Explainer

What is a supplier prequalification questionnaire (PQQ)?

A PQQ is the structured shortlist stage of procurement, a set of questions that filters suppliers before an RFP or tender. Handled well, it opens doors; handled badly, it eats a week.

6 min read Updated 1 July 2026

What a PQQ typically covers

  • Company identity, structure and financials.
  • Insurance and accreditations.
  • Health & safety and environmental policies.
  • Modern slavery, anti-bribery and equality statements.
  • Reference customers and case studies.
  • Data protection and information security posture.

Why buyers use PQQs

PQQs let a buyer shortlist quickly without opening every submission to the full RFP process. They also create a fair audit trail that shows the buyer applied consistent criteria.

How to answer one fast

  1. Keep a canonical answer library so nothing is written twice.
  2. Store all evidence in one live record, no folder-hunting.
  3. Assign an owner per section, not per question.
  4. Reuse a pack link where the buyer accepts one.
  5. Log every submission so next year's is 90% done.

Frequently asked questions

Put this into practice today.

Start a free Credbase workspace, add your first supplier and share a live evidence pack in ten minutes.