The U.S. Army said that it is exploring the use of generative AI (GenAI) to improve its acquisition activities. Jennifer Swanson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Data, Engineering and Software, recently announced the launch of a pilot– #CalibrateAI– which infuses technologies such as data analytics, machine learning, and natural language processing.

“By using off-the-shelf AI tools and leveraging cross-service authority-to-operate reciprocity granted by DoD CIO, #CalibrateAI will explore how we increase productivity while enhancing the accuracy of information. The ability to query curated document sets for generating new content, along with providing citations, will ensure that our outputs are not only accurate but also easily fact-checked,” Swanson said.

It aims to enhance productivity by utilizing AI tools for collating and generating critical information related to acquisition activities. It seeks to improve accuracy through citation mechanisms, foster innovation by exploring new AI applications, and support the Army CIO’s pilot in identifying a cost-effective path for broader AI adoption.

The initiative also aligns with the Army CIO's GenAI efforts, providing an opportunity for AI experimentation and feedback by enabling participants to streamline repetitive and time-consuming tasks.

Deployed in a secure Impact Level 5 cloud environment, the AI tool can manage controlled unclassified information, ensuring that sensitive data is handled with the utmost security.

Last month, it was reported that the Army is also testing the use of AI to support its contracting workforce, which is experiencing a substantial rise in workload.

“AI can help a contracting officer [work] faster and more accurately. So, we are putting those things in place, and already have pilot programs underway where we are trying out [AI capabilities] to help everything from market research to writing initial [proposal requests], draft contracts, and doing evaluations of contracts,” Doug Bush, the Army’s assistant secretary for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, said during a Defense News webinar.

He also revealed that several pilot programs aimed at using AI to ‘streamline operations and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of managing increased responsibilities’ are already underway.

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