Whether in government or the private sector, the AI field is booming and contractors need to understand the many ways in which this could impact their business.  Both Microsoft and Alphabet, the parent company of Google, have seen substantial increases in their overall AI business, driving profits and increasing the interest of other companies that also want to capitalize on using AI technology.  A Google search on “AI” and “federal government” returns nearly 67 million hits.  Websites that cover the government market are filled with stories about AI use, AI policy, new agency AI directors, and more.  It matters not what market segment in which your business resides:  AI is a technology contractors will have to work with and understand to compete for government business.   Where is a contractor to start?  The government’s own website, https://ai.gov is one place from which basic information can be obtained.  Commercial item contractors should also look for guidance to be issued this week from the General Services Administration on how that agency will use, and safeguard, the use of AI in its acquisition decisions.  Indeed, it is the safe use of AI technology that has the attention of many in government and industry.  While most officials acknowledge that AI will be an inevitable part of their future, they also know that they must take strides to understand the risks associated with its adoption.  Both these realities provide opportunities for contractors.  Using AI to help agencies meet their varied missions should accelerate.  Insights on best safety practices, including how the commercial market uses AI technology, should also be a growth industry.  AI use, however, also extends into product fields in terms of both product design and delivery.  In short, if your company hasn’t yet addressed how AI will impact your federal business future, you run the risk of being behind an important knowledge curve.  Make sure you understand how your federal customers view and want to use AI and what that means to your business.