INDEPENDENT RESEARCH / PRACTICE NOTES

Ideas in motion, not ideas behind glass.¶

This is my working notebook on AI engineering, strategy, knowledge infrastructure, organizational transformation, and the human systems that determine whether innovation becomes real capability.

The notes range from emerging research questions to practical operating models. Some will become papers, tools, talks, or products. Others are here because thinking improves when it is made visible.

Evidence before theater Systems over slogans Useful, accountable AI

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Latest writing

February 8, 2024
in AI Strategy, Defense Technology, Government Technology, Innovation Management
2 min read

Government Intensifies AI Implementation with New TMF Program The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) has announced its willingness to accept applications from federal agencies with proposals for AI projects, signaling the government’s commitment to accelerating the deployment of AI technology. The TMF program will prioritize AI use cases that can be implemented within 18 months and cost up to $6 million to develop. This initiative follows President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI, which mandated the TMF to prioritize AI projects within 30 days. The administration aims to harness the power of AI for positive impact while simultaneously safeguarding against potential risks. According to Clare Martorana, federal Chief Information Officer and TMF Board Chair, the federal government has an obligation to utilize AI for the greater good while protecting citizens. The TMF presents an opportunity to accelerate AI adoption and stimulate innovation in the public sector. The success of AI in various government applications, such as detecting drug shortages and enhancing cybersecurity, underscores the potential of AI in driving operational efficiencies. There are currently over 1,200 indexed agency AI use cases, as reported by the Government Accountability Office. The TMF program demonstrates the government’s interest in both large-scale AI systems and more manageable implementations. The program also emphasizes speed, encouraging agencies with potential proposals to engage with the TMF program management office.

Government Enhances AI Implementation with new TMF Program

Supported by President Joe Biden’s executive order, the Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) is focusing on fast-tracking the objectives it outlined for implementing artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

February 8, 2024
in AI Strategy, Defense Technology, Government Technology, Innovation Management
1 min read

NIST US AI Safety Institute Welcomes Elizabeth Kelly as Director

Elizabeth Kelly to Lead NIST’s U.S. AI Safety Institute

Elizabeth Kelly, currently serving as the special assistant to the president for economic policy at the White House National Economic Council, has been chosen to head the U.S. AI Safety Institute (AISI) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

February 8, 2024
in AI Strategy, Defense Technology, Government Technology, Innovation Management
2 min read

TMF Calls for Agency Proposals to Fast-Track AI Deployment across Federal Government The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) is actively seeking investment opportunities in initiatives that will expedite the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) resources throughout the federal government. The TMF’s program management office has extended an open invitation for agency proposals aimed at advancing the goals set out in President Joe Biden’s executive order. This order pertains to the development of AI in the governmental sector that is “safe, secure, and trustworthy.” The General Services Administration, the home of the TMF PMO, announced that TMF board would prioritize reviews for proposals that request up to $6 million in funding and target projects with a completion timeline of 1.5 years or less. This strategy is a concerted effort to boost the government’s AI usage and unlock innovative potential. Federal agencies have a unique opportunity to contribute to the national effort of integrating AI tools across government operations. By catalyzing AI deployment, TMF seeks to enable rapid, responsive service delivery, enhancing both customer experience and the efficiency of administrative tasks.

TMF Solicits Agency Proposals to Fast-Track AI Deployment across Federal Government

The Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) is actively seeking investment opportunities in initiatives that will expedite the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) resources throughout the federal government.

February 7, 2024
in AI Strategy, Defense Technology, Government Technology, Innovation Management
2 min read

AI-Powered Logistics and Robo-Boats: Future Soldier Resupply Strategies The future of soldier resupply may rely on artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous watercraft, according to the director of the Army Futures Command’s Cross Functional Team-Contested Logistics. AI tools could be used to predict and coordinate logistical needs, allowing for efficient resupply operations. Swarms of autonomous watercraft and drones could transport supplies to troops across vast distances, eliminating the need for manual transportation. Additionally, the Army is exploring the role of its own watercraft fleet to enhance resupply capabilities. These advancements aim to improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of soldier resupply in future conflicts.

Army’s Future Combat Strategy Leverages New Watercraft for Resupply and Logistical Operations

Future combat operations are set to witness a significant transformation with the U.S. Army leveraging new watercraft for resupply and logistical tasks.

February 7, 2024
in AI Strategy, Defense Technology, Government Technology, Innovation Management
2 min read

Decoding the Impact of AI Executive Order on Federal Contractors The recent AI executive order presents both promise and peril for federal contractors. While it outlines a path for the adoption of AI by agency customers, contractors must understand and leverage this opportunity. The order opens up new acquisition opportunities and investments across the federal government, with agencies appointing chief artificial intelligence officers and creating AI advisory boards. Contractors should pay attention to the work products released by various agencies and understand risk assessment mechanisms for AI-enabled offerings. However, they must also be aware of the new liabilities and risks associated with aligning AI-specific risk to software developers and vendors. It’s crucial for contractors to navigate both the promises and perils of AI in the federal contracting landscape.

Decoding the Impact of AI Executive Order on Federal Contractors

Trey Hodgkins, a seasoned federal procurement professional and Senior Vice President at Phoenix Strategies, sheds light on the recent artificial intelligence (AI) executive order’s implications for federal contractors.

February 7, 2024
in AI Strategy, Defense Technology, Government Technology, Innovation Management
2 min read

DHS Launches AI Corps, Calls for 50 AI Experts to Drive Tech Transformation The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is initiating a “hiring sprint” to assemble a team of 50 artificial intelligence (AI) experts for its newly established AI Corps. The AI Corps, modeled after the U.S. Digital Service, aims to leverage AI technology across various DHS operations. Experts in the AI Corps will contribute to countering illegal drug activities, combating child exploitation, providing immigration services, ensuring national security, protecting critical infrastructure, and enhancing cybersecurity. This move aligns with President Joe Biden’s AI executive order and demonstrates the government’s commitment to hiring AI talent to drive technological advancements in the federal sector. DHS plans to expedite the hiring process using flexible authorities to secure qualified candidates promptly. The goal is to responsibly harness AI capabilities, mitigate misuse, and advance the critical mission of homeland security.

DHS Launches AI Corps, Calls for 50 AI Experts to Drive Tech Transformation

In a significant step toward growing its artificial intelligence capabilities, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is launching the “AI Corps”. The agency is recruiting 50 specialized AI talents to drive the utilization of AI throughout DHS operations.

February 7, 2024
in AI Strategy, Defense Technology, Government Technology, Innovation Management
2 min read

DHS’s Initial AI Inventory: Verification Issues Highlighted by Watchdog Report

A recent investigation has raised questions regarding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s handling of Artificial Intelligence (AI) use case submissions. According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, DHS was not confirming the authenticity of reported AI applications.

February 7, 2024
in AI Strategy, Defense Technology, Government Technology, Innovation Management
1 min read

DoD’s AI Office Unveils 5 ‘Big Plays’ for FY24

DoD’s AI Office Unveils ‘Big Plays’ for FY24

The Department of Defense’s (DoD) top procurement official for AI, Quentin McCoy, recently shared the five major objectives for the Pentagon’s AI office for the rest of fiscal 2024. These objectives demonstrate a vital blend of broad aspirations and detailed acquisition strategies.