PATHWAY TO AI READINESS

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Acquisition

Vision

Agile and responsible acquisition, contracting, and procurement strategies that accelerate the deployment of impactful, diverse, and transformative data, analytics, and AI capabilities.

Essential Self-Assessment Questions

  • Do we fully understand the procurement processes available for acquiring AI technologies?
  • Have we established clear criteria for selecting AI vendors and products?
  • How do we maintain transparency and fairness throughout the AI procurement process?
  • How do we ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards in AI procurement?
  • What processes are in place to assess the cost-effectiveness, justification, and return-on-investment (ROI) of AI-related expenditures?
  • How do we incorporate cybersecurity and authorization considerations into our AI acquisition processes?

Resources and Links

Memorandum on "Advancing the Responsible Acquisition of Artificial Intelligence in Government"

This acquisition-focused memorandum builds on previous efforts to harness the power and utility of AI in service of agency missions while protecting the public from potential risks or harms.

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Adaptive Acquisition Framework (AAF) Pathways

Adaptive acquisition pathways to deliver effective, suitable, survivable, sustainable, and affordable solutions to the end user in a timely manner.

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DoD Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer

Learn about the DoD SBIR/STTR programs.

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CDAO Tradewinds Homepage

The DoD platform for learning, acquiring, and delivering technology.

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CDAO Tradewinds Education Center

Discover a diverse range of resources within the Tradewinds suite, from AI to OTs and beyond.

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Defense Acquisition University AI Homepage

Provides courses and expert analysis into the landscape of AI in the defense sector.

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Defense Innovation Unit Homepage

DIU homepage focused on accelerating the adoption of commercial and dual-use technology to solve operational challenges at speed and scale.

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DEFENSEWERX Homepage

DEFENSEWERX collaborates with various DoD branches to drive innovation and streamline acquisition by connecting military needs with solutions from industry and academia.

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AFWERX Homepage

AFWERX is the innovation arm of the U.S. Air Force, facilitating partnerships and accelerating acquisition processes to bring cutting-edge technology solutions to the military.

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SOFWERX Homepage

SOFWERX partners with U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to accelerate the acquisition of innovative technology solutions through collaboration with industry, academia, and government.

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GSA Generative AI Resource Guide

Resource guide primarily meant to assist the acquisition workforce in navigating the complexities of acquiring Generative AI technologies in collaboration with relevant agency officials from other domains.

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Artificial Intelligence Acquisition Guidebook by the Air Force - MIT AI Accelerator

Provides a basic understanding of the AI acquisition lifecycle with respect to data, finance, contracting, and legal considerations.

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Defense Innovation Board Study on Software Acquisition and Practices (SWAP)

Provides 10 primary recommendations and 16 additional recommendations to address the most critical statutory, regulatory, and cultural hurdles facing the Department of Defense when modernizing software acquisitions.

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