Digital Roadmap | AI Workforce | Open Source Intelligence

June 16, 2024

Presented by ASRC Federal & W2 Communications

Welcome to the latest episode of Fed Gov Today with Francis Rose, where we delve into the cutting-edge developments shaping the future of government technology and intelligence. In this episode, we explore the transformative initiatives and innovative strategies driving key federal agencies. From the Office of the Secretary of Defense's ambitious five-year digital modernization roadmap to the creation of an AI-literate workforce spearheaded by ASRC Federal, and the groundbreaking advancements in open source intelligence at the CIA, our distinguished guests share insights and strategies that are redefining the landscape of federal operations. Join us as we unpack these critical topics and more, providing a comprehensive look at the future of technology in government.

Revolutionizing Defense IT: The Five-Year Digital Modernization Roadmap

The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) has unveiled a new five-year digital modernization roadmap, focusing on enhancing user experience and operational efficiency. Danielle Metz, Director, Information Management and Technology / CIO, OSD, highlighted the importance of prioritizing business outcomes and continuous feedback from users. The roadmap, which includes elements such as protecting DoD data and ensuring reliable remote experiences, aims to align technology with the Department of Defense’s mission. Metz emphasized the need for consistent training and a collaborative governance forum to address IT challenges and foster a unified approach within the OSD. The roadmap also aims to improve cloud adoption and cybersecurity measures, ensuring a robust and responsive IT infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

1. The roadmap focuses on five desired business outcomes, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology with the DoD’s mission.
2. Continuous user feedback and consistent training are crucial for improving the user experience and operational efficiency.
3. The OSD aims to increase cloud adoption and enhance cybersecurity through strategic partnerships and long-term planning.

Building an AI-Literate Workforce: Insights from ASRC Federal’s CTO

Eric Velte, Chief Technology Officer at ASRC Federal, discusses the critical need for an AI-literate workforce in federal agencies. He outlines a three-part approach to achieve this: building foundational AI knowledge, upskilling technical employees, and collaborating with higher education institutions. Velte highlights the importance of ethical and responsible AI deployment, referencing President Biden’s executive order on safe AI use. He stresses the need for a balance between technological advancements and human accountability, advocating for the role of AI operators who are trained in both mission needs and AI technologies. Velte believes that partnering with industry leaders can help federal agencies develop a workforce capable of leveraging AI’s full potential while maintaining ethical standards.

Key Takeaways:

1. An AI-literate workforce is essential for leveraging AI technologies in federal agencies, requiring foundational understanding and technical upskilling.
2. Ethical and responsible AI deployment is crucial, with an emphasis on balancing technological capabilities with human accountability.
3. Collaboration with industry partners and higher education institutions is necessary to develop a workforce ready for future AI-driven missions.

The Future of Open Source Intelligence: Innovations at the CIA

Randy Nixon, Director of the Open Source Enterprise at the CIA, discusses the agency’s efforts to enhance open source intelligence (OSINT) through technology. The CIA has developed a chatbot to help verify open source information quickly, utilizing artificial intelligence and large language models. Nixon emphasizes the importance of a federated OSINT community across all 18 intelligence agencies, ensuring efficient data sharing and collaboration. The CIA’s new OSINT strategy for 2024-2026 focuses on coordinating data acquisition, integrating collection management, driving innovation, and developing the next-generation workforce. Nixon highlights the role of AI in auto-summarizing large volumes of data, allowing analysts to focus on critical information and improve decision-making processes.

Key Takeaways:

1. The CIA is leveraging AI and chatbots to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of open source intelligence.
2. A federated OSINT community across all intelligence agencies is essential for effective data sharing and collaboration.
3. The new OSINT strategy focuses on innovation, integrating collection management, and developing a skilled workforce to handle evolving intelligence challenges.