What is a
PQQ
Also known as: Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, Selection Questionnaire, SQ
A PQQ (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire) is a structured questionnaire used in procurement to assess potential suppliers' suitability before they are invited to submit a full tender. It acts as the first screening stage in multi-stage procedures, ensuring only qualified candidates proceed to the main competition.
How does a PQQ work?
In a restricted procedure or other two-stage process, the contracting authority issues a PQQ that suppliers must complete. Based on the responses, the authority evaluates which suppliers meet the qualification requirements and are suitable to participate further.
A typical PQQ covers:
- Company information — legal structure, registration details, and contact information
- Financial standing — accounts, credit ratings, and insurance coverage
- Technical and professional capacity — relevant experience, qualifications, and resources
- Health, safety, and quality systems — certifications, management systems, and environmental policies
- Legal compliance — whether any grounds for exclusion apply
Responses are often evaluated using a structured scoring system, where different sections may carry different weightings depending on the nature and complexity of the contract.
PQQ, ESPD, and the Selection Questionnaire
In EU/EEA public procurement, the ESPD has largely replaced the traditional PQQ since Directive 2014/24/EU introduced it as a standardised self-declaration form. The ESPD follows the same principle — suppliers declare they meet the requirements — but is harmonised across Europe and defers full documentation to after contract award.
In the UK, the PQQ was formally renamed the Selection Questionnaire (SQ) in 2016 to align with ESPD requirements under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The SQ retained the same structure but introduced self-certification aligned with EU exclusion and selection criteria. Tools like Cobrief can help suppliers identify relevant prequalification opportunities and track the requirements involved.
Despite the shift in terminology, the underlying concept remains central to multi-stage procurement: screening suppliers for capability and compliance before they invest resources in preparing a full bid. The term PQQ is still widely used in private-sector and international procurement contexts.