Pre-Qualification Questionnaires

• In the UK, a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) is a set of questions that are used to determine if a supplier meets the contract requirements and the PQQ is used both in the public and in the private sectors. According to Zemaities Associates, some clients use a supplier questionnaire (SQ) instead of a PQQ. 
• The PQQ is the first tool in the supplier shortlisting process and suppliers are evaluated based on factors such as company policy, financial status, and industry experience. In some cases, the supplier with the highest score may be awarded the contract.
• A sample PQQ document can be found here. 

Construction PQQ

• The pre-qualification questionnaire for the construction industry in the UK, covering highways is found in a document known as BSI PAS 91.
• The supplier is expected to provide accurate information in the BSI PAS 91, including identity, key roles, key contacts, financial status, professional standing, compliance with health and safety regulations, diversity and inclusion policy, compliance with environmental management regulations, and ability to deliver quality goods and services.
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• Suppliers who meet the minimum requirements outlined in the BSI PAS 91 document are then invited to submit their tenders. 

Construction Tenders

• Construction tenders in the UK cover highway infrastructure construction and a sample tender document by Highways England can be found here.
•  Construction tenders are usually for various tasks, including demolition, equipment supply, and supply of raw materials. There are several ways tendering is done in the UK, including open, serial, selective, and framework.
• Procurement in the UK is done following international and national obligations and regulations. The government’s construction legal framework seeks to achieve procurement based cost-effectiveness and fair competition.
• The tendering process happens in four phases: an invitation to tender, submission of tender, tender negotiation, and contract signing. A detailed description of this process can be found here. 
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Tender Timelines

• The Public Contract Regulations (PCR) 2015 sets the time limits allowed for suppliers to create their responses. Providing sufficient time to prepare tender responses enhances healthy competition among suppliers.
•  UK subscribes to the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) which stipulates that clients should give suppliers a minimum of 35 calendar days within which to respond to tenders.
•  OJEU also guides that if a client makes changes on the tender documentation during the tender process, the client should allow the suppliers 15 extra calendar days to respond to the tender.
• The Public Contract Regulations (PCR) 2015 provide that open tender responses can be submitted within 30 calendar days if the responses are submitted digitally. However, if the client publishes a Prior Information Notice (PIN), the response period can be reduced to 15 calendar days.
• A detailed description of tender response timelines can be found here.