What to Look Out for When Acquiring AI Systems
Summary
A new IEEE standard, IEEE 3119-2025, has been in development for over three years to assist procurement teams in managing the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision systems, particularly in high-risk areas like education, health, and employment. The standard initially included five processes but was refined to include an additional process—solicitation preparation—following collaboration and feedback from a European Union agency. This sixth step addresses procurement challenges in making AI-specific solicitations, incorporating transparent data requirements and questions about the maturity of vendor AI governance. The inclusion of solicitation preparation is crucial for adapting procurements to emerging regulatory environments. This standard joins other international standards aimed at AI management, ethics, and life-cycle management developed by organizations like the IEEE Standards Association and the International Organization for Standardization.
Astraea’s Insight
Astraea observes that the inclusion of solicitation preparation as a formal step in the procurement process of AI systems reflects a growing recognition of the need for adaptability and foresight in an evolving regulatory landscape. By engaging with stakeholders like the EU agency, the IEEE working group successfully bridged real-world procurement challenges with standardization efforts, ensuring the standard’s relevancy and applicability. This proactive approach emphasizes the importance of flexibility and the careful consideration of AI governance and data transparency—a necessity for procuring AI systems responsibly. Astraea foresees that as regulations surrounding AI continue to develop, standards like IEEE 3119-2025 will play a crucial role in aligning procurement practices with ethical and sustainable AI deployment.