The City of Detroit is making strides in innovation by incorporating a new artificial intelligence (AI) invitation statement into all Request for Proposals (RFPs) issued by its Office of Contracting and Procurement. This initiative encourages vendors to utilize AI and other technological advancements to boost efficiency, enhance services, and optimize operations.
Mayor Mike Duggan emphasized Detroit’s longstanding commitment to innovation, stating that this initiative empowers companies to devise adaptable solutions that respond to the community’s needs.
The City publishes around 300 RFPs annually, attracting over 400 bidders and working with more than 1,100 vendors. Each RFP will now include a statement urging contractors to “employ innovative approaches, including ethically and responsibly leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, to enhance goods delivery, services, and operational performance.”
Potential applications of AI range from multilingual translation services for broader access to crucial city information, including emergency responses, to predictive modeling for effective infrastructure maintenance and replacement. By encouraging these proposals, Detroit hopes to improve service delivery and explore the extensive applications of AI within the community.
Chief Procurement Officer Sandra Yu Stahl expressed excitement about how vendors can utilize these technologies to enhance city service delivery while maintaining high operational standards.
This initiative is part of Detroit’s wider effort to modernize regulatory processes and strengthen collaborations with innovative firms and local entrepreneurs. Justin Onwenu, the Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity, highlighted the city’s eagerness to explore technology-driven solutions and the exciting opportunities this presents for local tech companies.
Chief Information Officer Art Thompson shared the city’s commitment to embracing technological advances, ensuring improved services for residents.
Although the integration of AI will not affect the scoring of RFPs, the new invitation statement reflects the City’s enthusiasm and provides clarity for those interested in innovative technologies.
For information on current RFP opportunities, visit detroitmi.gov/supplier.
Overall, this proactive step positions Detroit as a forward-thinking city eager to harness the power of technology, creating exciting possibilities for innovation and improved public services.