DISA planning 2026 industry day focused on AI tools

The Defense Information Systems Agency is inviting vendors to showcase innovative artificial intelligence capabilities that can help manage and gain insights from the agency’s data. 

DISA will host an industry day in February at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland that will focus specifically on AI tools, streamlined database systems, advanced analytics, automation and decision-support platforms, according to an announcement posted to Sam.gov on Tuesday.

During the event, DISA plans to share its requirements with companies, as well as potential challenges and risks associated with integrating artificial intelligence capabilities. The industry day will also be used to conduct market research and solicit feedback regarding technology solutions.

“As government agencies embrace modernization, data has emerged as a critical enabler of smarter operations, faster decisions, and more responsive services. However, managing growing volumes of data — securely, efficiently, and at scale — remains a key challenge,” the announcement said.

Across the Defense Department, organizations have begun to experiment with and operationalize artificial intelligence tools for a range of functions, from back-end office work to streamlining air battle management. One of the catalysts for those efforts is a growing amount of the department’s data being exposed for use due to new technologies and future warfare requirements. 

To that end, DISA is “seeking tools that help agencies not only store and protect data, but derive meaningful insights through artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced database technologies,” according to the notice.

The agency indicated in the announcement that it is interested in artificial intelligence tools that can improve its ticket management system used to submit and manage servicing requests for the Pentagon’s network. Those could include an AI-enabled system, a chatbot to handle basic technical issues, a remote assistance tool or a cloud-based platform for collaboration.  

DISA is also looking for AI tools that can help match candidates with the right positions — such as an “AI resume summarizer” or an “AI-powered skills assessment” capability.

Interested participants have until Nov. 21 to register.