The common assessment standard
The Common Assessment Standard is an industry-agreed set of questions and corresponding assessment standards for the pre-qualification of suppliers. There are two levels of certification: desktop and site-based, which build on the PAS 91 pre-qualification questionnaire, helping contractors achieve compliance and mitigate risks across 13 key areas of risk management. Evidence of compliance in these 13 areas is normally required once a year via an online contractor portal.
The Common Assessment Standard, was developed by Build UK, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and other accreditation bodies and industry experts. It was launched in 2019, at which time CHAS became the first assessment body to offer the scheme. In 2021 the introduction of a data-sharing agreement accelerated its adoption, meaning the details of those who pass the assessment can be accessed via any of the providers, regardless of which assessment body carries out the audit.
The contents of the Common Assessment Standard in 2023 cover 10 key areas;
- Section 1: Identity
- Section 2: Financial
- Section 3: Corporate and Professional Standing Section 4: Health and Safety
- Section 5: Environmental
- Section 6: Quality
- Section 7: Equality
- Section 8: Corporate Social Responsibility
- Section 9: Information Security and GDPR
- Section 10: Information Management (IM)
The Common Assessment Standard is now a leading accreditation programme that is recognised industry-wide and is designed to improve efficiency and reduce cost in the construction pre-qualification (PQ) process. As an accreditation system designed to standardise the pre-qualification process, it helps both clients and contractors improve supply chain efficiency, reduce supply chain risks, and find reliable business opportunities. Clients can access a database of qualified contractors via the services of the assessment bodies.
In 2022, 16,000 supply chain companies were certified to the scheme, with 22 contractors and clients specifying it as a requirement and 4 trade association requiring it as a standard. Within the public sector, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has for some time asked contractors appointed to seven-year frameworks to assess their supply chains using the Common Assessment Standard. However in 2023 the Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 08/16 advising of this, was changed with PPN 03/23 requiring the use of the CAS or PAS 91 for substantial construction and other public works.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Appointing consultants.
- Common minimum standards.
- Constructionline.
- Construction contract.
- Government construction strategy.
- Invitation to tender.
- PAS 91.
- Pre-qualification standard 2021.
- Pre tender interview.
- Procurement route.
- Procurement policy note PPN.
- Public sector PQQs look to the Common Assessment Standard.
- Selection criteria.
- Tender.
[edit] External links
- For further information https://builduk.org/priorities/increasing-productivity/pre-qualification/
- Infographic https://builduk.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Common-Assessment-Standard-Infographic.pdf
- The set of CAS questions can be viewed here; https://builduk.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Common-Assessment-Standard-Question-Set-Version-3.1.pdf
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