Overview
This PPN applies only to central government departments, their executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies. Such bodies are referred to as “in-scope organisations”.
Private utilities should strongly consider applying this PPN and accompanying guidance in relevant procurements in energy infrastructure, and engage with the Sector Lead on their proposed approach to relevant procurements.
Other organisations that are contracting authorities under the Procurement Act 2023 can consider their own pipelines in the context of the guidance. Where procurements are high value, complex or related to national interests, they are also encouraged to engage the Sector Leads.
The government’s National Security Strategy 2025 is clear that we are entering a new era of radical uncertainty and that a major cultural shift is needed for the UK to respond effectively. To ensure public procurement plays its part, the government is taking action to recalibrate its approach so that the UK’s huge purchasing power is more effectively deployed to protect our national security.
In this PPN, the government has commissioned action in four critical sectors and identified organisations to act as Sector Leads for each:
- shipbuilding - National Shipbuilding Office, Ministry of Defence
- steel - Department for Business and Trade
- artificial intelligence - Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
- energy infrastructure - Department of Energy Security and Net Zero