What is a PQQ?
A PQQ, or Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, is the selection stage of a procurement that assesses whether a supplier is suitable to bid, looking at matters such as financial standing, capability, experience and compliance. It is used to shortlist suppliers before the formal tendering stage. Under the Procurement Act 2023 the equivalent is often the "conditions of participation", assessed via a selection questionnaire.
Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, explained
A Pre-Qualification Questionnaire is a set of questions used at the selection stage of a procurement to establish whether a supplier is suitable to be awarded the contract. It typically covers areas such as financial standing, technical and professional capability, relevant experience, insurance, and compliance with legal and policy requirements. Its purpose is to sift out unsuitable bidders before the more detailed, and more resource-intensive, tender stage.
The PQQ is about the supplier, not the specific offer. It answers the question "is this organisation fit to do the work?" rather than "is this the best proposal?". A buyer uses the responses to decide which suppliers pass the selection criteria and, where relevant, to shortlist a smaller number to invite to tender. Suppliers who do not meet the selection requirements do not progress to the tendering stage.
In the UK, the terminology has evolved. A standardised Selection Questionnaire (SQ) was widely used under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Under the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force on 24 February 2025, buyers instead set "conditions of participation" that suppliers must satisfy, and information is gathered accordingly, so the PQQ concept persists in substance even where the exact label differs.
Key things to know
It is the selection stage
A PQQ assesses whether a supplier is suitable to bid, before any tender is evaluated.
About the supplier
It focuses on the organisation's standing and capability, not on the specific proposal for the contract.
Common assessment areas
Typical topics include financial standing, capability, experience, insurance and compliance.
Used to shortlist
Buyers use responses to decide who passes selection and, where relevant, who is invited to tender.
Now often a Selection Questionnaire
Under PCR 2015 a standardised Selection Questionnaire was widely used for this stage.
Conditions of participation under PA23
The Procurement Act 2023 frames the equivalent as conditions of participation that suppliers must meet.
Explore: What is an ITT?, What is a tender?, What is MEAT criteria?, Tender evaluation software.
How eSourcingData helps
eSourcingData helps buyers run the selection stage cleanly and consistently, with scoring and records built in.
Structured selection
Issue selection questions, capture responses and score them against clear, consistent criteria.
Audit-ready records
Every selection decision is recorded so your shortlisting is transparent and defensible.
PA23-aligned
Set conditions of participation in line with the new regime rather than legacy templates.
Hands-on support
Our procurement team helps you set proportionate selection criteria for your requirement.
FAQs
What is a PQQ?
A PQQ, or Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, is the selection stage of a procurement that assesses whether a supplier is suitable to bid, covering matters such as financial standing, capability, experience and compliance, and is used to shortlist suppliers before the tendering stage. Under the Procurement Act 2023 the equivalent is often the conditions of participation.
What is the difference between a PQQ and an ITT?
A PQQ assesses whether a supplier is suitable to bid, focusing on the organisation. An Invitation to Tender (ITT) comes later and asks shortlisted suppliers to submit their actual proposal, which is then evaluated on quality and price.
What does a PQQ assess?
A PQQ typically assesses financial standing, technical and professional capability, relevant experience, insurance and compliance with legal and policy requirements.
Is the PQQ still used under the Procurement Act 2023?
The concept persists in substance. Under the Procurement Act 2023, in force from 24 February 2025, buyers set conditions of participation that suppliers must satisfy, often gathered through a selection questionnaire, rather than a PQQ by that exact name.
What is a Selection Questionnaire?
A Selection Questionnaire (SQ) is the standardised form widely used under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 to carry out the selection stage, effectively performing the role of a PQQ.
Run a clean selection stage
See how eSourcingData helps UK buyers run selection and conditions of participation under PA23. Book a demo or request a pilot.