The PAS91:2013 final version has now been finalised following consultation with industry bodies including Constructionline.

Philip Prince, a director at Constructionline, said: “The updated version of PAS91:2013 is a positive step forward in reducing the burden of pre-qualification on the construction industry’s supply chain.

“By providing a standardised pre-qualification question set, it aims to solve the common problem of suppliers having to complete a variety of different questionnaires in order to pre-qualify for work.

“The new question set looks to simplify the pre-qualification process by allowing suppliers to “copy and paste” the same set of pre-prepared responses for all buyers.

“When you consider the amount of pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs) that suppliers are required to submit in order to maintain a steady pipeline of work and the associated costs which can run into the thousands, adopting PAS91 is ever more important in ensuring the livelihood of suppliers – particularly SMEs.”
The updated version of PAS91 also includes an additional Building Information Modelling (BIM) section for projects as well as defence and security questions for those suppliers wishing to work for the Ministry of Defence.

Martin Drinkall, supply chain manager at Kier Construction Ltd added: “Kier fully endorses PAS91:2013 as part of our vendor prequalification.

“We are working closely with Constructionline to ensure that the burden and costs, borne by SMEs, of multiple or repeated prequalification, are greatly reduced.”

Prince added: “ “What matters now is that the whole industry works collaboratively to promote the importance of PAS91 and encourages wider adoption among buyers.

“This will open up more opportunities to SMEs and help ensure the construction industry remains buoyant during these difficult economic times.”