PPN 03/24: Standard Selection Questionnaire (SQ) · first published 27 March 2024
PPN 03/24 updates the Standard Selection Questionnaire (SQ) — the set of standard questions buyers must use when shortlisting suppliers for above-threshold public contracts under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015). It replaces the previous version (PPN 03/23) and brings in four key changes: updated payment-related questions, updated steel-related questions, clearer guidance on bids from Russian and Belarusian suppliers, and the removal of references to the now-withdrawn PAS91 construction standard. All contracting authorities in England, and those in Wales and Northern Ireland carrying out reserved functions, must be using the new SQ by at most 3 months after 27 March 2024 (i.e. by around 27 June 2024), though they can adopt it straight away. For small businesses bidding for public contracts, this means the questions you will be asked at the selection stage are changing — you need to know what is new so your answers are accurate and complete.
WHO THIS APPLIES TO
THE ENKII VIEW
The updated payment questions are the most significant change for SMEs: buyers will now scrutinise your payment practices more closely, which cuts both ways — it is an opportunity to demonstrate you pay your supply chain promptly, but a risk if your records are not in order. The removal of PAS91 references is a practical relief for construction SMEs who may have been unsure how to respond to a withdrawn standard. The Russian/Belarusian supplier clarity is unlikely to affect most UK SMEs directly, but if you use subcontractors or have supply-chain links in those countries, you need to review this before bidding.
1. Download and read the new SQ (Annex B and Annex C of PPN 03/24) now so you know exactly what questions buyers will ask from late June 2024 — and prepare your standard answers in advance.
All SMEs bidding for above-threshold public contracts in England — Buyers must use the new SQ by at most 3 months after 27 March 2024; being caught off-guard by new questions at bid time costs marks and time.
2. Review and update your payment practice records — ensure you can answer the revised payment-related questions accurately, including how promptly you pay your own suppliers.
All SMEs bidding for public contracts — The SQ now contains 'updated payment related questions'; poor or incomplete payment records could undermine your selection-stage score or trigger further scrutiny.
3. Stop referencing PAS91 in your standard selection responses or pre-qualification materials — it has been withdrawn by the BSI and removed from the SQ.
Construction SMEs bidding for public contracts — References to PAS91 have been 'removed' from the SQ because 'PAS91 has now been withdrawn by the BSI'; citing it may confuse buyers or signal outdated compliance knowledge.
4. Check whether any part of your supply chain involves Russian or Belarusian entities and be prepared to declare this clearly at the selection stage, in line with PPN 01/22.
SMEs with supply-chain or subcontractor links to Russia or Belarus — The updated SQ adds 'clarity for contracting authorities on considering bids from Russian/Belarusian suppliers as set out in Procurement Policy Note 01/22', meaning buyers will be actively screening for this.
5. Review the updated steel-related questions in the new SQ and prepare accurate, evidenced answers about your steel sourcing and supply chain before the deadline.
SMEs bidding for steel-related or infrastructure contracts — The SQ includes 'updated steel related questions'; unprepared answers at selection stage can lead to elimination before your technical or commercial bid is even considered.
Every rule below quotes the official document verbatim.
The PPN applies to all contracting authorities in England, and contracting authorities in Wales and Northern Ireland that exercise wholly or mainly reserved functions, for above-threshold procurements under Part 2 of PCR 2015. (All above-threshold procurements under PCR 2015, England (and reserved-function bodies in Wales and Northern Ireland))
“This PPN applies to all contracting authorities in England, and contracting authorities in Wales and Northern Ireland that exercise wholly or mainly reserved functions, in each case when undertaking above threshold procurements within part 2 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015).”
The revised standard selection questions must be in use no later than 3 months after the publication date of 27 March 2024, but can be adopted immediately. (All in-scope contracting authorities)
“The revised standard selection questions and any other changes to this PPN are to be in use at the latest by 3 months after the publication date, but can be used immediately.”
The SQ has been updated to include revised payment-related questions. (All in-scope contracting authorities and their suppliers)
“updated payment related questions”
The SQ has been updated to include revised steel-related questions. (All in-scope contracting authorities and their suppliers)
“updated steel related questions”
The SQ now includes clarity for contracting authorities on how to consider bids from Russian and Belarusian suppliers, as set out in PPN 01/22. (All in-scope contracting authorities; suppliers with Russian/Belarusian connections)
“clarity for contracting authorities on considering bids from Russian/Belarusian suppliers as set out in Procurement Policy Note 01/22”
References to PAS91 (a construction pre-qualification standard) have been removed because PAS91 has been withdrawn by the BSI (British Standards Institution). (Construction sector suppliers and buyers)
“removed references to PAS91 which has now been withdrawn by the BSI”
The SQ template format has been revised to be more easily adapted for use on e-procurement platforms; both a list of standard questions and a template are now provided. (All in-scope contracting authorities)
“To support the move to e-procurement platforms, the format of the SQ template has been revised.”
The European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) is replaced by the Single Procurement Document (SPD), which is the Selection Questionnaire template at Annex C. (All in-scope contracting authorities and suppliers)
“replaces the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) with the Single Procurement Document (SPD), as set out in regulation 59 of the PCR 2015 (following EU Exit). The SPD is the Selection questionnaire template at Annex C.”
The standard selection questions incorporate the exclusion grounds listed in the PCR 2015. (All in-scope contracting authorities and their suppliers)
“The standard selection questions incorporate the exclusion grounds listed in the PCR 2015.”
This briefing is enkii's interpretation of the official document — the official text always governs.
Source document © Crown copyright, reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0 via the GOV.UK Content API. enkii tracks every Procurement Policy Note and briefs changes the day they land — see all briefings.