Overview
This PPN applies to all central government departments, their executive agencies and non departmental public bodies (collectively referred to as 'in-scope organisations') and clarifies the principles relating to the disclosure of contract and related information.
In-scope organisations should discuss with suppliers at an early stage in the procurement, and in advance of any contract award, the types of procurement and contracts information which can be disclosed to the public; and then ensure publication of that information in an accessible format.
All in-scope organisations should operate on a presumption in favour of disclosing information (unless exemptions apply under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act - for example, on national security or commercial confidentiality grounds). The presumption in favour of disclosure should apply in most cases, and the withholding of information on the basis of commercial confidentiality being the exception rather than the rule.