What is the PQC System?
The PQC System supports and enhances building procurement processes by streamlining the tendering and selection process and providing clear and consistent performance requirements. The PQC System comprises:
The PQC System identifies a contractor's compliance with contractual and legislative requirements, capabilities, commitment to continuous improvement and experience against prescribed criteria. Prequalification involves self-assessment against the prequalification criteria of experience, systems, people and business together with statutory and referee checks undertaken by the Department. Successful applicants are awarded one of four PQC Levels ranging from effective work practices to leading edge practice in a multisectoral global context.
To be eligible to tender (either open or select) for a government building project, contractors are required to be appropriately registered on the PQC System, have a PQC level that matches or exceeds the service risk rating associated with the project, satisfy financial requirements and meet project specific criteria.
A formal financial capacity assessment of the preferred tenderer is undertaken by the Queensland Building Services Authority (QBSA) at the time of tender and in accordance with the Contractor PQC: Financial Requirements.
Click here for policy intent and policy objectives of the Prequalification (PQC) System.
Who should apply for Prequalification (PQC)?
Any building industry contractor seeking to undertake government building projects valued at more than $250,000 must first become appropriately registered on the whole-of-Government Prequalification (PQC) System administered by the Department of Public Works (DPW).
For the purpose of the PQC System, a building industry contractor is defined as an organisation or individual contracted directly to the Queensland Government to provide services in relation to government building projects.
The PQC System is also available to be used to select key trade or specialist subcontractors for trade packages estimated to exceed $250,000, pending suitable arrangements with the head contractor.
Building Work below $250,000
Contractors wishing to carry out building work under the Department’s Minor Works or Service Maintenance Contracts (generally below an estimated value of $250,000) may wish to become a Registered Contractor with QBuild. Further information on this is available at the following link - http://www.qbuild.qld.gov.au/.
Building Work between $250,000 - $500,000
The Department has developed an entry-level application process for building contractors seeking prequalification for low risk (PQC Level 1) government building projects estimated to cost from $250,000 to $500,000.
Under this new arrangement, contractors in this market segment will only be required to satisfy basic compliance requirements, including such aspects as correct corporate identity and appropriate Queensland Building Services Authority licensing. Contractors wishing to prequalify for building work within this range only should fill in the entry level application form to register.
Building Work above $250,000
Contractors wishing to undertake government building projects valued at more than $250,000, will need to be prequalified. Contractors should fill in a first step applicaton form. The PQC team will review the applications and notify the contractor of any issues or the acceptance of the contractor's First Step Application, and then request the contractor to complete the second stage of the application process to complete their prequalification.
To apply for PQC registration, contractors are required to carefully read, complete and submit the following documents to the PQC Registrar.
Entry Level PQC is for building contractors wishing to undertake government building projects from $250,000 to $500,000. Contractors wishing to prequalify for building work within this range only should fill in the Entry Level Application Form.
The First Step Application is for contractors wishing to prequalify for building projects with a value exceeding $250,000. Contractors wishing to apply for prequalification status should fill in the Contractor PQC: First Step Application Form.
As the first step in PQC registration, applicants are required to complete all sections of the enclosed form and return it to the PQC Registrar. This information is then reviewed by officers of the Department of Public Works in consultation with other agencies.
Applicants that satisfy the State's requirements of the Contractor PQC: First Step form are then invited to complete the second stage of the application process. Applicants are invited to contact the PQC Registrar and request any necessary support or assistance in completing the forms. This support can be offered over the telephone or in our offices - contact the PQC Registrar to make an appointment.
If you have difficulty printing the Contractor PQC: First Step, please email PQCRegistrar@publicworks.qld.gov.au or call 1800 072 621 to request a fax/email copy.
Contractors, whose First Step applications have been approved, are required to complete the forms for the second stage of the prequalification process. These forms provide further information to allow the PQC Team to comprehensively evaluate a contractor’s eligibility for registration on the PQC System.
The second stage application forms should only be completed after a contractor has been notified that their Contractor PQC: First Step Application Form has been approved.
All contractors are encouraged to use the Contractor PQC: Application Guide to assist when completing the application forms.
The application forms can be downloaded and/or saved onto your PC. Please note however, that only blank versions of the application forms can be saved. All completed and signed applications should be mailed or faxed to the PQC Registrar.
Fax: 3224 5498
PQC Registrar
Department of Public Works
GPO Box 2457
Brisbane Qld 4001
Contractor PQC: Financial Requirements (.pdf, 82kb)
The financial criteria set out in this document provide the basis for compliance with the Prequalification (PQC) requirements for contracting on Queensland Government building projects in excess of $250,000. These criteria are primarily based upon, and need to be read in conjunction with, the prevailing Financial Requirements for Licensing as issued from time to time by the Queensland Building Services Authority (QBSA).
Building Industry Contractor Tendering and Selection Process (.pdf,
214kb)
This document outlines the Queensland Government's tendering and selection processes for government building projects. Topics include procurement system selection, methods of tendering, calling and receipt of tenders, evaluating tenders, awarding the contract, and post-tender administration. The definitions of a government building project, High Risk/Significant (HRS) building projects and non-price evaluation criteria are included.
Contractor PQC: Service Risk Assessment (.pdf, 99kb)
This document outlines the process for determining the PQC Service Risk Rating of services to be provided by building industry contractors on government building projects.
The service risk assessment process involves consideration of the key aspects of the PQC service to be provided, including whether the project meets the definition of High Risk/Significant (HRS) under the Capital Works Management Framework, the procurement system to be used, the project budget, any proposed bundling of work under the contract, and the various project specific aspects relating to complexity, time, quality and sensitivity.
Contractor PQC: Managing Occupational Health and Safety on Government Building Projects (.pdf, 299kb)
This document outlines the occupational health and safety requirements for contractors under the PQC System. The policy objective of these requirements is to reduce the human and financial cost of workplace injuries in the building and construction industry to employers, workers and the community.
Contractor PQC: Improving Workforce Management on Government Building Projects (.pdf, 252kb)
This guideline outlines the Government’s expectations in regard to the conduct of workforce management on government building projects and details specific requirements and responsibilities for contractors registered under the PQC System.
Contractor PQC: Performance Reports
In accordance with the Queensland Government's PQC System, contractors undertaking any government building project valued at more than $250,000 are required to contribute to the completion of performance reports on the service they provide.
The Contractor PQC: Performance Report (doc, 150kb) is available to complete as a form on screen for subsequent printing, or to be printed and completed by hand, then submitted to the PQC Registrar.
Reports are to be completed:
The performance report seeks to review a contractor's technical and management performance as well as compliance with statutory, contractual and prequalification requirements. Further, the report provides the PQC Registrar, and the contractor’s management, with valuable feedback on elements of the contractor's performance.
The receipt of extremely good or poor performance reports in relation to a contractor may trigger a review of their PQC Registration details under the Review and Sanctions Process.
In accordance with mandatory requirement number 12 of the Capital Works Management Framework, agencies are required to keep the Department of Public Works informed at all times of any signs that might indicate possible contractor failure or managerial stress. Departmental officers or consultant Superintendent Representatives etc that become aware that a contractor may be treating or handling subcontractors or workers inappropriately, displaying signs of stress in whatever form and/or involved in contractual, legal or administrative action that may jeopardise the performance of the contractor must inform the PQC Registrar as soon as practical.
Review and Sanctions Process (.pdf,
173kb)
This document explains the processes for the early identification and resolution of performance and non-compliance issues involving building industry contractors working on government building projects under the PQC System.
The Fact Sheet Prequalified - Now what? assists PQC Registrants to understand how to identify upcoming opportunities, how and where invitations for commissions and contracts on government building projects are issued and to track tender results.
Changes to Occupational Health and Safety Requirements for PQC Contractors informs PQC Registrants about changes that have been made to the OHS requirements for contractors to bring them into line with similar Queensland and Australian Government schemes.
Do I need to be prequalified to get work on government building projects?
Yes - government departments are required to use only prequalified building
industry contractors for all building/maintenance projects valued at more
than $250,000.
Does PQC apply to me if I am providing any building construction or maintenance
services?
Yes - If you are contracted directly to government and the project is valued
at more than $250,000.
The PQC System is also available to be used to select key trade or specialist subcontractors for trade packages estimated at or exceeding $250,000, pending suitable arrangements with the head contractor.
Will I get government work by being prequalified?
Prequalification makes you eligible to compete for government building projects.
You must still go through the tender process in competition with your peer
contractors.
Will PQC cost me money?
No - applying for prequalification is free and seeks only to determine what
you currently do and how you operate. Should you wish to improve your PQC
Level, the criteria serve to outline what the Government has identified as
good business management practices.
How long will it take to process my PQC application?
Allow approximately four weeks processing time for each part of the application
process and official notification.
How will I find out what level of prequalification and project size I
am registered for?
You will be posted an official notification consisting of your PQC Certificate
of Registration and attached Schedule to Registration of Prequalification.
The Schedule itemises your registration status, including PQC Level, project
type, geographical areas of operation and financial capacity.
How often do I have to renew my prequalification?
Every 2-3 years. The second release of PQC for building industry contractors
(Contractor PQC2) became available from 1 May 2001. Refer Registration
for more information.
Can I upgrade my PQC rating?
Yes - You may, at any time, apply for registration at a higher level.
Can I change the categories I am currently prequalified for?
Yes, at any time.
Can I be downgraded or removed from the PQC register?
Yes. Removal from the PQC register can occur at any time once it becomes apparent
that a building industry contractor is unable to satisfy any or all of the
prequalification requirements.
Can I tender for work as soon as I lodge my application?
No, you must be appropriately prequalified and registered on the PQC System
in order to be eligible to tender.
How will the PQC service risk rating for each service be determined?
The Project Manager for each project will determine the PQC service risk rating
using the guidelines developed as part of the PQC System.
