Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)
As Gaeilge: Ceistneoir Réamhcháilithe
Also known as: PQQ, Supplier Questionnaire
Last reviewed April 2026
A questionnaire used in restricted procedures to shortlist suppliers on capacity and experience before they are invited to tender.
A standardised questionnaire issued at the first stage of a restricted procedure (or some negotiated procedures) covering economic and financial standing, technical and professional ability, exclusion grounds and references. In Ireland, the ESPD has largely replaced bespoke PQQs at the EU level, but Irish buyers still use PQQ-style supplier questionnaires for below-threshold and framework qualification rounds.
In the Tenderwatch data
- Appears in 20 notices captured in the last 12 months on Tenderwatch (as at September 2026).
Sources and legal basis
Primary legislation and official guidance. Always confirm the current text on the source before relying on it.
Open Irish tenders featuring Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)
Related terms
ESPD (European Single Procurement Document)
Standardised self-declaration confirming you meet exclusion grounds and selection criteria: required on EU-threshold tenders.
Restricted Procedure
A two-stage EU procedure: pre-qualification followed by invitation to shortlisted candidates.
Selection Criteria
Minimum requirements a supplier must meet to be considered: financial standing, technical capability, tax clearance.
Exclusion Grounds
Reasons a bidder must (mandatory) or may (discretionary) be barred from competing: convictions, tax debt, insolvency, prior misconduct.
Framework Agreement
A pre-qualification arrangement where a panel of approved suppliers compete for call-off contracts.
Threshold
The value above which specific procurement rules apply: €50k national, €140k/€216k EU services, €5.404M EU works (2026–2027 cycle, effective 1 January 2026).
Economic Operator
The EU procurement term for any supplier, contractor or service provider (an individual, firm, or consortium) that bids for or performs a public contract.