UK supplier guide
Procurement specific questionnaire (PSQ):
what it asks and how to answer
The PSQ replaces the old Standard Selection Questionnaire. Your standard company details now live on the central digital platform; the PSQ asks only for what is specific to this procurement.
Find a tender and read its PSQ →Checked against primary sources5 sources linked below
- Register on the platform
- Complete core supplier information
- Declare and share
- Answer the procurement-specific parts
Store once, share per bid
Core supplier information sits on the central digital platform.The PSQ is procurement-specific
Share code, associates, subcontractors and conditions of participation.
What is the procurement specific questionnaire?
The buyer’s questionnaire for one procurement: confirmation of your core supplier information, extra exclusions information and the conditions of participation.
Information a buyer needs from you
On the central digital platform
Core supplier information, stored once and shared with a share code: basic information, economic and financial standing, connected persons and exclusion grounds (Cabinet Office guidance).
Buyers must not ask for this again separately.
In the PSQ
What is specific to this procurement: your share code, associated persons you rely on, intended subcontractors, debarment checks and the conditions of participation (Procurement Pathway template).
What does a typical PSQ contain?
Confirmation of core supplier information, additional exclusions information, conditions of participation and a declaration.
| Part | What it asks | Usually |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmation of core supplier information | Your platform unique identifier and share code | Information only |
| Associated persons | Anyone you rely on to meet the conditions of participation; their registration and debarment status | Pass/fail on debarment |
| Intended subcontractors | Who they are, their identifier and role; debarment check | Pass/fail on debarment |
| Conditions of participation | Legal and financial capacity and technical ability specific to this contract | Pass/fail or scored |
| Declaration | That answers are complete, accurate and not misleading | Required |
How do you get a PSQ right before the participation deadline?
Keep the platform record current so the questionnaire holds only what this procurement needs.
- Start with the source01
Register on the platform
Create your organisation on Find a Tender with GOV.UK One Login. - Define the scope02
Complete core supplier information
Basic, financial, connected-person and exclusions information. - Read the evidence03
Declare and share
Create a share code for this procurement and enter it where the buyer asks. - Make the decision04
Answer the procurement-specific parts
Associated persons, subcontractors and conditions of participation. - Name the next action05
Update before award
Reshare through the platform if anything changes before the award decision.
A supplier’s review sequence, based on the primary sources below. It is not a measured outcome or a prescribed buyer timetable.
How do you get ready for a PSQ?
Register and complete your supplier information before the tender, then generate a share code for each bid.
- Before you start01
Use the current documents
Check the primary publication and later changes before using the sequence below. - Check 202
Register on Find a Tender
GOV.UK One Login, your organisation and a first administrator (three-step guide). - Check 303
Complete core supplier information
Basic information, connected persons, financial information, qualifications, trade assurances and exclusions. - Check 404
Declare and share
Confirm it is accurate and create a share code to enter in the buyer’s portal. - Follow through05
Gather procurement-specific evidence
Associated persons, subcontractors and anything the conditions of participation require, such as ISO 9001 or Cyber Essentials.
An editorial order of work, not a buyer's fixed timetable. The current notice and documents determine participation and submission.
Where do suppliers go wrong?
Out-of-date platform information, missing subcontractor details and treating scored conditions as a formality.
Common failures
Stale information
If details change before award, the buyer must get confirmation you updated and reshared them.
- If details change before award, the buyer must get confirmation you updated and reshared them.
- Name intended subcontractors and their identifiers where asked.
- A yes on the debarment list for you or an associated person usually excludes you.
- Scored conditions need specific, checkable evidence.
Keep the platform record current and the PSQ becomes the short part.
Store once, share per bid
Core supplier information sits on the central digital platform.The PSQ is procurement-specific
Share code, associates, subcontractors and conditions of participation.Update before award
Changes must be reshared through the platform.
Open the original notice; the PSQ is usually in the tender documents on the buyer’s portal.
What else should you know about Procurement specific questionnaire?
Check these points before committing your team’s time.
What is a PSQ in procurement?
Has the PSQ replaced the SQ?
What is a share code?
Can a buyer ask for information already on the platform?
Is the PSQ scored?
Where can you check the evidence?
Read the primary publication and the buyer’s current documents before acting.
| Source | What it supports |
|---|---|
| PA 2023 procurement specific questionnaire · Procurement Pathway ↗ | Cabinet Office template and purpose, read 18 October 2026. |
| Central digital platform guidance · Cabinet Office ↗ | Core supplier information and when buyers must obtain it. |
| Supplier registration in three steps · Cabinet Office ↗ | Register, complete, declare and share. |
| PSQ response guidance · Find a Tender attachment ↗ | A published buyer's PSQ scoring guidance. |
| Procurement Act 2023 ↗ | Conditions of participation and debarment. |
Which guide answers your next question?
Follow the part of the bid you need to work on next.
