The UK public sector is a major AI buyer — but selling to it means meeting specific procurement and transparency expectations. Here’s how it works in 2026, cited to gov.uk. (dgm implements osFoundry as an independent partner. General information, not procurement or legal advice.)

The procurement framework

Selling AI to UK public bodies runs through the Procurement Act 2023 (in force since around February 2025), which modernised public procurement rules, plus relevant procurement policy notes. In practice, much public-sector tech is bought through commercial frameworks such as G-Cloud (see our G-Cloud guide).

The AI Playbook

The AI Playbook for the UK Government (February 2025) sets 10 principles for safe, effective and responsible public-sector AI — including understanding AI’s limitations, security, human oversight, and meaningful transparency. AI sold to government is expected to align with it, so build and pitch against these principles.

ATRS: transparency records

The Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard (ATRS) is a standardised way for public bodies to publish how and why they use algorithmic/AI tools. It’s mandatory for central government departments and for arm’s-length bodies delivering public/frontline services or interacting with the public (mandatory scope policy). The buying body files the record, but as a supplier you should expect to provide the information that populates it — so build with that transparency in mind. (See our ATRS guide.)

The other duties

Public-sector AI must also respect:

  • the Public Sector Equality Duty (Equality Act 2010);
  • data-protection law (UK GDPR) — especially for sensitive social-care/benefits data; and
  • transparency/FOI expectations.

Local authorities consistently cite project scoping (“where can AI add value?”) as their biggest barrier — so a supplier who helps scope a clear, proportionate use case is valuable.

Where osFoundry and dgm fit

dgm builds public-sector-ready AI on osFoundry with the things buyers need: transparency and explainability, audit logging, human oversight, and data control (self-host in the body’s own cloud or an EU region — osFoundry publishes US/EU/JP regions, not a UK one). Those directly support AI Playbook alignment and the information an ATRS record requires.

dgm is an independent integration partner with zero integrations so far, and not a procurement adviser. For framework routes and bid compliance, work with a public-sector procurement specialist. To scope a public-sector-ready AI project, book a consultation with dgm.