Quick answer: A Selection Questionnaire (SQ) is a document buyers use in restricted procedures to assess whether suppliers meet minimum requirements before inviting them to submit a full tender. It replaced the PQQ under the Procurement Act 2023. Failing an SQ pass/fail question means immediate disqualification — so having the right accreditations, insurance, and financial standing in place before bidding is essential.
What an SQ typically covers
Part 1: Company information
LowBasic details — company name, registration number, address, contact details, legal form, ownership structure, and persons with significant control.
Part 2: Exclusion grounds
High — any relevant conviction = immediate exclusionDeclarations confirming the company is not subject to mandatory or discretionary exclusion grounds — criminal convictions, tax non-compliance, insolvency, misconduct, or poor past performance.
Part 3: Financial standing
High — failing minimum turnover = disqualificationFinancial accounts, turnover figures, and confirmation that minimum turnover requirements are met. Buyers typically require turnover of at least 2x the annual contract value. May include credit score assessment.
Part 4: Insurance
High — insufficient insurance = disqualificationPublic liability (minimum specified — often £5-10m), professional indemnity, and employer's liability insurance certificates. Insurances must be current and at the specified minimum level.
Part 5: Technical and professional ability
Medium — scored against criteria, can affect shortlistingEvidence of relevant experience — typically 2-3 case studies of comparable contracts, staff qualifications, quality management systems (ISO 9001), and sector-specific accreditations.
Part 6: Additional requirements
High for specified accreditations — varies by contractContract-specific requirements such as Cyber Essentials, sector-specific certifications, DBS checks for staff, GDPR compliance, and supply chain management policies.
How to prepare for an SQ
Check minimum requirements before starting
Read the SQ thoroughly before investing time in completion. If you do not meet the minimum turnover, insurance, or accreditation requirements, do not submit — you will be disqualified and have wasted your time. Identify any gaps and address them before the next suitable opportunity.
Prepare your case studies in advance
The technical and professional ability section typically requires 2-3 case studies of comparable contracts. Write these up properly before you need them — with contract values, client types, durations, and measurable outcomes. Keep a library of case studies updated as you complete contracts.
Ensure your SRS profile is current
The Supplier Registration Service stores your SQ information centrally. An up-to-date SRS profile means you can reference it in SQ submissions rather than repeatedly entering the same information. Check your financial data, insurance certificates, and accreditations are current.
Answer every question completely
Incomplete SQ responses are a common cause of disqualification. Every question must be answered — if a question is not applicable, state "N/A" with a brief explanation rather than leaving it blank.
Submit before the deadline
SQ deadlines are absolute — late submissions are disqualified. Allow time for technical problems with procurement portals. Submit at least 24 hours before the deadline.
Common SQ mistakes
Expired insurance certificates
Keep a calendar reminder 60 days before insurance renewal. Upload renewed certificates to SRS immediately.
Turnover below minimum requirement
Check minimum turnover before starting. Consider joint ventures or subcontracting arrangements if you fall short.
Missing accreditations
Obtain Cyber Essentials, CHAS, and ISO 9001 before they are needed — not when a tender requires them.
Weak case studies
Write case studies using STAR method. Include contract value, client type, duration, and quantified outcomes.
Incomplete declarations
Read every exclusion ground carefully. If in doubt about whether something applies, seek legal advice before declaring.
Generic responses
Tailor responses to the specific buyer and contract type. Generic copy-paste responses score poorly on scored questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Selection Questionnaire?
A Selection Questionnaire (SQ) is a document used by public sector buyers in restricted procurement procedures to assess whether suppliers meet minimum requirements before being invited to submit a full tender. It replaced the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) under the Procurement Act 2023 and covers financial standing, insurance, technical capability, and exclusion declarations.
What is the difference between an SQ and a PQQ?
A Selection Questionnaire (SQ) replaced the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) under the Procurement Act 2023. The SQ is more standardised and aligned with the Supplier Registration Service, reducing duplication. The content is similar — financial standing, insurance, technical capability — but the SQ is designed to link with the centralised SRS.
Is an SQ used in every procurement?
No. SQs are used in restricted procedures where the buyer wants to shortlist suppliers before issuing a full ITT. In open procedures, all suppliers submit a full tender simultaneously without a pre-qualification stage. SQs are more common for complex, higher-value contracts where the buyer wants to limit the number of full tender submissions.
What is a pass/fail question in an SQ?
A pass/fail question is a minimum requirement that suppliers must meet to proceed. Failing a pass/fail question results in immediate disqualification regardless of performance on other questions. Common pass/fail criteria include minimum insurance levels, absence of relevant convictions, and possession of specific accreditations like Cyber Essentials.
How many suppliers are shortlisted after an SQ?
The number of suppliers shortlisted after an SQ varies by contract. Buyers typically shortlist 3-6 suppliers for the ITT stage. The shortlisting criteria and minimum/maximum numbers must be specified in the contract notice. Shortlisting is done on the basis of selection criteria scores.
Can I appeal an SQ rejection?
Yes. If you believe the SQ evaluation was conducted incorrectly or unlawfully, you can challenge the decision. Under the Procurement Act 2023, unsuccessful SQ applicants are entitled to feedback. During the standstill period before ITT issuance, challenges can prevent the process from continuing.
What financial information is required in an SQ?
SQs typically require your last 2-3 years' audited accounts, turnover figures, and confirmation that you meet the minimum turnover requirement (typically 2x the annual contract value). Some buyers also request credit scores or require suppliers to demonstrate adequate financial resilience.
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