The common assessment standard
The Common Assessment Standard is an industry-agreed set of questions and corresponding assessment standards for the pre-qualification of suppliers. There are two levels of certification: desktop and site-based, which build on the PAS 91 pre-qualification questionnaire, helping contractors achieve compliance and mitigate risks across 13 key areas of risk management. Evidence of compliance in these 13 areas is normally required once a year via an online contractor portal.
The Common Assessment Standard, was developed by Build UK, the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) and other accreditation bodies and industry experts. It was launched in 2019, at which time CHAS became the first assessment body to offer the scheme. In 2021 the introduction of a data-sharing agreement accelerated its adoption, meaning the details of those who pass the assessment can be accessed via any of the providers, regardless of which assessment body carries out the audit.
The contents of the Common Assessment Standard in 2023 cover 10 key areas;
- Section 1: Identity
- Section 2: Financial
- Section 3: Corporate and Professional Standing Section 4: Health and Safety
- Section 5: Environmental
- Section 6: Quality
- Section 7: Equality
- Section 8: Corporate Social Responsibility
- Section 9: Information Security and GDPR
- Section 10: Information Management (IM)
The Common Assessment Standard is now a leading accreditation programme that is recognised industry-wide and is designed to improve efficiency and reduce cost in the construction pre-qualification (PQ) process. As an accreditation system designed to standardise the pre-qualification process, it helps both clients and contractors improve supply chain efficiency, reduce supply chain risks, and find reliable business opportunities. Clients can access a database of qualified contractors via the services of the assessment bodies.
In 2022, 16,000 supply chain companies were certified to the scheme, with 22 contractors and clients specifying it as a requirement and 4 trade association requiring it as a standard. Within the public sector, the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has for some time asked contractors appointed to seven-year frameworks to assess their supply chains using the Common Assessment Standard. However in 2023 the Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 08/16 advising of this, was changed with PPN 03/23 requiring the use of the CAS or PAS 91 for substantial construction and other public works.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Appointing consultants.
- Common minimum standards.
- Constructionline.
- Construction contract.
- Government construction strategy.
- Invitation to tender.
- PAS 91.
- Pre-qualification standard 2021.
- Pre tender interview.
- Procurement route.
- Procurement policy note PPN.
- Public sector PQQs look to the Common Assessment Standard.
- Selection criteria.
- Tender.
[edit] External links
- For further information https://builduk.org/priorities/increasing-productivity/pre-qualification/
- Infographic https://builduk.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Common-Assessment-Standard-Infographic.pdf
- The set of CAS questions can be viewed here; https://builduk.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Common-Assessment-Standard-Question-Set-Version-3.1.pdf
Featured articles and news
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
UK Construction Week, London is here !
Debuting major international pavilions and much more.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
Comments
[edit] o make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.