The selection questionnaire (SQ/PQQ) in care tenders
The selection questionnaire, formerly the pre-qualification questionnaire, is the pass-fail stage that checks whether you are eligible to bid. It covers financial standing, minimum turnover, insurance levels, grounds for exclusion, and basic capability and compliance. It is mostly not scored on quality: you either meet each requirement or you are excluded. Clearing the SQ cleanly is what gets your quality answers read at the next stage.
What the SQ checks
The SQ confirms identity, financial standing and minimum turnover, required insurances, and that you are not subject to mandatory or discretionary exclusion grounds. It also asks about relevant experience and policies such as safeguarding, health and safety and equalities. Most of it is a yes or no compliance check.
Why providers fail at this stage
Common failures are missing a turnover threshold, holding insurance below the stated level, an unanswered mandatory question, or a self-cleansing declaration left blank. A single missed pass-fail item ends the bid before anyone reads your quality answers.
Getting it right the first time
Read every requirement against your real position before you start writing. If you fall short on turnover or insurance, you usually need to fix that before bidding, not argue it. Our free eligibility check flags SQ-stage problems before you commit time to the tender.
Not sure if you qualify for a tender? We check it for free, before you pay anything, and we only take bids we believe you can win. Text TENDER to get started.
Common questions
What is the difference between an SQ and a PQQ?
They are the same stage. The standard selection questionnaire (SQ) replaced the older pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) terminology, though many providers still say PQQ. Both screen eligibility before the scored quality stage.
Is the SQ scored?
Mostly no. The core SQ is pass-fail: you meet each requirement or you are excluded. Some buyers score a small experience section, but financial and compliance items are eligibility gates, not quality marks.
What happens if I fail one SQ question?
A failed mandatory pass-fail question usually excludes the whole bid, so your quality answers are never assessed. That is why checking turnover, insurance and exclusions in advance is essential.
Keep reading
Browse all care tender guides, or see care tender writing by service.
Got a tender to check?
Text TENDER to +44 7822 001898and we'll tell you free whether you'd qualify, before you spend a penny.