18.30Bidders usually have to complete a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) – known as the selection questionnaire (SQ) in 2017 – covering basic information about the organisation and its history of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

18.31Bidders have to satisfy the LAA that they meet essential criteria and there may be a competitive element to tenders including selection criteria based on previous experience of delivering legal services. However, where the LAA perceives there may be a lack of supply, there may be a simple registration process instead, with the LAA indicating it may consider applications from providers who cannot meet all essential criteria. Some tenders (for example the CLA telephone service) may include price competition.

18.32Face to face contracts for legal work starting in 2013 were guaranteed to those submitting technically correct bids and meeting minimum requirements. Larger numbers of matter starts were allocated on a pro rata basis to those meeting defined requirements.