Image courtesy of the city of Detroit
The City of Detroit is embracing innovation by introducing a new artificial intelligence (AI) initiative in all Request for Proposals (RFPs) issued by the Office of Contracting and Procurement. The initiative urges vendors to incorporate AI and advanced technologies to boost efficiency, enhance services, and optimize performance.
Mayor of Detroit Mike Duggan highlighted Detroit has always been a city driven by innovation.
“By inviting companies to include artificial intelligence and other innovative technology in their proposals, it will give them the freedom to design solutions that can adapt more quickly to the needs of our residents,” Duggan said.
The City of Detroit publishes nearly 300 RFPs each year, which generate responses from more than 400 bidders. The City currently does business with more than 1,100 vendors.
Each RFP will accompany the following statement: “Contractors are encouraged to employ innovative approaches, including ethically and responsibly leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, to enhance goods delivery, services, and operational performance.”
Examples of how AI technology can be used, include broader use of multi-lingual translation to increase access to vital city information and services (including 911 emergency response), or predictive modeling to help plan for infrastructure maintenance and replacement.
By inviting proposals incorporating AI and other advanced technologies, the City of Detroit aims to improve service delivery and better understand the full scope of AI’s civic applications.
“We are excited to see how vendors and partners can leverage AI and other innovative technologies to contribute to the city’s delivery of services while maintaining our standard for operational excellence.” Sandra Yu Stahl, Chief Procurement Officer, said.
This update is part of the City of Detroit’s broader effort to modernize regulatory processes and strengthen partnerships with cutting-edge firms and local entrepreneurs.
Justin Onwenu, Director of Entrepreneurship and economic opportunity, emphasized that the City of Detroit is working to be forward-thinking, open to technology-driven solutions, and collaborative with innovators.
“We’re excited by the possibilities that may come from this, particularly for current and future Detroit technology companies,” Onwenu said.
Use of AI will not impact the scoring of RFPs; however, the AI invitation statement speaks to the City’s enthusiasm and will offer greater clarity for bidders and vendors interested in leveraging AI and other innovative technologies.
“The City of Detroit is excited to promote the advances in by technology and looks to embrace these advances as we increase our services to our residents,” Chief Information Officer Art Thompson said.
For more information on current RFP opportunities, visit detroitmi.gov/supplier
About Post Author
