Procurement Policy Note: Improving Transparency of AI use in Procurement Information Note 02/24 March 2024
This Procurement Policy Note (PPN 02/24) provides guidance for UK central government departments and public bodies on improving the transparency of artificial intelligence use in public procurement. It outlines considerations and risk mitigations for suppliers using AI to develop bids, as well as managing AI embedded in delivered services. Annexes provide links to broader government AI guidance and example disclosure questions for tender documentation.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Commercial, procurement, and contract management professionals in UK public sector bodies who need to manage AI-related risks in government contracts.
What the document contains
This procurement policy note covers how public sector organizations should manage the risks associated with suppliers using artificial intelligence to write bids, how to handle confidential data when interacting with AI tools, and methods for requesting transparency regarding AI integration in delivered services.
The document does not establish legally binding penalties for non-compliance beyond standard public sector administrative guidance, nor does it provide exhaustive technical standards for AI safety.
- In-scope organisations should take steps to identify and manage AI-related risks and opportunities within their commercial activities.
- Suppliers are not prohibited from using AI to develop bids, but contracting authorities should implement proportionate due diligence and controls.
- Contracting authorities should prevent confidential tender information from being used as training data for external AI systems.
- Commercial teams should consider requiring suppliers to declare the use of AI in delivering non-AI services.
- Annexes provide practical resources, including sample disclosure questions for inclusion in invitations to tender.
· Dissemination and Scope · Timing · References to Guidance · Supplier Use of AI in Bids · National Security Considerations · AI in Service Delivery · Background on Generative AI and Risks · Contact Information · Annex A - Guidance and Best Practice · Annex B - AI Disclosure Questions
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Human Dignity
0/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
4/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
It is essential to ensure that decisions are made with the support of AI systems, not a reliance upon them, in accordance with the principles outlined in the Government’s Data Ethics Framework
Paragraph 12
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
2/5Protection of personal data and private life
whether the information gathered is subject to Data Classification policies.
An illustrative example: Video Conferencing
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
4/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
Asking suppliers to disclose their use of AI in the creation of their tender (See Annex B for an example of text that can be added to procurement documentation).
Paragraph 7
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
1/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
The contents of this Procurement Policy Note (PPN) apply to all Central Government Departments, their Executive Agencies and Non-Departmental Public Bodies
Dissemination and Scope
screening score · 2026-10-23