In a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) released recently, the Department of Defense (DoD) has provided an initial look at its approach for a potential $15 billion program focused on advancing artificial intelligence.

The draft detailed the DoD’s requirements for the contract, which will support Advana, a multi-domain analytics and AI platform managed by the Pentagon’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office.

“This is a DRAFT Request for Proposal (RFP) issued for the purpose of developing a viable Advancing Artificial Intelligence Multiple Award Contract (AAMAC) solicitation that will best communicate the Governments requirements to industry through exchange of information,” the draft reads.

Earlier this year, the Pentagon revealed its plan to re-compete— Advana–shifting from its existing contracting model to a new approach.

Pentagon Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer Radha Plumb revealed that the plan involves a 10-year, multi-vendor contract valued at up to $15 billion.

“We are now evolving Advana – everything from the scope to the technical architecture to the acquisition approach to meet the needs of the future,” she said.

Advana played a vital role in the Department of Defense’s (DoD) data transformation, but it was never intended to be a comprehensive solution for all of the DoD’s data needs.

Launched in 2021 by DoD, DoD Advana’s purpose was to enhance decision-making across the department by integrating data from various sources to improve efficiency.

Advana serves as the cornerstone of DoD’s Open DAGIR framework, supporting over 100,000 users in mission and business analytics applications and data products. It plays a crucial role in advancing data and AI modernization efforts across the joint force.