PAS 91 | CDM Standards | Contractor | CHAS

PAS 91 - Now Available


PAS91 is a publicly available specification that contains question sets suit​​able for use to assess construction supply chains. Also known as Construction Pre-qualification Questionnaires. The definition of construction was taken from the CDM Regulations, so as well as new build PAS91 can also cover other areas, such as demolition, refurbishment, extensions, conversions, repair and maintenance.
There are mandatory question modules that cover commercial aspects of the company (including governance, health & safety, financial, key contacts). There are also several optional modules and the ability to add further specific questions. PAS91 is now in its second iteration.​

What is the purpose of PAS91?
Its purpose is restricted to providing a standardised set of questions. PAS91 does, however, provide some guidance as to the type of evidence a supplier may provide in response to specific questions.
The aim of PAS91 is to provide a common set of questions so that suppliers, such as contractors, service providers, designers etc, will be asked questions that they are familiar with.

  • It is intended that this will lead to reduced effort and significant savings in the procurement process, as well as the sharing of information.
  • It is also hoped it will help encourage more participation from SMEs, many of which have found competing for business with large organisations unviable due to the resource/cost burden of procurement processes.

Is PAS91 mandated by current CDM Regulations?
Although the CDM Regulations guidance does not make the use of PAS91 compulsory. CHAS does comply with the question set defined in PAS91.
How can you use the PAS91 standard as a Client?
It is sound business sense to check out any organisation you are looking to do business with. You will want to ensure that they are financially viable, well governed and have the organisational capability to work on yo​​​​ur behalf.

Many clients will seek to do this by the use of a questionnaire, commonly referred to as a PQQ (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire), often through a service provider such as CHAS. To comply, ensure that you ask all the mandatory questions by using the same wording as PAS91, in the same order and using the numbering system provided. Although additional questions can be added, bear in mind that PAS91 is there to reduce time spent on PQQs (by both parties).

Are existing accreditations recognised by the PAS91 model?
Where pre-existing certifications are in place, PAS91 will allow clients to recognise these and cut down on additional questions. For example, if the supplier has been assessed by a member of SSIP or has ISO 9001 or 14001​ issued by an accredited certification body, by providing evidence of this they can cut down on the number of required responses.​​

Additional Products 

What is the purpose of the additional products?

The additional products from CHAS are designed to offer assurances to clients that the correct policies and procedures are in place. 

What is required?

  • You should have an anti-bribery policy if there is a risk that someone who works for you or on your behalf might be exposed to bribery.
  • Part of the Modern Slavery act seeks to address Modern Slavery and human trafficking practices in commercial supply chains, where there is a risk of slavery and human trafficking taking place, and the steps the business has taken to assess and manage that risk.