By: Jennifer Sample, Chief Technology Officer

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and the federal government is no exception. However, adopting AI effectively requires more than just enthusiasm—it demands data governance, risk mitigation, and structured implementation. Empower AI, a leader in AI-enabled services, is helping agencies bridge these gaps.

The Challenge: AI Readiness & Data Governance

For federal agencies, the path to AI adoption isn't always straightforward. There’s a lot of need for governance around data and AI, how it can and can’t be used, and risk mitigation. Even with governance structures in place, the technology isn't always ready, and data silos prevent agencies from fully leveraging AI models.

AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on, and many agencies struggle with fragmented and inaccessible data. Without a proper data strategy and architecture, deploying AI at scale becomes a challenge.

The Solution: AI Accelerators for Faster Adoption

To help agencies overcome these challenges, Empower AI has developed AI

accelerators—prebuilt use cases, scripts, and models that allow agencies to adopt AI solutions faster.

We at Empower AI want agencies to solve problems sooner, not later. So we've built accelerators that reduce time to value, minimize technical debt, and accelerate mission outcomes. Empower AI has designed accelerators tailored to specific agency needs, including:

• Predictive IT. This leverages historical and real-time data, machine learning and predictive analytics to proactively forecast and resolve issues before they happen

• Agentic AI. Going beyond rules-based automation, this uses a large language model (LLM) to automate complex tasks, adapt to dynamic environments, and optimize outcomes using real-time data and predefined objectives.

• GovQuery. Using a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) LLM, this on-demand data search capability results in precise, contextual answers with citations within government-controlled systems

• AI Readiness. With multiple tool sets that prepare an agency’s infrastructure, data, and workflows for AI models, along with training, Empower AI ensures agencies are prepared to benefit from AI

Unlike standalone AI tools, Empower AI’s accelerator approach integrates seamlessly into an agency’s current technology environment, ensuring maximum adoption and usability.

Bridging the Gap: Governance Meets Innovation

AI adoption isn’t just about technology—it’s about striking the right balance between innovation and governance. This includes:

• Ensuring AI ethics and security. From data provenance to model transparency, agencies need a risk management framework for AI implementation

• Reducing AI fatigue. Some agencies have experimented with AI before, only to see limited results. Empower AI’s approach ensures measurable outcomes by focusing on high-impact use cases

• Customizing AI for agency needs. Whether an agency is just beginning its AI journey or looking to deploy full-scale models, Empower AI helps them develop the right AI strategy and architecture.

I’m a techno-optimist—I don’t think we’re on a hype cycle. AI is here to stay, and the agencies that invest in the right infrastructure and strategy today will see long-term benefits.

Looking Ahead: The AI Future for Federal Agencies

With AI evolving rapidly, Empower AI is committed to guiding agencies through their AI transformation. Whether it’s enhancing mission effectiveness, streamlining operations, or improving decision-making, the company’s AI-first approach ensures agencies keep pace with technological advancements.

Empower AI isn’t just helping agencies adopt AI—it’s leading the charge in AI-enabled government services. By offering prebuilt accelerators, strategic guidance, and integrated solutions, Empower AI ensures agencies maximize the potential of AI in delivering positive mission outcomes in national security and citizen service.

(This article is based on a podcast interview available at FederalTechPodcast.com)