Buyer and Seller Perceptions of Integrating Artificial Intelligence into the Sole Source Contract Negotiations Process for Major Weapons Systems Acquisitions

Abstract

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) offers several opportunities that can assist the Department of Defense (DoD) in alleviating bottlenecks in the acquisition process. Buyers and sellers are arguably in the best positions to share insights on the applications of AI to modernize the acquisition process. This qualitative study explores potential opportunities where AI can be applied specifically to the 12-step sole source contract negotiations process aspect of defense acquisitions. The buyer organization (Eglin Air Force Base) and seller organization (ProPricer) provided feedback for this study to not only help explore where AI can be applied, but the willingness to adopt AI into their professions. Exploring these perceptions into the development and adoption of AI in the acquisitions and contracting process will contribute to furthering the academic conversation of AI implementation in the DoD, while also providing first-hand insights for policymakers, procurement officials, and defense contractors seeking to improve acquisition processes through technology solutions.