It's likely that if you have been in the bid and proposal industry for a while, you are familiar with the concept of the PQQ, or Pre-Qualification Questionnaire. The PQQ is a document designed to let your potential customer know all about your organisation, before making a decision to formally invite you to bid for a project as service provider.

Many bid writers think of the PQQ as being a bit like a preliminary job interview, or application form. While the document won't secure you a project, it lets your customer know that you are operating within the right sphere of industry to have the skills and resources required to provide the service which they are seeking.

The PQQ is essentially an information-gathering exercise to qualify your company for the next round of consideration. It usually consists of a series of questions including:

 

• Company name
• Type of company
• VAT number
• Registered addresses and contact details
• Named contact for the project
• Experience, skills and resources at a high level
• Any credentials, industry qualifications or systems which you currently have in place
• Basic details about administrative processes such as health and safety measures, equal opportunities procedures and other policies.

In addition, the PQQ is likely to contain questions pertaining to your financial status and stability, and a high-level outline of your experience as an organisation, when it comes to delivering projects such as the one which the customer will be looking for.

Although the PQQ can seem pretty basic on first glance, it is actually the bid writer and bid manager's opportunity to get a foot in the door of the customer's firm, by demonstrating that you are a good candidate to reach the shortlist of service providers. Therefore, it stands to reason – just as you would with a preliminary job interview – that you should give the PQQ the respect and attention which is deserves.

Even though the PQQ may seem basic, issuing one prevents a lot of subsequent hassle and administration for the company requesting it. It enables them to identify which of the potential service providers are fit to meet their required criteria, and also provides a great opportunity for the bidding company to express their intention to deliver, and open up communications channels for subsequent correspondence when the ITT comes through.

If you are unsure how to proceed when issued with a PQQ, one of our experienced bid writers will be more than happy to support you, walking you through the process and supporting your company to succeed to the next round of selection for the project.