New from NESEP - monthly Procurement Tips from the Procurement Guru
Tips from the Procurement Guru: Pre-Qualification Questionnaires
At pre-tender stage, you may be required to provide information in the form of a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) to demonstrate that you qualify to bid for public sector contracts. The style of PQQ’s used by public sector organisations is very similar and the documents and evidence they request are often the same.
Here are some key do’s and don’ts to remember when completing PQQ’s.
Do:
- Distinguish your PQQ from the rest by showing a clear understanding of requirements and demonstrating added value.
- Build a bids file with copies of documents normally required in PQQ’s e.g. accounts, certificates, policies etc.
- Make sure information is well presented, accurate and easy to read.
- Reference all documents clearly and answer the questions in the correct order.
- Remember that the buyer is looking to narrow the field to a manageable number and check for errors or omissions which might result in you being excluded.
- Tailor the description of your business to the buyer’s specific requirements.
- Use references appropriate to the specific tender.
- Indicate what level of cover you would put in place, if you don’t currently have insurance cover (e.g. employers’ liability, public liability etc) if you were to win the contract.
- Use your accreditations such as ISO 9000 or 14001 as evidence of your commitment to quality. If you don’t have formal accreditations demonstrate you have internal systems in place.
Don’t:
- Omit details you think the buyer already knows.
- Underestimate the importance public sector bodies place on health and safety, quality, equal opportunities and environmental issues.
- Miss the deadline or you will be excluded.
If you need any help with PQQ’s or any other aspect of bidding for public sector work you can get it FREE by contacting Chris Beety on 07803182459 email cvlchris@o2.co.uk
Next month's tips from the Procurement Guru...how to create an Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy.
