What is PAS 91 and why is it no longer used as a construction PQQ?

If you work in public sector construction, you’ve likely heard about the withdrawal of the PAS 91 standard, announced in PPN 03/24. The shift raised questions about what it means for construction pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs) and how businesses should adapt, or in other words, why they should use the Common Assessment Standard; now preferred for larger construction projects.

This blog details the history of PAS 91, why it was withdrawn, and what has taken its place to help you stay compliant and competitive for your next construction project.

What was PAS 91?

PAS 91, (Publicly Available Specification 91), was a standardised pre-qualification questionnaire for the construction industry.  

As announced in PPN 03/24, it was withdrawn as a PQQ for construction projects, instead directing contracting authorities to use the Common Assessment Standard.

A short history of PAS 91

PAS 91 was introduced by the British Standards Institution (BSI) in 2010. Its goal was to streamline the construction procurement process. Before PAS 91, suppliers often had to complete multiple, lengthy, and slightly different PQQs for various buyers, which was inefficient and time-consuming. 

The PAS 91 standard created a common set of questions covering key compliance areas. This helped simplify the initial stages of tendering for public sector contracts.

What did PAS 91 cover?

The PAS 91 requirements covered a range of essential business information, creating a baseline for supplier assessment. Core areas included: 

• Company Information: Details about the supplier’s identity, trading status, and contact information. 
• Financial Standing: Questions to assess the supplier’s economic and financial health. 
• Business and Professional Standing: Checks for any history of professional misconduct or criminal offences. 
• Health and Safety: Verification of a supplier’s health and safety policies and procedures. This often included demonstrating compliance through schemes like the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP). 
• Equal Opportunity and Diversity: Questions about a supplier’s commitment to fair employment practices. 
• Environmental Management: Assessment of a company’s policies for managing its environmental impact. 

By providing a single, consistent format for these PQQ questions, PAS 91 accreditation aimed to reduce the administrative burden on both suppliers and buyers.

Why was PAS 91 withdrawn?

While PAS 91 was a significant step forward, the construction industry has evolved since its introduction in 2010. New regulations, technologies, and safety standards emerged, and PAS 91 struggled to keep pace, especially in light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy which prompted the Building Safety Act (2022) legislation to be born. 

In March 2024, the UK Government issued Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 03/24. This guidance addressed the pre-qualification stage for public sector contracts and recommended a more modern and comprehensive framework. 

As a result, the British Standards Institution officially withdrew the PAS 91 standard. The government now recommends that contracting authorities use the Common Assessment Standard (CAS) for PQQs, especially for larger projects. This isn’t a mandatory “must,” but a strong “should,” signalling a clear shift in industry best practice.

Which construction PQQ replaced PAS 91? 

The Common Assessment Standard (CAS) is now the preferred pre-qualification questionnaire.  

Developed by Build UK in partnership with Constructionline, the Common Assessment Standard expands on the original PAS 91 questions to provide a more rigorous and relevant assessment. 

The key advantages of the Common Assessment Standard include: 

• Greater Standardisation: Unified set of questions, ensuring all suppliers are evaluated against the same high standards. 
• Improved Efficiency: It creates a single, streamlined process, saving time and resources for both suppliers and buyers. 
• Enhanced Compliance: The standard aligns with current regulations, including the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and the Building Safety Act, ensuring that key health and safety requirements are met. 

What this means for the construction industry

The withdrawal of PAS 91 and the move towards the Common Assessment Standard marks a positive evolution in construction procurement. Adopting the new standard ensures your business aligns with current best practices and government recommendations – for both main contractors and subcontractors.

Next steps for Main Contractors and Subcontractors

Main Contractors: Use the Common Assessment Standard as your PQQ for your supply chain and future projects 

PAS 91 has been withdrawn, therefore contracting authorities and main contractors should not use it. Constructionline’s supply chain solutions can support your compliance efforts to help you align with industry standards.  

Publish your EOIs and mandate your construction supply chain requirements – all from one platform!

Subcontractors: Align with the Common Assessment Standard

Did you know? Our Gold and Platinum memberships can help you align to the Common Assessment Standard!

Save time completing duplicate PQQs and pre-qualify for some of the UK’s top main contractors that work with Constructionline!

By achieving Common Assessment Standard certification, you can demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety, making your business more attractive to public sector buyers. Gold membership also opens you up to more opportunities from private buyers too!