Multi-source model opens doors for AI, ‘smart data’ in Virginia

Now that Virginia has fully moved away from a single-supplier model for information technology, the state’s chief information officer says technologies like artificial intelligence can be embraced faster.

“It’s one of those things that’s green field, it’s an open area for us,” Moe says in a video interview. “We see that as part of a future service we’re looking into.”

Moe says the state is currently working with companies that provide AI tools to find where the technology could work best for the state. This embrace of AI would not be possible without the shift to a new model allowing multiple IT vendors Virginia embraced last year

after it cut ties with Northrop Grumman, previously the state’s sole supplier for IT services.

“Artificial intelligence and its connection to the Internet of Things and data is a big area that we were looking for, but we haven’t been able to achieve it,” Moe says. “In this new model, we should be able to look at that very, very quickly.”

In addition to embracing artificial intelligence, Moe says the new model will also make it easier and more efficient for the state to play a role in the world of “smart” technologies and begin ingesting data from connected-device initiatives underway across the Commonwealth.

“I think that’s the biggest excitement going forward,” Moe says. “The untapped opportunity in those areas that we’re now going to be able to have a vehicle to go pursue.”

Moe on his top priorities:

Moe on his 2018 accomplishments:

These videos were produced by StateScoop at the National Association of State Chief Information Officers’ annual conference in San Diego, California, in October 2018.