the challenge
In its efforts to bring cutting-edge AI technology to the DoD, the JAIC sought out advisors with demonstrated expertise in data science, data engineering, and systems engineering to help bring AI projects to fruition. To differentiate from a market inundated with buzzwords and loose applications of data science terms, the government placed a great emphasis on selecting and vetting advisors who possessed a very high level of understanding of both the theory and application of current and emerging technologies, dedication to the strategies behind enacting those technologies, and a keen understanding of adoption and integration. These advisors were required to oversee efforts within the JAIC to help evaluate potential projects, maintain excellence in the aforementioned knowledge areas, and provide authoritative knowledge and guidance across a range of highly technical and advanced domains to JAIC teams during project execution.
How we solved it
Rotunda Solutions was approached upon the merits of its reputation, and we answered this call for expertise by assembling a dream team from industry and academia to function as key personnel dedicated to the JAIC. These individuals make up a majority of the JAIC’s Data Science & AI team which is tasked directly to the evaluation of potential projects, the provision of technical expertise to funded projects, and maintenance and dissemination of AI knowledge. Sitting inside the government acquisition barrier, Rotunda’s team of experts help to shape the direction of the organization and its pursuits, sit on projects and mission efforts across all of the JAIC’s NMIs to act as SMEs on the technical matters for the Mission and products leads, and provide training and reach back support across the entire project spectrum. In addition, the JAIC leverages our deep foundational understanding of analytics, our strong background in R&D, and our expertise in applying principals across diverse contexts to gauge and advise on emerging lines of effort across the military services and Fourth Estate.
our approach
As a new organization tasked with a broad and critical mission, the JAIC required assistance across many disciplines. Rotunda looked at the set of problems facing the Data Science and AI team and developed both short term and long term roadmaps to ensure the immediate delivery of priority items, but also providing focus to important downstream problems. Taking a holistic view of the mission of the JAIC allowed our team to identify the truly critical issues facing the Department instead of focusing ones within the closest view. As a technology and vendor neutral advisor dedicated to providing efficient and sustainable solutions, our focus was to thoroughly understand the organization, challenges, stakeholders, end users, environments, resources, and constraints, and to continuously guide JAIC efforts toward purpose-oriented and value-centric strategic investments that could be operationalized to greatest effect.
our results
The JAIC has had an extremely ambitious, high-profile, and eventful two years. It has launched programs, built partnerships, and driven much-needed change in the culture and operations of AI efforts across the Department of Defense. Amid this, Rotunda Solutions sits in key technical advisory positions that provide direct guidance to the senior and executive leadership of the JAIC. Our impact and expertise are held in such high regard that we are sometimes referred to as the “Face of AI” within the HQ.
- 6 major National Mission Initiatives
- 1000 subentities within four military services and Fourth Estate
- 14 major projects