How to complete a PQQ Selection Questionnaire SQ

The PQQ was replaced by the Selection Questionnaire (SQ) in 2016. The Selection Questionnaire consists of 3 parts, part 1 and part 2 are standard to ALL public sector tenders. Bidders are required to self-declare that none of the exclusion grounds (see part 2 below) have been breached, and that they meet the required selection criteria. Part 3 of the Selection Questionnaire allows the buyer to ask questions specific to the contract.  

​Part 1 of the Selection Questionnaire

If a bidder is relying on a sub-contractor to deliver the service and the sub-contractor’s capacity, professional credentials are essential to passing the selection criteria and they are being relied on, sub contractor's must provide a self-declaration (Part 1 and Part 2 of the SQ). 

If the buyer chooses to ask for a separate completed standard Selection Questionnaire Part 1 and Part 2 from all sub-contractors to verify if there are grounds for excluding it or not, and there are grounds for mandatory exclusion then the sub-contractor must be replaced.

Each member of a consortia would complete their own Part 1 and Part 2 (because only they can declare whether they have breached the exclusion grounds or not).  Part 3 is completed by the lead supplier for the consortia as a group. ​
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Part 2 of the Selection Questionnaire

​​Exclusion Grounds - Mandatory and Discretionary 
If the business (or the Directors of the business) are found guilty of any one of the following criminal convictions, the bidder will automatically be excluded from a the tender process: bribery, corruption, terrorism, fraud and money laundering.

Discretionary exclusions include: insolvency, conflicts of interest, misrepresentation. CCS will determine if a bidder will be disqualified on discretionary grounds by reviewing the bidders supporting evidence.

Part 3 of the Selection Questionnaire 

1) Economic & Financial Standing  
Bidders are required to provide at least 2 years financial accounts and pass a D&B credit check. If a bidder does not have 2 years accounts (e.g. they are a start up) they can provide other forms of financial evidence such as: balance sheets, bank reference. 

A turnover of twice the annual contract value is acceptable as a pass/fail criteria as are minimum credit rating scores. Bidders who fail the financial assessment are permitted a guarantor, (who must also pass the financial assessment) to guarantee all liabilities for the duration of the contract term.

2) Technical & Professional Ability 
Bidders are asked to demonstrate their previous performance, (typically for a period of 3 years). For service contracts, bidders may be asked to evidence a minimum number of hours, value of contract by providing a performance certificate, signed and verified by the customer, whom received the service.

3) Modern Slavery
Bidders who are a relevant commercial organisation, as defined by section 54 ("Transparency in supply chains etc.") of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 ("the Act") are required to provide their Modern Slavery Statement. 

4) Insurance
Bidders are required to provide evidence (upon award of a contract) they have the appropriate level of insurance in place. Insurance levels vary but £5 million employee liability, £5 million professional/ product liability and £5 million public liability are frequently used. The tender will advise the levels of insurance bidders require.

5) Apprenticeships and Cyber Essential Certificates 
Bidders are required to provide details about their participation in apprenticeship schemes and in recent recruitment agency tenders, CCS has mandated the Cyber Essentials Certificate. 

A copy of the Selection Questionnaire can be found here. ​

Naomi Clews Consultancy is a bid and tender writing specialist visit our website for more information here.