Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)

The Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) process used by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) is a preliminary stage in the procurement process for contracts. It helps the MOD assess the suitability of potential suppliers before inviting them to submit full tenders. Here are the key steps involved in the PQQ process:

1. Publication: The MOD publishes a PQQ notice on relevant platforms, such as the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) or Contracts Finder, to inform potential suppliers about the opportunity.

2. Submission of PQQ: Interested suppliers are required to complete and submit the PQQ, which typically includes questions related to their financial stability, technical capability, relevant experience, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

3. Evaluation: The submitted PQQs are then evaluated by the MOD against specified criteria. This assessment focuses on the supplier’s capacity to fulfill the contract requirements and their previous performance in similar contracts.

4. Shortlisting: Based on the evaluation results, a shortlist of suppliers is created. These suppliers are deemed qualified and may proceed to the Invitation to Tender (ITT) stage or further stages in the procurement process.

5. Feedback: Unsuccessful bidders may receive feedback regarding their PQQ submissions, which can help them improve their submissions for future opportunities.

6. Confidentiality and Compliance: Throughout the process, the MOD ensures that the information provided by potential suppliers is kept confidential and that the process adheres to procurement regulations and policies.

The PQQ process is crucial for the MOD to ensure that it engages with suppliers who can meet the required standards and deliver value for public money while maintaining transparency and fairness in the procurement process.