Bid Writing 101 ~ What is SQ? (Piece of cake!)

Do you know your SQ from your ITT? When it comes to the world of bid writing, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the procurement jargon - especially if its not your day-to-day task.

Standard Questionnaire (SQ)

Often referred to as Selection Questionnaires, or previously Prequalification Quality Questionnaires (PQQ), the Standard Questionnaire is typically the first stage of any tendering process. The SQ requires clients to provide standard company information, such as legal entity, accounts, potential subcontractors. Key sections include:

• Exclusion Grounds: Grounds for mandatory exclusion to declare any criminal activities

• Economic and Financial Standing: Accounts and financial status, usually two years

• Technical and Professional Ability: Experience, contract examples, case studies

• ISO: Health and Safety, Environment Management, Quality Management

• Policies: Includes ISO in addition to Modern Slavery, Equality and Diversity

• Insurance: Professional Indemnity, Employer's Liability, Public Liability

Additional requirements can include:

• Skills and Apprentices: Upskilling workforce for public procurement (PPN 14/15)

• Social Value: Generating value for local community, enterprises and SMEs

• Net Zero Carbon: Delivering sustainable operations, materials products and suppliers

Keep a look out for future Bid Writing 101 posts! Coming soon.