In the two years since the launch of ChatGPT, the US government has been quietly investing heavily in artificial intelligence, with the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarding nearly a staggering $700 million in contracts to over 340 companies. This represents a 20% increase in spending on AI projects compared to the previous two-year period.
The DoD has been the biggest spender, awarding $670 million in contracts to 323 companies, including well-known tech contractors like Palantir and younger startups like Scale AI. The largest contract, worth $117 million, was awarded to ECS, a subsidiary of ASGN Inc, for the development of artificial/machine learning algorithms for the US Army.
The DHS has also been investing in AI, awarding $22 million in contracts to 20 companies, more than triple what it spent in the previous two-year period. The largest contract, worth $4 million, was awarded to the marketing firm LMD for unspecified “marketing and artificial intelligence services” for the US Coast Guard.
The surge in spending on AI projects comes as investors and businesses are increasingly betting on AI’s potential to transform society. The US government’s investment in AI is likely to have significant implications for the future of national security, defense, and homeland security.
Key Takeaways:
- The US government has spent $700 million on AI projects since the launch of ChatGPT.
- The DoD has awarded $670 million in contracts to 323 companies, including Palantir and Scale AI.
- The DHS has awarded $22 million in contracts to 20 companies, more than triple what it spent in the previous two-year period.
- The largest contract, worth $117 million, was awarded to ECS for the development of artificial/machine learning algorithms for the US Army.
- The US government’s investment in AI is likely to have significant implications for the future of national security, defense, and homeland security.
What’s Next?
As the US government continues to invest in AI, it’s likely that we’ll see significant advancements in the development of AI technologies. However, it’s also important to consider the potential risks and challenges associated with the use of AI in national security and defense.
As the AI arms race heats up, it’s clear that the US government is committed to staying ahead of the curve. But what does this mean for the future of AI, and how will it impact our society? Only time will tell.
David S. Soriano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
