Navy Seeks AI for Data, Resources

The Navy is partnering with the Defense Innovation Unit to leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning. The goal is to process data and provide insights for commanders.

According to a May 22 notice, the DIU is seeking AI and machine learning applications to accelerate data processing at the Navy’s Marine Operations Centers. These centers handle information from space, sea, air, and intelligence sources.

SAILS Program

The DIU stated that Maritime Operations Centers (MOCs) currently manage and analyze large amounts of data to allocate resources across the fleet. The Situational Awareness by Intelligent Learning Systems program, or SAILS, has a proposal deadline of June 6.

Marine Operations Centers function as logistics hubs, offering engineering and maintenance support. New AI tools could enhance operator insights and aid commanders in resource distribution across Navy systems globally.

Navy Navigation Plan

The Navy released a Navigation Plan last September, outlining strategies to address threats. The plan emphasizes better integration of autonomy, robotics, AI, and machine learning.

The plan states that concept and requirements analysis is underway for robotic systems and AI applications. The aim is to understand the information battlespace. By 2027, the Navy intends to integrate robotic and autonomous systems for routine commander use.

Specific AI Applications

The DIU's solicitation mentions workflow automation tools for approvals and data entry, machine learning models for platform performance evaluation, and applications for resourcing recommendations, considering geographic constraints and sensor reliability.

The DIU emphasizes that applications should be user-friendly for MOC operators and modular for integration with current and future Defense Department systems.