In February 2012 the Cabinet Office issued a Procurement Policy Note on the use of Pre-Qualification Questionnaires. The PNN was issued with the intention of making it easier for SMEs to compete for government contracts. The requirements to be adopted include:
- Elimination of the use of PQQs for procurements under the EU threshold.
- Use of a shortened and less onerous PQQ standard template
The requirements are mandatory for all Central Government Departments including their Executive Agencies and Non Departmental Public Bodies. All other Contracting Authorities, including education institutions subject to public procurement rules, are strongly encouraged by the Cabinet Office to apply the requirements.