{"id":7903,"date":"2018-10-11T14:56:40","date_gmt":"2018-10-11T13:56:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/amtivo.com\/uk\/standards\/\/\/guide-to-pqqs\/"},"modified":"2025-12-15T16:18:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T16:18:23","slug":"guide-to-pqqs","status":"publish","type":"standard-post-filter","link":"https:\/\/amtivo.com\/uk\/standards\/iso-9001\/insights\/guide-to-pqqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Confirm Your Suitability for Supply Contracts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pre-Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs) are usually deployed in the early stages of a public procurement process. Companies need to prove suitability to be considered for the tender stage. How can you best maximise your chances of passing through a PQQ and winning the business?<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n

What Is a PQQ?<\/h2>\r\n

In the simplest terms, a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) is a list of questions relating to the important criteria that a supplier must meet when applying for a contract. These documents are far more commonplace in the public sector than the private sector, but they are sometimes used to check supplier suitability in private tender arrangements. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

A PQQ is often used as an effective tool to shortlist suppliers when there is a large number of applications for the tender. Suppliers that fail to meet the required standards can be automatically disregarded in the process, allowing for streamlined, efficient short-listing. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

Suppliers are scored on a scale according to their answers in the PQQ, which may cover areas such as finance, appropriate experience and company policy. Often the supplier with the highest score will be accepted for the job. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

PQQ: A Demonstration of Competence<\/h2>\r\n

Don\u2019t be fooled into thinking that a PQQ is simply a box-ticking exercise that\u2019s about passing a barrier to the tender process. The intelligent way to view this document is actually as a marketing exercise that gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your competence and suitability as a supplier. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

This is an example PPQ document<\/a> \u2014 but they may vary. It goes into depth about the different areas of your business, verifying that you understand your competitive edge<\/a> and seeking assurance that you have the credentials to fulfil the agreed targets. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

When you are completing your response to the PQQ, it is recommended that you put a dedicated team leader in place to manage the process and they are given enough time to create a succinct and relevant response. You are looking to communicate your company advantages and benefits in a clear manner that shows a confidence in your identity as a business. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

Areas of Your Organisation Typically Profiled in a PQQ<\/h2>\r\n

Specific PQQs for niche industries may request the relevant specification and credibility. However, most standard agreements will explore the following areas: <\/span><\/p>\r\n