I have just received a PQQ for a public sector consortium. I get a lot of these and I'm sure many many organisations do too. One of the most frustrating things about procurement is that it often costs the bidders a combined amount that exceeds the value of the contract but you just have to live with that. This one, however, asks for six paper copies and a CD version of the PQQ response. I am at a loss trying to understand why a PQQ needs to go to six people at all never mind the CD version. Surely these days public sector procurement departments could look at ways of limiting the impact on the environment of their activities not to mention the cost to small businesses.

While I'm having a mini rant on the subject I did have a wry smile last week when I received another PQQ by email and the text included a request; if I did not intend to proceed with the PQQ could I return the Word document that was attached to the email. Luckily we have gone forward with that one and I don't need to send my hard drive to ensure I am complying with procurement regulations.