The City of Detroit is making significant strides towards technological advancement by incorporating a new artificial intelligence (AI) invitation statement into all Requests for Proposals (RFPs) issued by the Office of Contracting and Procurement. This initiative is designed to encourage bidders and vendors to explore AI and other technological solutions aimed at enhancing efficiency, improving services, and optimizing operational performance.
Mayor Mike Duggan expressed, “Detroit has always been a city driven by innovation. By inviting companies to include artificial intelligence and other innovative technology in their proposals, it will give them the freedom to design solutions that can adapt more quickly to the needs of our residents.”
Each year, the city releases around 300 RFPs and receives responses from over 400 bidders, collaborating with more than 1,100 vendors. The newly included statement in each RFP reads: “Contractors are encouraged 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 within the city include improved multi-lingual translation services for better access to essential city information, including emergency response systems, as well as predictive modeling for infrastructure maintenance and planning. The initiative seeks not only to improve service delivery but also to explore the wider civic applications of AI technology.
Sandra Yu Stahl, the Chief Procurement Officer, shared her excitement about the initiative’s potential, stating, “We are excited to see how vendors and partners can leverage AI and other innovative technologies to contribute to the city’s delivery of services while maintaining our standard for operational excellence.”
This initiative is part of the city’s larger effort to modernize regulatory practices and bolster partnerships with advanced firms and local entrepreneurs. Justin Onwenu, the Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity, emphasized the city’s aim to embrace technology-driven solutions, highlighting the potential opportunities for current and future local tech companies.
Chief Information Officer Art Thompson also commented on the importance of technological advancements, stating, “The City of Detroit is excited to promote the advances in technology and looks to embrace these advances as we increase our services to our residents.”
While the use of AI will not affect the scoring system of RFPs, this new inclusion reflects the city’s enthusiasm for innovative solutions and provides clarity for interested bidders.
Detroit is not only focusing on its past legacy of innovation but also paving the way for a future filled with technological possibilities. For those interested in viewing ongoing RFP opportunities, they can visit detroitmi.gov/supplier.
This forward-thinking approach highlights the city’s commitment to transforming its public services and adapting to the evolving needs of its residents. By harnessing AI and other technological solutions, Detroit is poised to enhance its operational capabilities significantly, ultimately leading to a more effective and responsive municipal service for its community.