Transforming Air Force | AUSA Annual Meeting | USDA Advances AI Adoption

Science & Technology

Introduction

In the latest edition of FedGov Today hosted by Francis Rose, several significant topics were discussed regarding the transformation of the Air Force, the upcoming AUSA annual meeting, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption by the USDA.

Air Force's Change Agents

The Air Force is actively seeking "change agents" within its contracting and acquisition sectors to align with Secretary Frank Kendall's initiative, dubbed "One Team, One Fight." Major General Alice Trino, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting in the Air Force, defined change agents as individuals capable of adapting to constant changes in the Department of the Air Force.

General Trino emphasized the need for critical thinking and problem-solving skills in this context, particularly with respect to great power competition. She outlined key techniques for promoting this culture change, encapsulated in the acronym STARS:

  • Strategic awareness of key documents and goals
  • Taking on relevant initiatives
  • Alignment among stakeholders
  • Reaching out to both internal and external parties
  • Sharing stories for mutual alignment

In discussions about alignment, General Trino noted the importance of effective communication among team members to ensure everyone is operating toward the same goals. This alignment is pivotal in ensuring requisites meet warfighter needs and adapting acquisition strategies accordingly.

AUSA Annual Meeting

The upcoming AUSA Annual Meeting, scheduled for October 14-16, will be held at the Washington Convention Center. General Bob Brown, the President and CEO of the Association of the United States Army, explained the meeting’s purpose of fostering networking and collaboration among military leaders and industry representatives. With about 40,000 attendees expected, along with over 700 defense companies, the event will serve as a platform for discussion around topics like lessons learned from Ukraine and the complexities of Great Power Competition.

General Brown highlighted the importance of this collaborative effort, noting that industry now plays a crucial role in providing innovative solutions to military challenges. He noted that the conference allows leaders to quickly gain insights that would otherwise require extensive travel to acquire.

USDA’s AI Initiatives

In a segment led by Christopher Alvarez, Chief AI Officer at USDA, the results of a recent hackathon held in collaboration with Colorado State University were presented. The hackathon aimed to explore various use cases for AI in agriculture, leading to insights on how AI can enhance efficiency and effectiveness within USDA programs.

Alvarez mentioned that USDA has cataloged approximately 40 AI use cases on their website, highlighting the department's proactive approach to leveraging AI. Recent interest in generative AI tools has also sparked discussions around new applications that can streamline processes.

As part of ongoing efforts, USDA is aligning its AI strategies with compliance mandates, including OMB M-2410 and Executive Order 14110, which emphasizes trustworthy AI adoption. This involves enhancing workforce development and increasing data management maturity to ensure that AI applications generate meaningful value across departments.

Conclusion

The discussions showcased a concerted effort across the Air Force, the Army, and USDA to innovate and adapt to modern challenges using advanced technologies such as AI. With strategic initiatives in place, these entities are poised to meet the demands of great power competition and improve service delivery through effective use of AI.

Keywords

  • Change Agents
  • Air Force
  • AUSA Annual Meeting
  • AI Adoption
  • USDA
  • Strategic Alignment
  • Great Power Competition
  • Generative AI
  • Workforce Development

FAQ

Q1: What are the key responsibilities of change agents within the Air Force?
A1: Change agents are expected to promote agility, adaptability, and critical thinking within the contracting and acquisition sectors to support strategic goals in great power competition.

Q2: When is the AUSA Annual Meeting scheduled?
A2: The AUSA Annual Meeting will take place from October 14-16 at the Washington Convention Center.

Q3: How many participants are expected at the AUSA Annual Meeting?
A3: About 40,000 participants are expected, including military leaders and defense industry representatives.

Q4: What AI initiatives are currently underway at the USDA?
A4: USDA has identified approximately 40 AI use cases and is working on enhancing workforce development and data management to effectively implement AI solutions.

Q5: What compliance mandates is the USDA following regarding AI adoption?
A5: USDA is aligning its AI strategies with OMB M-2410 and Executive Order 14110, which focuses on the responsible and trustworthy adoption of AI technologies.