The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has been focused on AI and recently integrated its AI strategy with its data strategy. The announcement by DoD's Chief Digital and AI Officer regarding the testing of commercial AI prototypes appears to indicate that DoD is prioritizing AI components from tech companies, rather than AI-enabled commercial applications.

This move may streamline DoD's ability to acquire and implement AI for use in its civilian and military applications. However, it could create a gap for tech companies whose business model revolves around licensing full AI solutions rather than just components.

This shift towards commercial AI components might be a temporary measure as DoD navigates its AI procurement process. It will be interesting to see how this strategy evolves as DoD continues to integrate AI into its operations.

The Defense Department already is testing companies’ AI prototypes using nonsensitive information, said Radha Plumb, the department’s chief digital and AI officer.

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