Ukraine’s Defence Procurement Agency is the first in Ukraine’s defense sector to meet ISO 37001:2025
The Defence Procurement Agency DOT of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has become the first organization in Ukraine’s defense sector to pass a surveillance audit by the international certification body MSECB and obtain a certificate of compliance with the updated international anti-bribery standard ISO 37001:2025.
Earlier, the Agency was also the first among organizations in Ukraine’s defense sector to obtain certification under this standard.
ISO 37001 anti-bribery standard requirements
The international standard ISO 37001 sets requirements for a management system aimed at preventing bribery, as well as detecting it and responding appropriately to such cases.
It covers a range of mechanisms, including:
- leadership responsibility;
- corruption risk assessment;
- due diligence on business partners;
- conflict-of-interest management;
- employee training;
- the operation of channels for reporting possible violations and continuous improvement of internal control procedures.
The updated ISO 37001:2025 edition places greater emphasis on a culture of integrity, the role of leadership, and conflict-of-interest management.
What anti-bribery compliance means for the Defence Procurement Agency DOT
For the Agency, this means further development of a system in which anti-corruption requirements are taken into account when making management decisions and carrying out procurement.
In defense procurement, integrity must be built into the decision-making processes themselves. It is important not only to respond to possible violations, but also to address risks systematically: vetting counterparties, preventing conflicts of interest, and improving internal control. The transition to the updated ISO 37001 standard confirms that we continue to develop this system and implement international requirements in the Agency’s day-to-day work.
Confirmation of compliance with the current edition of the international standard is important evidence of the Agency’s consistent work to develop anti-corruption mechanisms and strengthen its institutional capacity. At the same time, it creates additional conditions for strengthening trust in the Agency among international partners, suppliers, and the Security and Defence Forces of Ukraine.
Preventing corruption is one of the priorities of the Ministry of Defence. Passing the audit and obtaining the ISO certificate show that we are moving in the right direction. The DPA is building processes with zero tolerance for corrupt practices, first and foremost so that every hryvnia and every euro goes toward providing the Ukrainian military with everything it needs.
The Ministry of Defence previously reported on the gradual introduction of competitive tender procedures in defense procurement to make procurement more transparent and the use of funds more efficient. As a result, the military will be better supplied with everything it needs, while manufacturers will grow through competition and predictable procurement.
