Award Force, the leading platform for awards management, has launched new AI tools designed with a secure, privacy-first approach for awards programs worldwide. The capabilities aim to help awards program managers work more efficiently and fairly while maintaining the privacy, security, and control that clients expect from the platform.
Unlike many technology providers that rely on third-party processing, Award Force's AI tools operate entirely within the company's own secure virtual private cloud (VPC). This ensures all data remains private, fully compliant, and never leaves the Award Force environment. Clients can choose from powerful, embedded language models that never send data outside of Award Force's environment, with every AI interaction handled securely without external data sharing or third-party access.
"We didn't set out to add just another AI feature," said Richard de Nys, Managing Director of Award Force. "We set out to build a responsible foundation for the future—one that supports awards managers in meaningful, practical ways, while protecting the integrity of their data at every step."
Participation in the AI tools is completely optional, requiring program managers to actively opt in to enable AI features within their Award Force accounts. Unless activated, no data is shared with any AI systems, ensuring total isolation for organizations not yet ready to adopt the technology. "It's your data, and it's your choice," de Nys emphasized. "We believe AI should be a tool you invite in, not something quietly running behind the scenes."
The first release in the AI tools suite is AI fields, a new field type that allows program managers to use natural language prompts to analyze entries, summarize content, generate consistent feedback, and assist judging processes directly within Award Force. Once activated, managers can summarize or analyze entries automatically or manually, generate fair and consistent feedback for entrants, support judges with contextual insights, and control when and how AI responses are generated and shared.
All AI interactions take place entirely within the Award Force environment, giving program managers full flexibility and control over visibility and use. Users can also choose the LLM models they trust, such as Claude Sonnet, GPT OSS, Qwen3, and more, depending on their location and preferences.
AI fields represent the initial step in a broader initiative by Award Force to deliver intelligent, secure AI features across its platform. Future releases will continue to expand AI capabilities while maintaining the same guiding principles of safety, fairness, and practicality. "This is just the beginning," de Nys stated. "We're building an AI foundation our clients can grow with, responsibly and securely."
The introduction of these AI tools addresses growing concerns about data privacy in artificial intelligence applications, particularly in sensitive areas like awards management where proprietary information and confidential submissions must be protected. By keeping all processing within their own secure environment, Award Force provides organizations with the benefits of AI technology without compromising data sovereignty or regulatory compliance.
For the awards industry, this development could accelerate adoption of AI tools that have previously been viewed with caution due to privacy concerns. Program managers now have access to technology that can streamline labor-intensive processes like entry analysis and feedback generation while maintaining complete control over their data. The opt-in approach ensures organizations can adopt AI at their own pace, making advanced technology accessible without forcing immediate change on all users.
As organizations worldwide increasingly seek ways to leverage AI while protecting sensitive information, Award Force's approach offers a model for responsible technology implementation. The platform's commitment to keeping all data within its secure environment addresses fundamental concerns about third-party data sharing that have limited AI adoption in many sectors. This development positions Award Force to help shape standards for ethical AI implementation in professional services and recognition programs globally.
