Procuring and Managing AI Solutions

Overview

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries and government operations. However, procuring AI solutions for the federal government presents unique challenges, including navigating federal regulations, assessing vendor capabilities, and ensuring responsible deployment. This intensive, hands-on course provides federal procurement professionals, IT project managers, and contract managers with a comprehensive framework for acquiring, evaluating, and managing AI systems within the boundaries of U.S. government policies and compliance requirements.

The course draws from best practices in public procurement. Participants will leave with actionable skills to draft AI-specifi c solicitations, evaluate vendor proposals, and oversee post-award contract performance.

Prerequisites

Recommended Pre-Course Readings:

1. “Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR): Key Clauses for AI” (selected excerpts).
2. NIST AI Risk Management Framework.
3. “Guidelines for Responsible AI” by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Hands-on Activities

• Federal Solicitation Analysis: Review real AI-related solicitations and contract awards to identify best practices and potential pitfalls.
• Drafting RFP Sections: Write sample RFP sections, including SOW and evaluation criteria, for an AI-based project.
• Vendor Evaluation Role-Play: Simulate a vendor evaluation and negotiation scenario, practicing scoring, negotiation techniques, and consensus building.
• Compliance Checklist Exercise: Develop a compliance checklist for a hypothetical AI procurement project.

Objectives

1. Develop AI project requirements and write precise RFIs and RFPs tailored to AI solutions.
2. Identify appropriate federal contract vehicles (e.g., GSA schedules, BPAs, GWACs) and understand their strategic use for AI procurements.
3. Understand budgeting and cost evaluation models for AI solutions, including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and performance-based pricing structures.
4. Navigate federal compliance standards, including FISMA, FedRAMP, FOIA, and Section 508, as they apply to AI.
5. Apply frameworks such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and Responsible AI Best Practices in procurement and project management.
6. Evaluate vendor proposals using metrics like algorithm transparency, data security, and bias mitigation.
7. Design monitoring and management plans to ensure vendor accountability and system performance after acquisition.
8. Integrate strategies to achieve small business contracting quotas while ensuring vendor capability.