Construction Tenders: PQQ's, ITT's, DPS' & Frameworks Explained

When bidding under any industry, understanding the differences between a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ), Invitation to Tender (ITT), Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) and Framework Agreement is essential to grasp what responsibilities you have and what documents are needed to submit a compliant bid.

Both bid writing and construction procurement are complex industries, requiring a deep understanding of terms such as PQQ in construction, ITT, DPS in procurement, and construction frameworks.

Here is a breakdown of each term and how they apply specifically to the construction tendering process.

An Overview

A Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) is the initial document used to filter out suppliers at the earliest stage based on factors such as experience, finances, and compliance. It is often used in the construction PQQ process.

Depending on the contract, an Invitation to Tender (ITT) is either the first document issued or provided to contractors who have passed the initial PQQ stage. It asks more in-depth questions about service delivery methods, quality assurance, and project-specific criteria.

A Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is an open procurement framework that allows suppliers to join at any time, commonly used in public sector construction tenders.

A Framework agreement enables buyers to establish a pool of approved suppliers who may be awarded call-off contracts during a fixed period.

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Defining a PQQ

The Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, more commonly referenced as a PQQ, is often the gateway document submitted at the beginning of the tendering process in construction. This document filters suppliers by assessing financial standing, relevant experience, and basic compliance before ITT documents are issued.

The PQQ won’t question your delivery methods or quality standards, but will assess your overarching capacity to deliver, including:

• Financial performance
• Health and safety compliance
• Relevant industry accreditations (e.g. Constructionline, CHAS, ISO 9001)

Construction PQQs

In construction procurement, terms such as PQQ, ITT, DPS and Framework are often linked, but critically, are not interchangeable. Regardless of the size, price or scope of the contract, understanding how each of these terms fit into your construction bidding process is essential for success.

A typical construction PQQ will request:

• Evidence of accreditations like CHAS, ISO 14001 or ISO 9001
• Health and Safety documentation (e.g. RAMS, accident logs, SSIP certification)
• Financial records including minimum turnover
• Proof of Public Liability Insurance, Employers’ Liability, and Professional Indemnity Insurance
• Case studies or references of completed construction projects
• Information about your supply chain and workforce

The PQQ process in construction tenders is especially common in high-value frameworks and contracts, where buyers are keen to shortlist only those with proven capacity, due diligence and financial grounding.

Defining an ITT

If a company passes the PQQ stage, an Invitation to Tender (ITT) will be sent. The ITT is a formal request for a detailed bid, including project-specific instructions and expectations on pricing, method and time frame.

The ITT will clearly outline the project requirements and invites contractors to submit a formal offer that demonstrates capability, a service delivery plan, and previous experience that aligns with the buyer’s expectations.

Structure and Evaluation of ITTs

An ITT document in construction typically includes:

• Scope of works and technical specifications
• Contract timelines and key milestones
• Pricing structure and terms

Buyers will usually provide an evaluation criteria, outlining how the ITT will be scored, including weighted percentages for price, quality, and compliance.

All tender submissions are assessed according to these criteria to ensure transparency and fairness. This structured approach helps evaluators compare offers objectively and allows the tenderer to submit a tailored bid aligned with the buyer’s key objectives.

Defining a DPS

A Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) is an electronic process for purchasing commonly used goods, services or works. It allows buyers to open their supply chain continuously and maintain competition throughout the contract duration.  

This means that tenderers can consistently bid for this open framework, allowing multiple suppliers, regardless of field or industry, to bid on different parts of the project throughout its lifecycle.

Within a DPS, suppliers bid through mini-competitions, competing for project-specific work against other approved suppliers.

This process suits the construction industry due to its flexibility and speed, allowing for a consistent stream of contractors to uphold the workflow regardless of circumstances, shortages or plan changes.

How Does a DPS Work in Construction?

A construction DPS operates as a fully digital, open framework. To join the system, suppliers undergo a pre-qualification process only once. After that, buyers can invite DPS ‘members’ to tender for specific and individual construction projects or contracts.  

This is suitable for:

• Projects with evolving scopes
• Long-term programmes needing flexibility
• Buyers who want to avoid repeated PQQ evaluations

Defining Frameworks

Construction framework agreements typically last 2–4 years.

They specify pricing mechanisms, key terms and delivery standards but do not commit to exact quantities or projects upfront.

There are two types:

• Single-supplier frameworks appoint one contractor to deliver all work during the agreement period. This provides consistency and demands accountability, however limits competitive bidding on specific projects.

• Multi-supplier frameworks appoint several contractors. Clients can either call off work directly or carry out mini-competitions among framework members. This maintains competition and flexibility, allowing frameworks to evolve without disruption.

How Do Construction Frameworks Work?

Framework agreements in construction procurement allow public sector buyers quick access to a pre-approved list of contractors for categories like:

• General building works
• Civil engineering
• New housing construction
• Mechanical and electrical services
• Retrofit and decarbonisation

Note: Being on a construction framework does not guarantee work, however, it opens the door to a steady flow of tenders with less competition and builds long-term client trust.  

Some frameworks are divided into value bands or geographic lots, so it is important to choose where you bid wisely!

Framework Applications

Getting onto a construction framework agreement typically requires:

• Completion of a PQQ and ITT
• Submission of case studies, financials, and accreditations

Once awarded a spot, suppliers can either be directly awarded work or compete in mini-tenders among fellow framework contractors.

Don’t Know Where to Start with Construction Tenders?

Bidding in the construction sector can be longwinded and complex, especially when navigating PQQs, ITTs and DPS’! But it can be made easier with an organised, thorough approach.

While it can be done internally, professional bid writing companies like us at Bid Writing Service can significantly boost your chances of success through expert bid writing and end-to-end guidance throughout the entire bidding process.

Have a construction tender submission coming up? Why not utilise our expert construction tender writers? Contact us at michael.baron@bidwritingservice.com or lauren.moorhouse@bidwritingservice.com to discuss your needs, or, fill out the form below!