SCAPE becomes the first public sector body to adopt the Common Assessment Standard

SCAPE has become the first public sector body following publication of Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 03/23 to adopt the Common Assessment Standard for its pre-qualification requirements - not only joining a growing list of major contractors and clients specifying the standard for their supply chains, but also simplifying the selection process in procurement for the public sector.

Issued by the Cabinet Office in response to calls from Build UK and its members, PPN 03/23 updates the pre-qualification requirement for central Government departments and wider public sector bodies, meaning they can now use the Common Assessment Standard to pre-qualify suppliers for construction works contracts, rather than PAS 91.

Developed by Build UK, the Common Assessment Standard raises the bar in assessing the competence of the construction supply chain. It has two levels - desktop and site-based - allowing companies to apply for the appropriate level dependent on their trade, size, and the requirements of their public and private sector clients.

Currently available from any one of the Recognised Assessment Bodies, the Common Assessment Standard delivers on the commitment in the Construction Sector Deal for a standardised pre-qualification process and was recommended for use in the public sector by Professor David Mosey as part of his independent review of frameworks to “reduce waste and duplication [and] creat[e] efficiency savings for clients and industry”.