aspect of procurement processes in the UK. PQQs are used by public and private sector organisations to assess and shortlist potential suppliers or contractors before inviting them to submit full bids.
While Brexit has introduced changes to procurement regulations, the fundamentals of PQQs have not significantly altered. They continue to serve as an initial screening mechanism to ensure that only qualified and suitable suppliers are invited to participate in the bidding process. They enable buyers to assess a supplier's capability, capacity, experience, and financial stability before committing additional time and resources to evaluate detailed bids.
The largest change to PQQs post-Brexit is that the UK has established its own procurement regulations. These are governed by the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015) which have been amended to reflect the country's departure from the European Union (EU). Post-Brexit, the UK government has expressed a stronger emphasis on domestic sourcing, promoting the idea of "Buy British" and supporting local businesses.
This may present new opportunities for UK-based suppliers, as public sector buyers may be more inclined to prioritise domestic suppliers who can demonstrate competitiveness and value for money.
However, while domestic sourcing is encouraged, it's important to note that international suppliers still have the opportunity to participate in UK procurement processes. The UK remains committed to international trade and has implemented procedures to ensure fair competition. Suppliers from EU member states and other countries can still bid for UK contracts, although they may need to navigate different regulations and requirements.
Brexit has also led to changes in the thresholds that determine when procurement processes must be advertised in accordance with the regulations. The financial thresholds for public sector contracts are now set by the UK government, which provides opportunities for smaller businesses to access public sector contracts that fall below the EU thresholds. See our PPN 03/23 blog for the latest changes.
The final largest change has been an increased focus on improving capabilities, staying updated with regulatory changes, and adapting to evolving buyer requirements. Enhancing financial stability, investing in relevant certifications or accreditations, and demonstrating sustainable and ethical practices can strengthen your position in PQQ evaluations.
Top tips for completing PQQs
Often 10+ pages long, PQQs can be a daunting sight for suppliers, especially if they are not familiar with the UK public procurement process. Fear not. Our top tips for completing PQQs are below:
- Read and understand the PQQ thoroughly: Carefully review the PQQ document, ensuring you understand all the requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission guidelines. Take note of any specific instructions or formats requested for your responses to ensure that your response is compliant.
- Tailor your responses: Customise your answers to align with the buyer's requirements. Highlight relevant qualifications, experience, and capabilities that directly address the buyer's needs. Avoid submitting generic or generic responses and instead focus on demonstrating how you can meet the specific criteria outlined in the PQQ.
- Demonstrate compliance and adherence: Ensure your responses clearly demonstrate that you comply with all legal, regulatory, and industry requirements. Showcase your commitment to ethical practices, health and safety standards, environmental sustainability, and any relevant certifications or accreditations. Compliance is a critical factor in buyer decision-making.
- Review and proofread: Before submitting your PQQ, thoroughly review and proofread your responses. Check for any errors, inconsistencies, or missing information. Consider seeking a second opinion from a colleague or member of our team to ensure your document is error-free and polished.
- Meet deadlines: Adhere to the submission deadline specified in the PQQ. Late submissions are typically not accepted. Plan your time effectively to allow for a comprehensive review and submission well before the deadline.
How Thornton & Lowe can help perfect your PQQs
We know our clients have what it takes to win, and we champion the SMEs that make it happen. With a success rate of 75% and 90% client retention, get in touch and let us be the voice that perfects your PQQs today.
