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New Standard Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (version 2)

  • Last modified date:
    8 February 2007

PQQ GUIDANCE NOTES (VERSION 2)

INTRODUCTION

  1. These guidance notes and attached annexes form part of an initiative to streamline the procurement of PFI schemes, as set out in Improving PFI Procurement (March 2002).
  2. In the past, Trusts have opted to develop Pre-qualification Questionnaires (PQQs) individually in a variety of formats and in varying levels of detail. This approach had the following disadvantages:
    -Trusts constantly had to re-invent documentation
    -As each PQQ was unique, it was difficult for bidders to respond quickly, consistently and cost effectively to Trusts.The attached documentation seeks to resolve these issues through standardising the information requested from bidders and can be used to select a long list of bidders under either the 4-2-1 or 3 - 1 PFI procurement models.
  3. Annex 1 contains a series of detailed questions which are designed to probe bidders' technical capability, capacity and financial strength in order to determine whether they can deliver a PFI scheme. These were established after lengthy consultation with Trusts, their advisers and firms engaged in the PFI market.
  4. The content and structure of the questions are mandatory and should not be added to or otherwise amended without reference to the Department of Health's Private Finance Unit. A structured evaluation methodology has been devised to operate alongside the standard questions. This methodology incorporates sufficient flexibility for Trusts and their advisers to exercise judgement where it is needed.
  5. Annex 2 contains details of the weighting system for the quantitative comparison of bidders' responses. Trusts may wish to inform bidders of the total scores allocated to each section of the PQQ to assist in focusing their responses.
  6. The combination of a mandatory information request and a tailored evaluation system will ensure that Trusts select the right bidders for progression to PITN.

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