The Dos & Don’ts of Writing a PQQ for Construction
To win their business you have to be invited to tender – which means passing the PQQ stage. Here are some tips to help you write a successful PQQ for the construction industry:
DO
Gather together all the information you need before starting to complete the PQQ. As well as basic company details you’ll need H&S policies, accounts, references, case studies, environmental and sustainability data etc.
DON’T
Underestimate how long it will take to write a PQQ. With so many other construction companies applying for every contract, a hastily completed, rushed PQQ will fail.
DO
Read the PQQ fully, and then read it again. If there are any questions that you don’t understand, don’t be afraid to call the procurement team and ask for clarification.
DON’T
Copy and paste from a previous PQQ. Every contract is unique and you need to tailor your answers. For example, the requirements for new builds and refurbishments are very different in terms of costings, environment, construction methods etc. Answer every question with specifics, not generalities.
DO
Refer to any relevant construction regulations in your answers, where appropriate. It’s easy to assume prior knowledge but a recent survey found that two thirds of construction clients are unaware of regulations such as CDM (Construction (Design & Management). Prove your credentials by including such information in your PQQ.
DON’T
Under quote in order to win the contract. This is especially important in the construction industry, where cutting costs on materials or Health and Safety can have tragic results. Clients will be looking for “best value” or the most “economically advantageous” bid. As well as basic price, they’ll use a scoring system that takes into account sustainability, long term costs, carbon reduction and so on
DO
Include everyone who will be involved with delivering the contract when writing the PQQ. There are so many areas of speciality in the construction process that you need to work with the experts in each field to procure accurate information.
DON’T
Let each expert write up their own section of the PQQ. Keep the style consistent throughout by delegating one person to complete the PQQ or, better still, use a professional PQQ writer. Companies like Executive Compass specialise in writing PQQs and tenders for the construction industry and will enable you to succeed in your bid.
If you would like to know more, watch our ‘How to Write a PQQ’ video below.
If you would like more details as to how we may be able to help you call us on our freephone number 0800 6125563, alternatively email us on info@executivecompass.co.uk.