If you operate in the water hygiene industry and are looking to win public sector tenders, you will almost certainly have come across procurement terms like PQQ, ITT, DPS and Framework agreements. These aren’t just bits of jargon – they define how work is tendered, awarded and delivered to water hygiene contractors.
From Legionella risk assessments to tank cleans, temperature monitoring, remedial works and ongoing planned preventative maintenance (PPM), understanding each of these procurement stages can make the difference between a winning bid and a missed opportunity. As a bid writing service specialising in water hygiene tenders, here is our guide to what each of these terms means for your business.
What are PQQ’s, DPS’s and ITT’s?
- Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ): The initial filtering stage, used to check whether your company meets the buyer’s baseline requirements for compliance, capability and financial standing.
- Invitation To Tender (ITT): The detailed bid stage, where you explain how you will deliver the service, supported by method statements, pricing and evidence.
- Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS): An open, ongoing supplier list where you can bid for specific packages of water hygiene work as opportunities arise.
- Framework Agreement: A longer-term arrangement where you become an approved supplier for a set period, with the chance to be awarded work directly or through mini-competitions.
What Is A PQQ In Water Hygiene?
The PQQ is often the first step in a two-stage procurement process. It is designed to confirm that you have the correct Legionella compliance, accreditations and financial standing before the buyer invests time in evaluating your delivery proposals.
In the water hygiene sector, a PQQ will usually ask for:
- Evidence of compliance with ACoP L8, HSG274 Parts 1–3 and BS 8580.
- Relevant accreditations such as Legionella Control Association (LCA) membership and ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 certifications.
- Health & Safety documentation – RAMS, COSHH assessments, SSIP membership (e.g. CHAS, SafeContractor).
- Insurance details (Public Liability, Employers’ Liability, Professional Indemnity).
- Company accounts/turnover evidence.
- References for comparable projects (e.g. hospital water safety management or large multi-site monitoring).
At this stage, buyers want assurance that you are technically competent, financially stable and fully compliant – not the finer details of delivery.
Bid writing tip: Keep a central library of your certificates, policies and records so you can respond quickly to PQQs.
What Is An ITT In Water Hygiene?
If you pass the PQQ stage – or if the buyer uses a one-stage process – you’ll be invited to the ITT. This is the main competitive stage, where water hygiene tenders are scored on quality, price and social value.
An ITT in this sector might ask for:
- Detailed method statements (risk assessments, monitoring, remedials, tank cleans).
- Mobilisation plans, including TUPE transfer management.
- Asset management approaches (logbooks and asset registers in line with BS 8580).
- Sampling compliance (BS 7592).
- Resourcing plans, including competent persons with City & Guilds Legionella training.
- Social value initiatives (apprenticeships, Legionella awareness training, local recruitment).
Bid writing tip: Always use contract-specific examples to show you understand the client’s environment – e.g. highlighting university or healthcare sector experience.
What Is A DPS In Water Hygiene?
A DPS (Dynamic Purchasing System) is a flexible procurement model allowing suppliers to join at any time. This is often used where the buyer requires:
- Legionella control services (responsive and planned).
- Coverage across multiple regions.
- A pool of approved suppliers to handle varying demand.
Process overview:
- Apply once (usually through a simplified PQQ).
- If accepted, you’re added to the DPS list of approved suppliers.
- You’ll be invited to mini-competitions for specific work packages (e.g. Legionella risk assessments for sheltered housing in the North West).
- You decide whether to bid, based on scope, geography and capacity.
The advantage: you don’t need to wait for new tenders – you can join anytime and bid when the right opportunities arise.
What Is A Framework In Water Hygiene?
A framework agreement is a long-term deal between a buyer and one or more approved suppliers, usually lasting 2–4 years. Being on a framework doesn’t guarantee work, but it does give you priority access for direct awards or mini-competitions.
In the water hygiene industry, frameworks may cover:
- Legionella risk assessments across estates.
- Routine monitoring & sampling programmes.
- Tank cleans, disinfections and remedials.
- Emergency response for contamination incidents.
Frameworks can be single-supplier or multi-supplier. Getting onto one often requires both a PQQ and an ITT submission. Once approved, competition is reduced – buyers already know you meet their standards.
Why Understanding The Difference Matters
The public sector water hygiene market is highly competitive, with buyers focusing on compliance, technical expertise and health & safety. Knowing how each procurement route works helps you:
- Prepare the right documents.
- Target the right contracts.
- Avoid wasting time on unsuitable bids.
- PQQs test eligibility.
- ITTs test delivery.
- DPSs offer flexibility.
- Frameworks provide long-term access.
Are You Ready to Win Water Hygiene Tenders?
Bidding in the water hygiene sector can be time consuming and complex.
While it can be done internally, professional bid writing companies (like us at Bid Writing Service) can significantly boost your chances of water hygiene tender success through expert bid writing and end-to-end guidance throughout the entire bidding process.
Have a water hygiene tender submission coming up? Why not utilise our expert water hygiene tender writers? Contact us at michael.baron@bidwritingservice.com or lauren.moorhouse@bidwritingservice.com to discuss your needs, or, fill out the form below!
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