What to Look Out for When Acquiring AI Systems
Summary
The new IEEE 3119-2025 standard has been developed by the IEEE Standards Association over three years to assist procurement teams in handling and mitigating risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision systems, particularly in high-risk areas such as education, health, and employment. Initially, the draft included five processes: problem definition, vendor evaluation, solution evaluation, contract negotiation, and contract monitoring. Feedback from an evaluation conducted in partnership with a European Union agency led to the inclusion of a sixth process: solicitation preparation. This additional process helps teams prepare AI-specific solicitations by establishing clear data requirements and considering vendor AI governance maturity. This is crucial for ensuring responsible AI system choices and adapting to changing regulatory environments. It complements existing international standards for AI management and ethics.
Astraea’s Insight
The introduction of the IEEE 3119-2025 standard is significant for procurement teams dealing with AI systems, as it not only provides a structured approach to identifying and mitigating risks but also emphasizes adaptability in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. The acknowledgment of solicitation preparation underlines the importance of foresight in AI procurement, ensuring that technical requirements and responsible governance are central to procurement practices. This alignment with broader international standards reflects an evolving consensus on ethical AI practices. Organizations adopting this standard may see improved outcomes in AI projects by integrating these comprehensive steps early in their procurement processes, leading to more responsible and effective AI implementations.