Pre qualification questionnaires and PAS 91 - Revision history

Editor at 04:41, 17 July 2024

2024-07-17T04:41:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:41, 17 July 2024
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	Pre qualification questionnaires in construction are used by buyers as the first stage of selection. Typically, this is a box-ticking exercise that includes basic company information and checks statements of non-collusion.		Pre qualification questionnaires in construction are used by buyers as the first stage of selection. Typically, this is a box-ticking exercise that includes basic company information and checks statements of non-collusion.
		+
		+	Note that since this article was written Procurement Policy Notice (PPN) 03/24 clarified that PAS 91 is no longer actively supported (or updated) and that the Common Assessment Standard (CAS) is the preferred pre-qualification questionnaire for public projects. Version 4 of the Common Assessment Standard (CAS), was published on July 4 2024, and included a new Building Safety, ensuring it can be used to demonstrate companies have the organisational capability to fulfil their roles under the Building Safety Act.
		+
		+	For more information see article the common assessment standard.

	= The first stage of the PQQ =		= The first stage of the PQQ =
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	= The PAS 91 =		= The PAS 91 =

−	PAS 91s ~~are~~ becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry. This questionnaire ~~has~~ been developed by the British Standards Institute to save companies from filling out several different ~~PQQs~~.	+	PAS 91s had been becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry, but is now effectively replaced by the Common Assessment Standard (CAS). This questionnaire had been developed by the British Standards Institute to save companies from filling out several different PQQ's. The main benefits of completing a PAS-91 were:
		+
		+	* Exemption granted from some core sections if the required accreditations are held.
		+	* Questions for the core modules standardised, which meant companies coul develop standard responses to use every time.
		+
		+	Exemption from individual categories could also be granted through holding certain accreditations - such as an ISO 9001 quality management certificate for the performance management section. This is typically standard, however, there are sometimes slight variations from buyer to buyer. Those companies without accreditations have to answer questions in the optional and core modules.

−	~~The main benefits of completing a PAS-91 are:~~	+	= Common Assessment Standard (CAS) =

−	* Exemption is granted from some core sections if the ~~required accreditations are held~~.	+	Version 4 of the Common Assessment Standard (CAS), was published on July 4 2024, and included a new Building Safety section, ensuring it can be used to demonstrate companies have the organisational capability to fulfil their roles under the Building Safety Act. Procurement Policy Notice (PPN) 03/24 clarified two issues, that PAS 91 is no longer actively supported (or updated) and that the Common Assessment Standard (CAS) is the preferred method for pre-qualification in public projects. For more information see article the common assessment standard.
−	* Questions for the ~~core modules are standardised, which means companies can develop~~ standard ~~responses to use every time~~.	+

−	~~Exemption from individual categories can~~ also ~~be granted through holding certain accreditations - such as an ISO 9001 quality management certificate for~~ the ~~performance management section. This is typically standard, however, there are sometimes slight variations from buyer to buyer.~~	+	As with PAS1 CAS also notes a number of potential exemptions, where company holds any of the following certifications:

−	~~Those companies without accreditations will have to answer questions in the optional and core modules.~~	+	* ISO 9001
		+	* ISO 14001 / EMAS
		+	* ISO 27001 / Cyber Essentials Plus
		+	* ISO 45001 / SSIP
		+	* BS 99001
		+	* ISO 19650-2

	= Relationship with tenders =		= Relationship with tenders =
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	--[[User:Hudson_Succeed_-_Construction_Bid_Writing_Consultants\|Hudson Succeed]]		--[[User:Hudson_Succeed_-_Construction_Bid_Writing_Consultants\|Hudson Succeed]]

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Invitation to tender.		* Invitation to tender.

Editor at 11:16, 29 March 2021

2021-03-29T11:16:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:16, 29 March 2021
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	* Invitation to tender.		* Invitation to tender.
	* Pre qualification questionnaire.		* Pre qualification questionnaire.
		+	* Pre-qualification standard 2021.
	* PAS 91.		* PAS 91.
	* Tender documentation.		* Tender documentation.

	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Procurement]]		[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Designing Buildings at 07:58, 9 March 2021

2021-03-09T07:58:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:58, 9 March 2021
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	* Tender documentation.		* Tender documentation.

−	[[Category:Procurement]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:Procurement]]

Editor at 10:49, 22 July 2020

2020-07-22T10:49:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:49, 22 July 2020
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	Buyers can potentially receive hundreds of tender submissions for a single contract, and as such, it’s in their interest to ensure that suppliers are both vetted and checked to ensure they both fulfil their legal obligations but also that inadequate suppliers can be excluded as early as possible, saving both time and money.		Buyers can potentially receive hundreds of tender submissions for a single contract, and as such, it’s in their interest to ensure that suppliers are both vetted and checked to ensure they both fulfil their legal obligations but also that inadequate suppliers can be excluded as early as possible, saving both time and money.

−	--[[User:Hudson_Succeed_-_Construction_Bid_Writing_Consultants\|Hudson Succeed ~~- Construction Bid Writing Consultants~~]]	+	--[[User:Hudson_Succeed_-_Construction_Bid_Writing_Consultants\|Hudson Succeed]]

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Editor at 11:03, 21 July 2020

2020-07-21T11:03:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:03, 21 July 2020
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	Those companies without accreditations will have to answer questions in the optional and core modules.		Those companies without accreditations will have to answer questions in the optional and core modules.

−	~~== Health and safety ==~~	+	= Relationship with tenders =
−		+
−	~~In typical PAS91s, companies are exempt from completing this section if:~~	+
−		+
−	* They have completed a PAS 91 question set within the past 12 months.	+
−	* They hold SSIP health and safety accreditation (such as CHAS or SafeContractor).	+
−	* They have a formally recognised management system such as OHSAS 18001:2007 or ISO 45001:2018.	+
−		+
−	~~If not, the company will be asked a series of questions and will be required to give evidence through the provision of policies and training materials. Areas covered include:~~	+
−		+
−	* Training and keeping staff up to date regarding health and safety practices.	+
−	* Reviewing policies and procedures and compliance with best practice.	+
−	* Risk assessment and accident reporting.	+
−		+
−	~~== Quality ==~~	+
−		+
−	~~This section will present a series of questions that suppliers will have to answer regarding their approach to performance management. Typically, this includes the likes of:~~	+
−		+
−	* Audits, inspections and other means of performance management	+
−	* Quality assurance procedures and other proactive means of ensuring performance, such as training	+
−	* How you manage underperformance and discuss this with employees	+
−	* Reviews of policies and procedures and compliance with best practice	+
−		+
−	Luckily, those with certified ISO 9001 quality management systems, and can produce a certificate to prove this, are exempted from completing this section. If not, evidence you can provide can include the likes of policies, procedures, training records and even inspection reports.	+
−		+
−	~~== Environment ==~~	+
−		+
−	Much like the quality management section, this section can be bypassed if you hold an ISO 14001 environmental management certificate. Alternatively, you will be required to evidence your responses to the questions with the provision of policies, procedures and any appropriate documentation to prove that you are undertaking the appropriate due diligence and means to minimise your environmental impact.	+
−		+
−	~~Areas covered can include:~~	+
−		+
−	* Carbon emissions reduction and waste management	+
−	* Training and maximising environmental awareness	+
−	* Policies, procedures and reviews to ensure compliance with best practice	+
−		+
−	~~== Equality and diversity ==~~	+
−		+
−	Again, a buyer will want to fulfil their due diligence by ensuring that the organisation has the appropriate measures in place to maximise opportunities for everyone – regardless of sex, relationship status, or ethnicity, in line with the Equality Act 2010. As such, questions in this section will cover areas such as:	+
−		+
−	* Training provided to staff regarding equal opportunities	+
−	* Means in place to mitigate prejudice/discrimination from the application process	+
−		+
−	== Relationship with tenders ==	+

	Buyers can potentially receive hundreds of tender submissions for a single contract, and as such, it’s in their interest to ensure that suppliers are both vetted and checked to ensure they both fulfil their legal obligations but also that inadequate suppliers can be excluded as early as possible, saving both time and money.		Buyers can potentially receive hundreds of tender submissions for a single contract, and as such, it’s in their interest to ensure that suppliers are both vetted and checked to ensure they both fulfil their legal obligations but also that inadequate suppliers can be excluded as early as possible, saving both time and money.

Editor: moved Pre qualification questionnaires and PAS91 to Pre qualification questionnaires and PAS 91

2020-07-21T10:34:40Z

moved Pre qualification questionnaires and PAS91 to Pre qualification questionnaires and PAS 91

← Older revision

Revision as of 10:34, 21 July 2020

Editor: moved Pre qualification auestionnaires and PAS91 to Pre qualification questionnaires and PAS91

2020-07-21T10:32:54Z

moved Pre qualification auestionnaires and PAS91 to Pre qualification questionnaires and PAS91

← Older revision

Revision as of 10:32, 21 July 2020

Editor: moved Pre-Qualification Questionnaires and PAS91 to Pre qualification auestionnaires and PAS91

2020-07-21T10:31:56Z

moved Pre-Qualification Questionnaires and PAS91 to Pre qualification auestionnaires and PAS91

← Older revision

Revision as of 10:31, 21 July 2020

Editor at 10:31, 21 July 2020

2020-07-21T10:31:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:31, 21 July 2020
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	The term ‘standard selection questionnaire’ is rather self-explanatory - these questionnaires, therefore, are often standard sets of questions buyers pose to potential suppliers as part of the tender process.		The term ‘standard selection questionnaire’ is rather self-explanatory - these questionnaires, therefore, are often standard sets of questions buyers pose to potential suppliers as part of the tender process.

−	Pre-qualification questionnaires in construction are used by buyers as the first stage of selection. Typically, this is a box-ticking exercise that includes basic company information and checks statements of non-collusion.	+	Pre qualification questionnaires in construction are used by buyers as the first stage of selection. Typically, this is a box-ticking exercise that includes basic company information and checks statements of non-collusion.

−	= The first stage =	+	= The first stage of the PQQ =

−	Pre-qualification questionnaires are designed to act as the first stage of vetting to ensure that businesses:	+	Pre qualification questionnaires are designed to act as the first stage of vetting to ensure that businesses:

	* Are financially stable.		* Are financially stable.
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	* Possess the appropriate experience and technical capability to deliver the works.		* Possess the appropriate experience and technical capability to deliver the works.

−	Pre-qualification questionnaires in construction can vary from buyer to buyer. They may use different names such as SQ (selection questionnaire) or SSQ (standard selection questionnaire). Pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) are often marked using the pass/fail scoring methodology. They have clear yes/no answers or minimum scores for each section to be considered for the next stage.	+	Pre qualification questionnaires in construction can vary from buyer to buyer. They may use different names such as SQ (selection questionnaire) or SSQ (standard selection questionnaire). Pre qualification questionnaires (PQQ) are often marked using the pass/fail scoring methodology. They have clear yes/no answers or minimum scores for each section to be considered for the next stage.

	Depending on whether the process follows the open or closed procedure, the PQQ and initial tender may be required to be completed at the same time. For the latter closed procedure, vendors must first pass this initial stage of vetting prior to completing the main tender exercise.		Depending on whether the process follows the open or closed procedure, the PQQ and initial tender may be required to be completed at the same time. For the latter closed procedure, vendors must first pass this initial stage of vetting prior to completing the main tender exercise.
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	= Evaluating the PQQ =		= Evaluating the PQQ =

−	This is one of the few sections on a typical PQQ where vendor responses are marked with scores, often with a minimum threshold required to pass to the next stage. The typical question, shared across lots of pre-qualification questionnaires in construction is this:	+	This is one of the few sections on a typical PQQ where vendor responses are marked with scores, often with a minimum threshold required to pass to the next stage. The typical question, shared across lots of pre qualification questionnaires in construction is this:

	"Please provide details of up to three contracts, in any combination from either the public or private sector, voluntary, charity or social enterprise (VCSE) that are relevant to this requirement. VCSEs may include samples of grant-funded work. Contracts for supplies or services should have been performed during the past three years. Works contracts may be from the past five years."		"Please provide details of up to three contracts, in any combination from either the public or private sector, voluntary, charity or social enterprise (VCSE) that are relevant to this requirement. VCSEs may include samples of grant-funded work. Contracts for supplies or services should have been performed during the past three years. Works contracts may be from the past five years."
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	* The results: A final summary detailing the successes of the contract.		* The results: A final summary detailing the successes of the contract.

−	~~== You still have~~ to ~~sell your business ==~~	+	Factual recall of events should be relevant to the scope of works for the contract and should demonstrate how this performance/experience makes the vendor a suitable provider.

−	~~Although this is still very much a simple, factual recall of what you have done, you want to still make sure that what you’re saying is:~~	+	= The PAS 91 =

−	~~# Relevant to~~ the ~~scope of works for~~ the ~~contract your bidding for~~	+	PAS 91s are becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry. This questionnaire has been developed by the British Standards Institute to save companies from filling out several different PQQs.
−	~~# Demonstrates how this performance/experience makes you a suitable provider~~	+

−	~~So, for example, let’s say you’re bidding to provide void property repairs for a local council. You will want to, if you can, utilise three examples~~ of ~~where you have done this previously.~~	+	The main benefits of completing a PAS-91 are:

−	~~Simply put, we will want to draw as many parallels in our case studies with~~ the ~~scope of works we’re bidding for as possible~~. ~~Talk about key challenges and lessons learnt that have had a direct impact on how you work today, and how these lessons learnt will prevent the same problem occurring~~ for the ~~buyer~~.	+	* Exemption is granted from some core sections if the required accreditations are held.
		+	* Questions for the core modules are standardised, which means companies can develop standard responses to use every time.

−	~~== The dreaded PAS~~-~~91… ==~~	+	Exemption from individual categories can also be granted through holding certain accreditations - such as an ISO 9001 quality management certificate for the performance management section. This is typically standard, however, there are sometimes slight variations from buyer to buyer.

−	~~PAS-91s are becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry, which has been developed by the British Standards Institute to save~~ companies ~~from filling out several different PQQs. Basically, a PAS91 is a type of pre-qualification questionnaire that is slightly elongated but has the same basic ‘what you have done’ approach.~~	+	Those companies without accreditations will have to answer questions in the optional and core modules.
−		+
−	~~=== The main benefits of completing a PAS-91 are: ===~~	+
−		+
−	* Exemption is granted from some core sections should you hold the required accreditations	+
−	* For the core modules, questions are standardised, and as such, you can develop standard responses to use every time	+
−	* The above examples will allow you to save time in the long run	+
−		+
−	~~== Great news for those with accreditations ==~~	+
−		+
−	If you’ve spent company time to gain Constructionline – especially the Gold certificate – you will automatically be exempt from completing the most time-consuming parts of PAS91 questionnaires, such as quality management, health and safety, environment and equality and diversity sections. As long as the appropriate procedures are in place for all, anyone can apply for Constructionline, an invaluable tool should you find yourself bidding for a lot of construction contracts. There may be occasions where the buyer still requires to see this, but we find this extremely rare and maintaining the ConstructionLine status, definitely gives you that advantage over those who don’t possess this.	+
−		+
−	Exemption from individual categories can also be granted through holding certain accreditations – such as an ISO 9001 quality management certificate for the performance management section. This is typically standard, however, there are sometimes slight variations from buyer to buyer – so check carefully.	+
−		+
−	~~However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as those~~ without ~~such~~ accreditations ~~can, in some cases, still pass, it just means more work. As such, depending on where you’re lacking in accreditations, you~~ will have to answer questions in the optional and core modules~~, such as:~~	+
−		+
−	* Health and safety	+
−	* Quality management	+
−	* Environmental management	+
−	* Equality and diversity	+
−		+
−	~~These sections will go into detail regarding your approach to the above, with evidence requested to back up what you’re saying~~.	+

	== Health and safety ==		== Health and safety ==

−	~~It goes without saying that any buyer will need their suppliers to deliver the works as safely and responsibly as possible~~, ~~with clear levels of accountability and responsibility to ensure the works~~ are ~~delivered in accordance with the appropriate regulations, such as CDM 2015 and the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974.~~	+	In typical PAS91s, companies are exempt from completing this section if:

−	~~In typical PAS91s, you are exempt from completing this section if~~:	+	* They have completed a PAS 91 question set within the past 12 months.
		+	* They hold SSIP health and safety accreditation (such as CHAS or SafeContractor).
		+	* They have a formally recognised management system such as OHSAS 18001:2007 or ISO 45001:2018.

−	* You’ve completed a ~~PAS-91 question set within~~ the ~~past 12 months~~	+	If not, the company will be asked a series of questions and will be required to give evidence through the provision of policies and training materials. Areas covered include:
−	* You hold SSIP health and ~~safety accreditation such as CHAS or SafeContractor~~	+
−	* You have a formally recognised management system such as OHSAS 18001:2007 or ISO 45001:~~2018~~	+

−	If not, you will be asked a series of questions regarding your health and safety policies and procedures, and you will be required to evidence your approach through the provision of policies and training materials. Areas covered include:	+	* Training and keeping staff up to date regarding health and safety practices.
−		+	* Reviewing policies and procedures and compliance with best practice.
−	* Training and keeping staff up to date regarding health and safety practices	+	* Risk assessment and accident reporting.
−	* Reviewing policies and procedures and compliance with best practice	+
−	* Risk assessment and accident reporting	+

	== Quality ==		== Quality ==
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
		+
		+	* Invitation to tender.
		+	* Pre qualification questionnaire.
		+	* PAS 91.
		+	* Tender documentation.

	[[Category:Procurement]]		[[Category:Procurement]]

Editor at 10:14, 21 July 2020

2020-07-21T10:14:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:14, 21 July 2020
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	The term ‘standard selection questionnaire’ is rather self-explanatory – these questionnaires, therefore, are often standard sets of questions buyers pose to potential suppliers as part of the tender process.	+	The term ‘standard selection questionnaire’ is rather self-explanatory - these questionnaires, therefore, are often standard sets of questions buyers pose to potential suppliers as part of the tender process.

	Pre-qualification questionnaires in construction are used by buyers as the first stage of selection. Typically, this is a box-ticking exercise that includes basic company information and checks statements of non-collusion.		Pre-qualification questionnaires in construction are used by buyers as the first stage of selection. Typically, this is a box-ticking exercise that includes basic company information and checks statements of non-collusion.
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	Pre-qualification questionnaires in construction can vary from buyer to buyer. They may use different names such as SQ (selection questionnaire) or SSQ (standard selection questionnaire). Pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) are often marked using the pass/fail scoring methodology. They have clear yes/no answers or minimum scores for each section to be considered for the next stage.		Pre-qualification questionnaires in construction can vary from buyer to buyer. They may use different names such as SQ (selection questionnaire) or SSQ (standard selection questionnaire). Pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ) are often marked using the pass/fail scoring methodology. They have clear yes/no answers or minimum scores for each section to be considered for the next stage.

−	Depending on whether the process follows the open or closed procedure, the PQQ and initial tender may be required to be completed at the same time. For the latter, closed procedure, ~~you~~ must first pass this ~~first~~ stage of vetting prior to completing the main tender exercise.	+	Depending on whether the process follows the open or closed procedure, the PQQ and initial tender may be required to be completed at the same time. For the latter closed procedure, vendors must first pass this initial stage of vetting prior to completing the main tender exercise.

−	=~~= Technical and professional ability =~~=	+	= Evaluating the PQQ =

−	This is one of the few sections on a typical PQQ where ~~your~~ responses are marked with scores, often with a minimum threshold ~~that you are~~ required to pass to the next stage. The typical question, shared across lots of pre-qualification questionnaires in construction is:	+	This is one of the few sections on a typical PQQ where vendor responses are marked with scores, often with a minimum threshold required to pass to the next stage. The typical question, shared across lots of pre-qualification questionnaires in construction is this:

−	Please provide details of up to three contracts, in any combination from either the public or private sector; voluntary, charity or social enterprise (VCSE) that are relevant to ~~our~~ requirement. VCSEs may include samples of grant-funded work. Contracts for supplies or services should have been performed during the past three years. Works contracts may be from the past five years.	+	"Please provide details of up to three contracts, in any combination from either the public or private sector, voluntary, charity or social enterprise (VCSE) that are relevant to this requirement. VCSEs may include samples of grant-funded work. Contracts for supplies or services should have been performed during the past three years. Works contracts may be from the past five years."

−	~~The underlined sections are the key parts of the question we need to consider.~~ Word counts can vary from buyer to buyer – some requiring from as little as 200 words to larger, 1000+ word responses. Regardless, ~~you should break~~ the case study ~~down into~~ key sections, detailing:	+	Word counts can vary from buyer to buyer - some requiring from as little as 200 words to larger, 1000+ word responses. Regardless, the case study should include key sections, detailing:

−	* The situation: An introduction	+	* The situation: An introduction.
−	* The task: The specifics of ~~what we were tasked to do~~, ~~such as~~ conducting boiler services and repairs across 1000+ plus properties	+	* The task: The specifics of the task (for example, conducting boiler services and repairs across 1000+ plus properties).
−	* The actions: How ~~we delivered~~ the contract, including key challenges or issues ~~we faced~~	+	* The actions: How was the contract delivered, including key challenges or issues.
−	* The results: A final ~~‘why us’~~ summary ~~point – detail~~ the successes of the contract	+	* The results: A final summary detailing the successes of the contract.
−		+
−	~~We call this our STAR approach and has played an invaluable role in winning over 87% of PQQ submissions for our clients~~.	+

	== You still have to sell your business ==		== You still have to sell your business ==