The PQQ process is a means by which the contracting authority can satisfy itself that the tenderer can meet the requirements of the contract and will be able to comply with any conditions of the contract – including any sustainability requirements.

At the time of contract award, you must be satisfied that the winning company is able to fulfil your sustainability requirements. You can ask what plans the bidders have regarding sustainability over the life of the contract and if they have evidence to support a track record of incorporating sustainability into their practices.

Issues to be aware of:-

- You must not distort competition and exclude tenderers from other member states – “or equivalent” is a useful phrase to use.

- Selection criteria should be linked to the subject matter of the contract. It is therefore very important to incorporate sustainability as a core requirement early on in the process. It is harder to show value for money where the secondary or additional requirements of the contract add costs.

The Legal Shelf offers the following model wording.

“Please give examples of your involvement in each of the following:-

• Generating employment and training opportunities for long-term unemployed people
• Providing training opportunities for young people
• Promoting supply-chain opportunities to new and small enterprises
• The development of trade skills in your existing workforce
• Equal opportunities recruitment procedures.

What was your exact involvement in each of the above activities?

Which of the examples you have cited have been more successful, and which have been less successful, and why?”