Detroit encourages contractors to innovate with AI

The City of Detroit is taking a proactive step toward innovation and technological advancement by integrating a new artificial intelligence (AI) invitation statement into all request for proposals (RFPs) issued by the Office of Contracting and Procurement.

This initiative encourages bidders and vendors to leverage AI and other technological solutions to improve efficiency, enhance services, and optimise operational performance.

Employ innovative approaches

Each year, the City of Detroit publishes nearly 300 RFPs, which generate responses from more than 400 bidders. The City currently does business with more than 1,100 vendors. Now, each RFP will be accompanied with the following statement: “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.”

“Detroit has always been a city driven by innovation,” said mayor of Detroit Mike Duggan. “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.”

Examples of how AI technology can be used, include broader use of multi-lingual translation to increase access to vital city information and services (including 911 emergency response), or predictive modelling to help plan for infrastructure maintenance and replacement. By inviting proposals incorporating AI and other advanced technologies, the City of Detroit aims to improve service delivery and better understand the full scope of AI’s civic applications.

“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”

“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,” said Sandra Yu Stahl, chief procurement officer.

This update is part of a broader effort by the City of Detroit to modernise regulatory processes and strengthen partnerships with cutting-edge firms and local entrepreneurs.