A PSQ (Procurement Specific Questionnaire) is the gateway to UK public sector tenders under the Procurement Act 2023. Learn what it covers and how to pass it.

PSQ Explained: What Is a Procurement Specific Questionnaire?

A PSQ — Procurement Specific Questionnaire — is the first filter UK public sector buyers use to decide whether you're eligible to bid. Get it wrong, and you won't even see the tender documents.

Introduced under the Procurement Act 2023 (in force 24 February 2025), the PSQ replaced the old Standard Selection Questionnaire (SQ) across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This guide covers what a PSQ includes, how it differs from its predecessors, and how to complete one efficiently every time.

What Does PSQ Stand For?

PSQ stands for Procurement Specific Questionnaire. It's the standardised assessment tool issued by public sector contracting authorities to check whether suppliers meet the minimum eligibility criteria before they're invited to tender.

The Cabinet Office publishes the standard PSQ template on the Procurement Pathway [opens in new tab]. All central government departments and many other public bodies are required to use it for above-threshold contracts.

What's Included in a PSQ?

A standard PSQ covers four key areas. Knowing each one helps your team prepare efficiently — and avoid the mistakes that end bids before they begin.

Exclusion grounds

Mandatory grounds — convictions for bribery, fraud, human trafficking, and similar offences — result in automatic disqualification. No exceptions.

Discretionary grounds — insolvency, poor past performance, conflicts of interest — give the buyer the option to exclude. Submitting self-cleaning evidence (corrective action, governance changes) can sometimes counter these.

Conditions of Participation

'Conditions of Participation' (CoP) is the PA23 term for selection criteria. They cover:

1. Financial standing: minimum annual turnover (typically 2× contract value), insurance levels, three years of accounts
2. Technical ability: relevant contract examples (2–3), certifications such as ISO 9001, ISO 27001, or Cyber Essentials

Proportionality applies. CoP must be reasonable relative to the contract value. Disproportionately high thresholds can be challenged through the clarification process.

Declarations

Most PSQs require a Modern Slavery Act declaration, and many now include early social value questions — though detailed responses typically come at the ITT stage.

PSQ vs SQ vs PQQ — What Changed Under the Procurement Act?

The PSQ replaced both the PQQ and SQ. All three serve the same purpose: qualifying suppliers before the tender stage.

• PQQ — Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (Pre-PCR 2015 / OJEU era) is now Obsolete
• SQ — Standard Selection Questionnaire (Public Contracts Regulations 2015) has now been replaced by PSQ
• PSQ — Procurement Specific Questionnaire (Procurement Act 2023). Current (from 24 Feb 2025)

The PSQ is more standardised than its predecessors — consistent template, clearer exclusion grounds, stronger proportionality requirements.

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How to Complete a PSQ and Pass First Time

Most PSQ failures come down to preparation, not substance. Here's what high-performing bid teams do differently:

• Centralise your PSQ content. The Cabinet Office template is consistent. Build a library of pre-approved answers that can be deployed and updated centrally.
• Match contract examples to the contract. Case studies must reflect the sector, scale, and contract type. A strong example from the wrong sector will cost you.
• Plan for internal sign-off. Mandatory exclusion declarations often require director-level approval. Allow at least five working days.
• Address discretionary disclosures fully. A half-answered section looks worse than full transparency with context.
• Check all certificates are current. ISO accreditations, insurance policies, and accounts expire. Find out before submission, not during.

PSQ Frequently Asked Questions

What does PSQ stand for in procurement?

PSQ stands for Procurement Specific Questionnaire. It is the standardised assessment introduced under the Procurement Act 2023 to replace the Standard Selection Questionnaire (SQ). UK public sector buyers use it to assess supplier eligibility before sharing tender documents.

Is a PSQ the same as a PQQ?

No, but they serve the same purpose. The PQQ (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire) predates PCR 2015. The SQ replaced it, and the PSQ (Procurement Specific Questionnaire) now replaces the SQ under the Procurement Act 2023. The PSQ uses a standardised Cabinet Office template.

What is the difference between a PSQ and an ITT?

A PSQ is the qualification stage — 'are you eligible to bid?' An ITT (Invitation to Tender) is the evaluation stage — 'can you deliver, and at what price?' You must pass the PSQ to receive the ITT. Fail it and you're excluded before the real competition begins.

What are Conditions of Participation in a PSQ?

Conditions of Participation (CoP) is the Procurement Act 2023 term for selection criteria — the minimum standards suppliers must meet to progress. CoP covers financial standing (turnover, insurance) and technical ability (experience, certifications), and must be proportionate to the contract value.

Where can I find the standard PSQ template?

The Cabinet Office publishes the standard PSQ template on the Procurement Pathway website (procurementpathway.civilservice.gov.uk). Central government departments and many other contracting authorities are required to use it for above-threshold contracts under the Procurement Act 2023.

Start Submitting Stronger PSQs

The PSQ is the entry point to public sector work. Pass it efficiently and you protect the investment your team makes downstream in every ITT response.

The key is preparation: centralised content, current certifications, and a clear sign-off process. Build this infrastructure once, and every future PSQ gets faster.

► BidScript's AI Co-Pilot (BidBot) drafts responses, surfaces evidence, and flags content gaps before you submit. Book a demo to see how your team can submit stronger PSQs in less time.