November 15^th, 2023. San Antonio, TX. – Shivaji Sengupta hosted a panel at the AFCEA ALAMO ACE Conference with key individuals on the DOD and industry side discussing a topic of utmost importance in today’s rapidly evolving world of technology and security. The subject at hand was “Leveraging AI to Streamline Operations for the Department of Defense.”

The Department of Defense plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our nation’s security and interests both at home and abroad. It is tasked with defending the United States and its allies against a myriad of threats, ranging from traditional military adversaries to emerging challenges in the cyber and information domains. To fulfill this mandate effectively, it is imperative that the Department of Defense remains at the forefront of technological innovation.

Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a transformative force across various industries, and the defense sector is no exception. AI has the potential to revolutionize the way the Department of Defense operates by enhancing its capabilities in numerous areas, from logistics and supply chain management to intelligence analysis, mission planning, and even autonomous systems.

The panel explored how AI can be harnessed to streamline operations within the Department of Defense, making it more agile, efficient, and effective in fulfilling its mission to protect our nation. We delved into key areas including Enhanced Decision-Making, Logistics and Supply Chain Optimization, Cybersecurity, Unmanned Systems, Personnel Management, Strategic Planning and Analysis etc

In this era of rapid technological advancement, embracing AI is not an option but a necessity. However, it is essential to approach this transformation thoughtfully, considering ethical implications, data security, and the potential for misuse.

As we embark on this journey of leveraging AI to streamline operations for the Department of Defense, let us keep in mind the overarching goal: to ensure the safety and security of our nation and its citizens. By harnessing the power of AI responsibly and strategically, we can empower our defense forces to meet the challenges of the 21st century head-on.

We heard from our panel, sharing their insights and experiences on how AI is already making a difference within the Department of Defense. The panelists included:

Mr. Shivaji Sengupta is the Chief Executive Officer of NXTKey Corporation, Adjunct Prof. Cybersecurity at Delaware State University and Cybersecurity Program Advisory Board at Grambling State University.

Mr. Bill Streilein is the Chief Technology Officer at the Office of the Chief Digital and AI Officer (CDAO) at the Department of Defense.

Mr. Jason Bonci is the Department of the Air Force Chief Technology Officer at Office of the Chief Information Officer.

Mr. John Carbone is the Sr. Tech. Dir. & Chief Solution Architect at ForcePoint Federal LLC and Adjunct Prof. Applied AI & Applied Data Science at Baylor University.

Mr. Richard White is the Senior Strategic Solutions Architect at Leidos.

Questions that were discussed included:

1. What are some specific examples of how AI has been successfully implemented to streamline operations?
2. Can you share some key challenges and hurdles you commonly face when trying to integrate AI into their operations, and how have you overcome them?
3. How does AI impact decision-making processes, and what steps can you take to ensure that AI-driven decisions are transparent and fair?
4. What are the most promising areas within operations where AI is likely to have a significant impact in the near future?
5. Could you discuss any ethical considerations or potential biases associated with using AI to streamline operations, and how can these be addressed?
6. How do you see the role of human workers evolving as AI becomes more integrated into operations? What are the opportunities and challenges this presents?
7. Are there any specific tools, platforms, or technologies that you recommend for organizations looking to leverage AI for operational efficiency?
8. Can you provide insights into the ROI (Return on Investment) of implementing AI in operations? What metrics should organizations track to measure the success of AI initiatives?
9. How do you ensure data privacy and security when collecting and using data for AI-driven operations? What best practices should organizations follow in this regard?
10. What strategies can organizations employ to build a culture of innovation and agility to effectively adopt and adapt AI solutions for operational improvement?
11. Are there any regulatory considerations or compliance issues that we need to be aware of when implementing AI in their operations, and how can they navigate these challenges?
12. Can you share any case studies or success stories where AI significantly transformed operations and led to tangible benefits?
13. Looking ahead, what do you envision as the next big developments or trends in AI for operations optimization?
14. What opportunities exist to leverage AI across services?

NXTKey CEO Shivaji Sengupta will be moderating a panel on Quantum Computing at the AFCEA TechNet Cyber Conference 2023 at Baltimore on May 3rd 2023. This panel will outline challenges and solutions impacting the Government and industry related to quantum Computing.

Quantum computing’s ability to solve complex problems that are beyond the capabilities of the traditional computer renders it exceptional. While the quantum research community applauds the accelerated rate at which quantum computers are being developed; it is also a threat considering it can unravel the algorithms behind the encryption keys that protect the assets we hold most dear (like our data and the internet’s infrastructure).  It is estimated that within the next 3-5 years quantum computers will be able to break a 2048-bit number.  This remarkable breakthrough continues to erode the timeline, demonstrating the hastening approach of a new paradigm in security.

It is inevitable that threats will accompany this paradigm shift, it is also worth understanding what that threat might look like in reality and where will it come from.  While much research still needs to take place, it is certain that the greatest risk will come from the data that must retain its secrecy well into the future.  The data being referred to includes National Security Data, Banking Data, PII data, Health data, Intellectual Property, Etc.

Panelists:

Shivaji Sengupta – AFCEA International Board Member / Chair of Innovative Technology Subcommittee / CEO NXTKey Corporation

Nick Reese –  Deputy Director for Emerging Technology Policy in the Office of Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk, and Resilience Policy at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Elizabeth Iwasawa, Ph.D. – Quantum Technology Lead – Leidos Innovations Center (LInC)