Pre-qualification standard 2021
Photo credit: Pre-qualification by Nick Youngson, CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free.
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
As of March 2021, an updated industry-wide pre-qualification (PQ) system has become operational. Its purpose is to simplify a complex system for the benefit of everyone in the construction sector. The modified Common Assessment Standard (CAS) should reduce the duplication of time, effort and resources that are costing the sector up to £1 billion a year.
[edit] Common Assessment Standard
Major contractors and clients – including Balfour Beatty, Costain, HS2, Mace, Multiplex and Skanska – have all adopted the CAS. This means that members of their supply chains will need to obtain just one certification to tender for work with them. This follows the implementation of a data sharing solution which enables contractors and clients to obtain key PQ data from any one of three recognised assessment bodies: Achilles, CHAS or Constructionline.
The CAS is an industry-agreed question set with two levels of certification – desktop and site-based – and companies can apply to any recognised assessment body to get the appropriate level dependent upon their trade, size and requirements of their clients.
Created by Build UK (of which ECA is a key member) and with the support of CECA, the CAS is endorsed by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), which is actively seeking its adoption throughout Government construction procurement, including the Construction Playbook.
[edit] Reaction
Paul Reeve, CSR Director of ECA and deputy chair of the Cross-Industry Body, said, "Data sharing paves the way for increased specification by main contractors and other buyers and offers suppliers more choice about who carries out their pre-qualification assessment. It will also help to deliver the savings and efficiencies that the supply chain has long been looking for, by reducing the need for multiple PQ questionnaires and schemes."
Jo Fautley, Deputy Chief Executive of Build UK, said “The new system is a huge step towards more efficient working, which is more important than ever in the current challenging economic climate.”
Andy Mitchell, Chair of the CLC, said, “It is a real and practical way of reducing bureaucracy and improving quality in the industry and it comes at just the right time. Companies will be able to demonstrate that they meet an agreed industry standard, and clients and contractors will be able to rely on the certification.”
This article originally appeared on the ECA website under the headline, 'Improved Pre-Qualification Standard launches'. It was published on 29 March 2021.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).
- Build UK.
- CAS answers an expensive problem for industry.
- Construction Leadership Council CLC.
- Constructionline.
- Pre-construction information.
- Pre-qualification questionnaire PQQ for construction contracts.
- Pre qualification questionnaires and PAS 91.
- Tender.
- The Construction Playbook.
Featured articles and news
Download your free guide.
Four new types of prior approval for solar developments
Online Planning Portal application types from 5 September.
Election fails to spark construction industry revival
Contract awards and planning; post election.
Making diversity and inclusion easy for SMEs
The CIOB tool for companies with limited resources.
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
BSRIA Briefing 2024, initial speakers announced.
Looking back at the UK's first Passivhaus leisure centre
Reflections on St Sidwell’s Point with CIAT.
A-Level results and electrical apprenticeships
Electrical Skills Index highlights areas with skills shortages.
One of the world's more unusual drive-throughs.
A quick introduction.
Hadrian's Wall Path and the national trails
The trails are heritage assets in their own right.
Articles on timely advice and hydraulic lime.
Building Designers Association of Australia
CIAT and BDAA sign Memorandum of Understanding.
Built Environment Inclusive partners issue statement committed to inclusion.
Building regulation requirements can have unintended consequences.
CIOB announces 2024/25 vice president
Sustainability champion Professor Saul Humphrey.
Accelerating towards a net-zero built environment.