# Federal Agencies Test AI Through Pilots

A Washington Technology article recommends that federal agencies and contractors assess AI through focused pilots embedded in existing workflows, using operational baselines and measurable success criteria rather than adoption or usage metrics alone. It advises setting human-review limits before pilots begin and using documented results to decide whether to scale, revise, or stop an effort. The article identifies no specific solicitation or contract award.

- Procurement teams can use pilot results to assess whether proposed AI tools improve operational outcomes before considering broader deployment.
- Agencies and contractors should define success measures and human-review limits up front so pilot performance can be evaluated consistently.
- Documented lessons from pilots can inform decisions to expand, change, or discontinue AI initiatives; the signal does not identify a specific procurement opportunity or deadline.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** November 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
- U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce)
- U.S. Census Bureau
- U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)

### Sources
- [Start small, measure well: a better path to federal AI adoption - Washington Technology](https://www.washingtontechnology.com/opinion/2026/11/start-small-measure-well-better-path-federal-ai-adoption/417107) - Washington Technology