An updated version of the standard for pre-qualifying for public-sector construction work has been published.
Construction Pre-qualification Questionnaires (PAS 91) provides a common language and uniform structure for the questions used in pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs). The new version, published on 8 April by BSI, is said to feature simplified questions that solicit the information required in a more straightforward manner.
BSI says the revised PAS is likely to open up more opportunities to small and medium-sized organisations because the questions are standardised, and less information is required.
Under the previous version of PAS 91, launched in 2010, it was felt that smaller firms lost out because they cannot offer the economies of scale of the larger players in the construction sector and don’t have the resources repeatedly to supply the copious information required in PQQs.
The updated PAS has been welcomed by the Government. Business minister Michael Fallon said: “[It] will remove the burden of pre-qualification in the construction sector, streamline procedures and ultimately reduce costs for both contractors and their clients.”
The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) said it will “fly the flag for safety”. Paul Reeve, the Association’s head of business policy and practice, who helped draft the updated version of the questionnaire, added: “The new-look PAS 91 is an overall improvement to generate a greater level of engagement with local-authority and other public-sector buyers.
“It continues to include recognition of Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) and OHSAS 18001. There has also been a refinement of questions based on the Approved Code of Practice to the CDM Regulations. As the HSE prepares to take this ACoP out of commission PAS 91 is widely anticipated to become the flagship standard for health and safety pre-qualification questionnaires.”
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, however, has pledged to work with construction-industry partners to develop an even more simplified, publicly available PQQ for use by SMEs.
In its construction policy it suggests that PAS 91 has failed to gain widespread support among public-sector clients. It points out that SMEs’ overall share in the economy is 52 per cent but they win just 31-38 per cent of public procurement contracts by value. It recommends that a single portal be created for SMEs by the Government Procurement Service, via which they can register their accreditation and references.
RICS also called on the Government to make the use of PAS 91 mandatory and drive its implementation across the public sector. Currently, the Government “recommends” the use of PAS 91 and Common Minimum Standards for construction procurement.
Paul Reeve said the updated standard can only work if adopted by buyers and suppliers in both the public and private sectors. He explained: “If clients and contractors both use the document this will undoubtedly help reduce the administrative burden and confusion in the supply chain.
“Doing so will also cut costs and that, surely, will be of benefit to the construction industry as a whole.”
PAS 91:2013 Construction pre-qualification questionnaires can be downloaded free of charge from the BSI.
