Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a useful tool to assist federal contracting officers in making sound and timely award decisions but is not yet at the point where people can just take an AI-generated answer to the bank.  That’s the bottom-line observation from experts in and out of government who want to integrate AI into the acquisition process but don’t want CO’s to overly rely upon it.  Most believe that AI can be a useful tool for acquisition officials, streamlining rote processes and perhaps even help in analyzing offers.  At the same time, these experts state that in order for AI to be truly beneficial the technology must be matched to the specific domain knowledge.  Substantial work remains to be done to train AI systems to recognize and apply proper contract clauses in actual procurements.  There is also always a risk that any tool, especially one with all of the hype of AI, could be used as a substitute for contracting officer determinations.  Indeed, GSA Schedule contractors are already seeing other automated tools being used in this way.  Ensuring proper acquisition workforce training, as suggested by government leaders, is one way to promote the proper use of AI.  Another, however, would be the clear and consistent communication from managers that CO’s will be supported for making sound judgement decisions regardless of whether they use AI, some other tool, or their own training and experience.  While this approach may receive nodding support in conferences it can be much more difficult to follow through on in an actual office setting.  As contractors develop AI solutions for their government customers, they should be aware that AI, itself, increasingly be used in the acquisition process used to obtain those solutions.  Making sure that industry’s voice is heard in this process is essential.  The time to start the discussion is now.