Selection Questionnaire

A standardised document used in procurement to assess suppliers' technical capacity, financial standing, and legal compliance before inviting them to tender.

What it is

A Selection Questionnaire is a formal document that contracting authorities use during the procurement process to evaluate whether potential suppliers meet the minimum requirements to participate in a tender. It typically follows the completion of a Prior Information Notice (PIN) or Contract Notice and precedes the invitation to tender stage.

The questionnaire covers three main assessment areas: economic and financial standing (such as turnover, insurance, and credit ratings), technical and professional ability (including relevant experience, qualifications, and resources), and grounds for exclusion (criminal convictions, professional misconduct, or conflicts of interest).

How it works

Suppliers complete the questionnaire by providing evidence of their capabilities and compliance with legal requirements. Contracting authorities evaluate responses against predetermined pass/fail criteria. Only suppliers who meet all requirements progress to the tender stage, creating a more focused and efficient procurement process.

The questionnaire often uses the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) format for cross-border procurements, or a simplified version for domestic contracts. Responses are typically self-certified, with winning bidders required to provide full documentary evidence before contract award.

Why it matters

Selection Questionnaires reduce procurement costs and timescales by eliminating unsuitable suppliers early in the process. They ensure only capable suppliers invest time in preparing detailed tenders, whilst protecting public bodies from awarding contracts to financially unstable or technically inadequate providers.

Under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, authorities must apply selection criteria proportionately to the contract's value, complexity, and risk profile.