PAS 91 was a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) for UK construction projects. It was introduced by the British Standards Institute (BSI) to provide a streamlined, consistent process for pre-qualifying contractors.
In 2023, permission to use PAS 91 PQQ for construction projects was withdrawn by the BSI, and the format is no longer updated. With PAS 91 withdrawn, the Common Assessment Standard (CAS) has taken its place and is now used for contractor pre-qualification on public build projects with a value of more than £5.337 million.
What Was PAS 91?
The PAS 91 questionnaire was intended to simplify the assessment of potential contractors for build projects, and ensure that bidders met a range of minimum standards. Typically used by public sector clients, the PAS PQQ was also recommended for main contractors when procuring specialised subcontractors.
By using the PAS 91 PQQ, contractors were no longer required to duplicate information to verify their safety compliance for each different bid. This saved companies a significant amount of time and resources. The PAS 91 questionnaire pdf was easy to download, complete and submit.
Despite the publicised withdrawal of PAS 91, many suppliers still search for the document unaware that it is no longer used.
Why Was PAS 91 Withdrawn?
As the construction sector began adopting safer procedures and practices, PAS 91 was unable to keep pace with construction industry safety demands and evolving regulatory standards. Achieving PAS 91 compliance was no longer enough; a more consistent, cross-industry prequalification process was needed.
The Common Assessment Standard was developed and introduced by Build UK to streamline and standardise the pre-qualification process. The PAS 91/CAS transition was a response to how safety parameters in public sector procurement have evolved. The Common Assessment Standard is a more comprehensive PQQ for modern day construction.
The Common Assessment Standard: A More Robust Alternative
The Common Assessment Standard is the new, preferred construction industry pre-qualification standard, backed by Build UK, CECA (Civil Engineering Contractors Association) and the wider industry.
When comparing PAS 91/CAS, it is clear how the Common Assessment Standard is an improvement on PAS 91 compliance criteria:
- CAS expands upon PAS 91 compliance areas by including topics such as equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), social value and financial stability.
- The Common Assessment Standard covers the Building Safety Act and other UK building regulations.
- CAS is also reviewed annually, whereas PAS 91 did not have an annual revision.
- There is scope for adjustments and updates with the Common Assessment Standard. The PAS 91 PQQ was less flexible with a fixed set of questions.
Switching to CAS for prequalification will allow suppliers to quickly, but comprehensively, verify their compliance with building safety standards, and avoid duplicating the supply of information.
CAS is the future of pre-qualification. Switching now to the Common Assessment Standard gives suppliers the opportunity to get ahead of the game, ensure compliance and improve the credibility of tender bids.
How Compliance Chain Supports Your PAS 91 / CAS Transition
Compliance Chain is one of few recognised bodies with the authority to assess companies against the Common Assessment Standard. Compliance Chain can help you with your PAS 91/CAS transition to full certification of today’s industry recognised standard.
PAS 91 compliance is a thing of the past. You will soon reap the benefits of the Compliance Chain platform, including streamlined compliance management, a transparent digital portfolio, access to the PQQ, and ongoing support from a team of industry experts.
Compliance Chain is an Approved Route to the Common Assessment Standard
PAS 91 is no longer valid. Act now to remain compliant and competitive. Get CAS-ready with Compliance Chain today.
With over 6 years in the construction industry (specifically compliance within construction), Luke is responsible for managing and overseeing the functionality of Compliance Chain’s Supplier Solution.
