What Is PAS 91? A Complete Guide for UK Construction Buyers
Summary
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What PAS 91 is and why it matters to UK construction buyers.
- What’s included in a PAS 91 PQQ (core and optional modules).
- Common pitfalls to avoid and when to use PAS 91.
- How digital platforms like Samson and Mobilize streamline compliance—and a free checklist.
For procurement teams in the UK construction sector, supplier pre‑qualification is a time‑consuming but critical process. Too often, it's bogged down by inconsistent forms, duplicated efforts, and uncertainty around what information is really required. That's where PAS‑91 comes in.
In this article, we explain what PAS 91 is, why it's essential for UK construction buyers, and how you can implement it effectively. Plus, we offer a free downloadable PAS‑91 checklist to streamline your pre‑qualification process.
What Is PAS‑91?
PAS‑91 is a standardised Pre‑Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) developed by the British Standards Institute (BSI). It's designed to simplify and unify the way construction suppliers are assessed before being appointed to a project.
The goal is simple: save time, reduce duplication, and ensure all suppliers are assessed against consistent criteria, whether you're working in the public or private sector. PAS 91 is recognised across the UK and aligns with government recommendations for fair, safe and transparent procurement processes.
What’s Included in a PAS 91 Pre‑Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)?
PAS 91 is structured into both core and optional modules. Here's what buyers and suppliers can expect:
Core module 1
Supplier Identity, key roles and contact information.
Core module 2
Financial Information
Core module 3
Business and Professional Standing
Core module 4
Health and Safety: Policy and Capability
Optional Module 1
Equal Opportunity and Diversity: Policy and Capability
Optional Module 2
Environmental Management: Policy and Capability
Optional Module 3
Quality Management: Policy and Capability
Optional Module 4
Building Information Modelling (BIM): Policy and Capability
Core module 1
Supplier Identity, key roles and contact information.
Core module 2
Financial Information
Core module 3
Business and Professional Standing
Core module 4
Health and Safety: Policy and Capability
Optional Module 1
Equal Opportunity and Diversity: Policy and Capability
Optional Module 2
Environmental Management: Policy and Capability
Optional Module 3
Quality Management: Policy and Capability
Optional Module 4
Building Information Modelling (BIM): Policy and Capability
Who Should Use PAS 91 (and When)?
PAS 91 is designed for any organisation involved in UK construction procurement. This includes:
- Main contractors managing complex supply chains
- Public authorities seeking compliance with procurement regulations
- Facilities managers overseeing operational contracts
It's usually used during the pre‑tender stage, allowing buyers to assess a supplier's suitability before investing time in detailed proposals.
By using PAS 91, buyers benefit from reduced duplication, greater transparency, and a faster procurement cycle.
Common PAS 91 Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)
- Using outdated forms: Ensure you're using the most recent PAS 91 version.
- Overloading the PQQ: Only include optional modules when relevant to your project.
- Ignoring SME accessibility: Keep the process proportionate and fair for all suppliers.
Systems like Samson from Liaison Systems ensure PAS 91 forms are always up to date and tailored to each supply chains requirements.
How Digital Systems Streamline PAS 91 Compliance
While PAS 91 brings consistency, managing it manually still poses challenges. That’s where digital platforms come in.
- Automate form distribution and collection
- Validate responses against compliance criteria
- Track submissions and expirations over time
- Increase overall safety and protection
Solutions like Samson and Mobilize by Liaison Systems help make your supply chain audit‑ready at all times.
Free PAS-91 Checklist
We have created a simple checklist based on the British PAS-91 standard to help you to build a pre-qualification questionnaire that will both reduce supply chain risk and ensure you're procuring quality suppliers.
Press the button below to get your free copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does PAS 91 last? Typically 12 months, but buyers may request updates more frequently.
Is PAS 91 mandatory in the UK? It’s not legally required but is widely adopted in public and private construction procurement.
Can I reuse a PAS 91 form across projects? Yes, if there are no changes to your company’s status, but always verify currency with the buyer. However, some companies may require the use of their own PQQ platform.
Conclusion: Make Compliance Simple and Consistent
PAS 91 offers a clear path to standardised supplier assessment in construction, benefitting both buyers and suppliers through transparency, safety and efficiency. By adopting digital procurement systems such as Mobilize and Samson, you ensure the process is scalable, auditable, and up to date.
