The OGC has launched new PQQ guidance, including a number of core PQQ questions which are mandatory for central government purchasers for procurements advertised from 1 December 2010, and which apply to all central government procurements where a PQQ would normally be used.
Departments have up to 1 January 2011 to fully integrate the core questions into their systems. NDPBs and central government agencies must have integrated the questions from 1 March 2011.
Other public bodies are also permitted to use the standard form of core PQQ questions.
The OGC's stated objective is to streamline and simplify procurements by using a standardised approach across government. However, the guidance recognises that PQQs will need to be tailored for specific requirements.
Given that Departments will also be obliged to publish PQQs (see the separate post on transparency), it should be relatively easy for the Cabinet Office to monitor compliance with this new requirement.
For more details, see the OGC guidance and the core PQQ questions.