Writing a PQQ

Writing a PQQ is not the same as other types of writing. The content, context and other boundaries for writing a PQQ are different from almost every other type of writing.

Context of a PQQ;

1. It is time bound: Your PQQ will always have a deadline and while many types of writing have deadlines, when you are writing a PQQ you know that the deadline will not be moved. Time pressure can mean that when you are writing a PQQ you do not read the question properly and so provide an inappropriate answer.

2. A PQQ is usually very structured and prescriptive. There are some PQQ which provide a little freedom but normally they are very tightly defined. After all they serve a specific purpose, equality, equity, transparency, ease of evaluation are all elements and you should remember this when writing a PQQ. This means sticking to the rules and not being too creative.

3. Writing a PQQ is usually undertaken to grow the business but normally, initially at least, the job of writing a PQQ is given to someone who has a “day job”. This means that the time pressure is exacerbated even more. It can also mean that they do not fully understand some of the questions and so provide a weak or incorrect answer to the PQQ.

Content of a PQQ

1. A PQQ is evidence based; when writing a PQQ you must demonstrate certain things. If you cannot evidence items when writing a PQQ you will not go through to the next stage. Evidence does not have to be reams and reams of policies. Remember a PQQ is not a tender, be concise and answer the question.

2. You will often be asked to provide examples of similar projects you have undertaken. Make sure that when you are writing a PQQ that the examples you provide are as close a match as possible. If you do not have exact matches, make sure that similarities or transferable context are explicit.

3. Make sure you adhere to any guidelines. Word count, font, additional information should all be in the prescribed format. Graphics are ok where appropriate but do not provide elaborate designs and layouts at this stage. If you are writing a PQQ and submitting it via an e-portal all formatting will be done for you, usually in plain text boxes.

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