Selection Questionnaire
As Gaeilge: Ceistneoir Roghnúcháin
Also known as: SQ, Supplier Selection Questionnaire
Last reviewed April 2026
A standardised questionnaire used at the selection stage to confirm a bidder meets minimum capacity and exclusion-ground requirements.
An Irish term often used interchangeably with PQQ for the form bidders complete to demonstrate financial standing, technical capability, insurance cover and absence of exclusion grounds. For above-threshold EU procurements the standardised ESPD has largely replaced bespoke selection questionnaires. Below-threshold and framework qualification rounds in Ireland still use shorter selection questionnaires drafted by the contracting authority, often delivered through the eTenders platform.
Sources and legal basis
Primary legislation and official guidance. Always confirm the current text on the source before relying on it.
Related terms
Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)
A questionnaire used in restricted procedures to shortlist suppliers on capacity and experience before they are invited to tender.
ESPD (European Single Procurement Document)
Standardised self-declaration confirming you meet exclusion grounds and selection criteria: required on EU-threshold tenders.
Selection Criteria
Minimum requirements a supplier must meet to be considered: financial standing, technical capability, tax clearance.
Contracting Authority
A public body that buys goods, services, or works with public funds: departments, councils, the HSE, ETBs, etc.
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).