# Federal Agencies Advance Mission-Ready AI

Federal agencies are shifting from isolated AI pilots to mission-specific applications, with adoption depending on workflow analysis, data governance, ongoing workforce training, and measurable operational outcomes. The Library of Congress’s AI sandbox and preference for flexible procurement arrangements point to demand for adaptable, secure AI tools and implementation support that can evolve as agency needs change.

- Contractors should show how proposed AI capabilities fit specific agency workflows and how results can be measured, rather than relying on generic pilot demonstrations.
- Agencies’ emphasis on data governance and continuous training creates opportunities for implementation, integration, and workforce enablement services alongside AI tools.
- The Library of Congress’s preference for flexible arrangements suggests buyers may value proposals that can adapt to changing requirements over fixed solutions.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- Library of Congress (LOC)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- U.S. Department of State (State Department)

### Vendors
- Dell Technologies ()
- OpenAI ()

### Key Quotes
> I think one of the responsibilities we have is to not ask people, ‘How do you think you could use AI?’ I don’t think they know.
> — Joe Croghan, Associate Director of Informatics, NIH

> Vendors that have built-in flexibility in what they propose are very helpful.
> — Natalie Buda Smith, Director of Digital Strategy, Library of Congress

### Sources
- [Federal Agencies Look Beyond AI Pilots to Build Mission-Ready Capabilities – MeriTalk](https://www.meritalk.com/articles/federal-agencies-look-beyond-ai-pilots-to-build-mission-ready-capabilities) - MeriTalk