What to Look Out for When Acquiring AI Systems
Summary
The IEEE Standards Association has developed a new standard, IEEE 3119-2025, aimed at guiding procurement teams in the acquisition of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision systems. This standard specifically targets high-risk domains, such as those found in public sector areas like education, health, and employment. Over the last three years, the working group has collaborated with a European Union agency to refine the draft, evaluating components and gathering user feedback. Initially, the standard included five processes—problem definition, vendor evaluation, solution evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract monitoring. Based on feedback, a sixth process, solicitation preparation, was added to better address the challenges encountered by organizations when preparing AI-specific solicitations. The solicitation preparation process helps procurement teams adapt their requirements to ensure responsible AI system choices, especially within evolving regulatory environments.
Astraea’s Insight
The integration of solicitation preparation as a distinct process in the IEEE 3119-2025 standard highlights the evolving complexity and regulatory sensitivity surrounding AI procurement. Astraea notes the strategic significance of this addition, as it underscores a critical junction where procurement teams must balance technical rigor with regulatory compliance and ethical considerations. The inclusion encourages a proactive stance in AI acquisition, ensuring that considerations such as vendor AI governance and data transparency are not overlooked. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the importance of adaptability and foresight in procurement processes, wherein nurturing collaboration between stakeholders and addressing emerging regulatory challenges are paramount. As AI technologies continue to develop rapidly, this standard serves as an essential guide for organizations to navigate the complex landscape of AI procurement conscientiously.