Progress in technological developments keeps a steady pace and occasionally make evolutionary leaps forward. Prior advancements—like aviation, broadcasting, the internet and smart devices—change not just the technological landscape but also how humans interface with the world. Some experts and thought leaders assess we’re at the beginning of the next evolution—Artificial Intelligence.
While there is some uncertainty of the utility of this new technology, ultimate progress is driven by experimentation. U.S. Army Contracting Command is challenging its workforce to leverage AI to increase its efficiency in supporting the modern warfighter.
The 1st Quarter “AI Innovation Challenge” marked a substantial change in how the Army can approach AI; showcasing creativity, collaboration, and unprecedented efficiency. The challenge began as an ambitious experiment to explore generative AI's potential across command functions. Within weeks, it evolved into a transformative initiative that inspired hundreds of participants.
The story began with a directive: leverage CamoGPT, an AI tool with the potential to improve readiness, and incorporate it across the command. The ACC staff cleared cybersecurity protocols and prepared materials in preparation. As Heather Duffy, Procurement Analyst, and Jeff Moore, Data Scientist, recalled— assigned to the ACC Contracting Operations Division and the leaders of this initiative—the timeline from concept to kickoff was astonishingly brief; just one week.
The competition's format encouraged participants to engage with AI creatively, leading to a surge of interest. "We expected a modest turnout," Jeff shared, "but over 1,800 personnel joined our training sessions." The challenge became a launchpad for exploration, with users ranging from novices curious about AI to seasoned innovators eager to push boundaries.
Among the submissions were ideas that redefined workflows. The most impactful came from two individuals, Mr. Dave Chiola & Ms. Kelly Griffin, both of APG. Each submitted similar use cases to produce meeting minutes and due outs utilizing MS Teams transcript, which has since been adopted command-wide. One standout example came from a team that used CamoGPT to develop a comprehensive training program—content creation, scheduling, and communications—all completed within hours instead of weeks. Another participant harnessed the AI for multilingual translations, an application that underscored its versatility beyond contracting.
"People surprised us," Heather noted. "Some came with basic questions, showing they were new to AI, while others, like Sgt.1st Class Jeffrey Francisco of the 925th Contracting Battalion presented a flurry of groundbreaking ideas." The diversity of engagement highlighted the challenge's intent in bridging knowledge gaps while sparking innovative thinking, according to Duffy.
As submissions poured in—84 in total—Duffy and Moore expressed surprise at the collective creativity of the command. PowerPoint slides accompanying entries often reflected participants' enthusiasm. Comments like “This saved me hours!” or “This was genuinely fun!” emphasized the impact of the initiative.
Looking ahead, the team plans to scale up. A Phase 2 challenge, pitting the Army against the Air Force, will build on lessons learned. Lunch-and-learns and a potential "AI in Contracting Master Class" are in development to further institutionalize this momentum.
Reflecting on the journey, Heather summed it up best: "This wasn’t just about tools; it was about empowering people to think differently, to work smarter, and to embrace the future with confidence."
| Date Taken: | 02.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 02.04.2025 11:38 |
| Story ID: | 490060 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 25 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Catalyzing Change: Innovation and Efficiency through Artificial Intelligence in Contracting, by MAJ Thomas Groom, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
