What to Look Out for When Acquiring AI Systems
Summary
The IEEE Standards Association has developed a new standard, IEEE 3119-2025, to guide procurement teams in sourcing artificial intelligence and automated decision systems, particularly for high-risk sectors like government services. This standard was refined over three years with input from a European Union agency to better address users’ needs and views. The standard outlines six processes: problem definition, solicitation preparation, vendor evaluation, solution evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract monitoring. The recent addition of the solicitation preparation process aims to help organizations craft AI-specific solicitations that address transparent data requirements and vendor AI governance maturity. This enhancement acknowledges the dynamic regulatory landscapes in which AI acquisition occurs and provides a more adaptive framework for responsible AI procurement. Presently, various international standards exist for AI governance, spanning design, use, and life-cycle management.
Astraea’s Insight
The integration of the solicitation preparation process into IEEE 3119-2025 reflects a critical evolution in standardizing AI procurement by addressing the nuances and growing regulatory demands of AI technology. It demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring not only compliance but also ethical and responsible AI adoption in the public sector. As AI systems become integral to sectors impacting crucial domains like education and health, the ability to tailor solicitations with rigorous technical and governance criteria becomes imperative. Furthermore, by focusing on adaptability, procurement teams are better positioned to handle rapid changes in AI regulatory environments. This development signifies a step forward in fostering transparency, trust, and accountability within AI procurements, paving the way for safer and more effective AI implementations in high-risk domains.