NGA's efforts in AI standards development aim to prevent a similar AI procurement process like the ATO controversy.
The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is making significant strides in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, as announced by NGA Director Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth at the Intelligence and National Security Summit in National Harbor, Md.
Whitworth, who has served as NGA director since 2022, emphasized the importance of AI standards for the agency as they explore the adoption of industry models for data management, analysis, and sharing. One of the key initiatives in this regard is the Accreditation of GEOINT AI Models (AGAIM), established by NGA last year. The purpose of AGAIM is to provide a standard evaluation and risk management process for AI models that can be applied to geospatial intelligence (GEOINT).
In line with this focus, NGA has established a new program executive office for advanced analytics to cut across all of its mission areas. This office is already starting to yield results, according to Whitworth.
The agency has also created new positions to focus on AI, including a director for AI mission, a director for AI programs, and a director for AI standards.
Whitworth declared 2025 'the year of AI' for NGA, and he aims to extend the use of the Maven program beyond the 'targeting cycle' to areas like warning and safety of navigation. The Maven program, previously adopted by NGA, uses machine learning to process data and identify potential military targets.
Whitworth also highlighted a desire to avoid a lengthy accreditation process for AI models at NGA. He stated that the goal is to enable a self-governing process for the deployment of responsible AI models.
A major challenge for NGA is the growing availability of space-based sensors and the corresponding data deluge. To address this, NGA is increasingly consuming imagery and other data supplied directly by the commercial space industry.
As for the leadership of the agency, Whitworth held the position from early 2022, with Navy Vice Adm. Frank Whitworth serving as the director on January 1, 2022. President Donald Trump later nominated Army Lt. Gen. Michele Bredenkamp to serve as the agency's next director, but there have been no updates on her nomination status.
The article does not provide details on the specific AI models that NGA is considering for adoption. However, the agency's commitment to AI standards and accelerated adoption is clear, positioning it to play a crucial role in the future of geospatial intelligence.
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