As the potential of GenAI (Generative Artificial Intelligence) grows, GovCon (Government Contracting) professionals are becoming more curious about this technology. They want to understand how AI in GovCon can enhance proposals, streamline operations, and improve overall efficiency.
Recently, VisibleThread hosted a webinar titled “AI in GovCon: Asking the Right Questions” to delve into these very issues. The webinar was part 4 in a series of webinars for the “GovCon TrailBlazers” campaign. Now available on demand, this insightful session explored the strengths and limitations of Generative AI. It also shared best practices for secure and effective implementation in GovCon environments.
Below, I summarize the key insights and actionable takeaways from the webinar. These insights are designed to help GovCon professionals make informed decisions about integrating AI into their workflows.
What is GenAI?
GenAI, a type of artificial intelligence that predicts the next word or pixel in a sequence, is trained primarily on publicly available internet data. Unlike deterministic software, which provides 100% accurate and repeatable results, GenAI generates content based on probabilities, not fixed algorithms. This foundational understanding is essential, as Fergal McGovern, CEO of VisibleThread, pointed out:
Generative AI is not a calculator - it’s a tool for predicting the next most likely word or phrase based on massive datasets.
Where Generative AI Excels in GovCon
Proposal Development
AI can help overcome the “blank page syndrome,” especially when drafting initial sections of proposals. This technology can draft management plans or executive summaries, streamline rephrasing tasks, and find relevant past responses. It’s particularly useful in managing large volumes of content for structured proposals.
Business Development Support
Generative AI can support bid/no-bid decisions by efficiently analyzing past performance data and helping to qualify new opportunities. AI can also aid in crafting marketing materials and summarizing meeting notes—making business development processes more efficient and data-driven.
Meeting Documentation
For GovCon teams that spend hours in meetings, AI’s ability to turn recordings into detailed, accurate notes can be a game changer. From action items to structured synopses, Generative AI can build an efficient audit trail that minimizes time spent on documentation.
Where NOT to Use Generative AI in GovCon
Despite its capabilities, Generative AI isn’t suitable for every GovCon task. Here are some areas where traditional or deterministic software remains a better choice:
1. Critical Accuracy Requirements
Tasks that demand 100% accuracy, such as requirements compliance matrices and identifying material changes, aren’t ideal for AI due to its prediction-based nature.
For government contracting, there are times where you need factually correct data - not guesses.
2. Data Security Concerns
Handling proprietary or sensitive data is a significant concern in the GovCon space. Generative AI should not be used with classified information or Personal Identifiable Information (PII), especially in public cloud environments, as it increases the risk of data leakage.
Best Practices for Implementation
Implementing GenAI effectively involves understanding security measures and establishing guidelines:
- Security & Data Protection
To ensure data security, deploy GenAI models behind a firewall or use private cloud hosting for sensitive data. Establish clear guidelines around which tools are approved for use and what data can be processed by AI tools.
- Change Management Guidelines
To integrate AI successfully, assemble a cross-functional team and identify use cases with measurable ROI. Start with straightforward, low-risk applications and document successful outcomes.
AI adoption is about creating buy-in by demonstrating real value to the team.
Tips for Effective Prompting
Creating clear and specific prompts can significantly improve AI’s outputs. Follow these best practices:
- Set a Character
Define who the AI should “role-play” as—whether it’s a proposal manager or technical expert—to align its responses with the desired tone. - Provide Context
Include relevant background information and set clear parameters, such as tone and length, to refine the output.
- Refine Through Iteration
Iteratively refine the outputs by reviewing them and requesting specific adjustments. Save successful prompts for future use to enhance consistency and efficiency.
Treat Generative AI as a partner. The more context you give, the better it performs.
Final Top Tips
For GovCon professionals, Generative AI serves as a powerful tool but not a replacement for human expertise. Focus on defined tasks that benefit from AI’s strengths, prioritize data security, and always verify AI-generated content for accuracy. Remember, as Fergal emphasized,
Generative AI is a cooperative tool; it’s here to assist, not replace your expertise.
Closing Thoughts
VisibleThread’s GovCon TrailBlazers four-part webinar series highlights how GenAI can transform the government contracting landscape. To explore these insights further, watch the full webinar on demand. Discover how AI can enhance your GovCon strategies.
Blog outline created based on insights from the VisibleThread webinar
featuring Fergal McGovern, CEO, VisibleThread and
Heather Murray, Founder, AI for Non-Techies
