Detroit wants AI integrated into all RFPs

Detroit will include a new artificial intelligence (AI) invitation statement in all future Requests for Proposals (RFPs) issued by its Office of Contracting and Procurement.

The move is to encourage bidders and vendors to leverage AI into their proposals to improve efficiency and operational performance.

“Detroit has always been a city driven by innovation,” said Mike Duggan (pictured), Mayor of Detroit. “By inviting companies to include artificial intelligence and other innovative technology in their proposals, it will give them the freedom to design solutions that can adapt more quickly to the needs of our residents.”

The city publishes nearly 300 RFPs each year, which generate responses from more than 400 bidders, and currently Detroit does business with more than 1,100 vendors.

Now, each RFP will be accompanied with the following statement: “Contractors are encouraged to employ innovative approaches, including ethically and responsibly leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, to enhance goods delivery, services, and operational performance.”

By inviting proposals incorporating AI and other advanced technologies, Detroit hopes to improve service delivery and better understand the full scope of AI’s civic applications.

“We are excited to see how vendors and partners can leverage AI and other innovative technologies to contribute to the city’s delivery of services while maintaining our standard for operational excellence,” said Sandra Yu Stahl, Chief Procurement Officer.

This update is part of a broader effort by Detroit to modernise regulatory processes and strengthen partnerships with leading firms and local entrepreneurs.

The use of AI will not impact the scoring of RFPs but the city hopes the change will offer greater clarity for bidders and vendors interested in leveraging AI and other innovative technologies.

“Across the board, the City of Detroit is working to be forward thinking, open to technology driven solutions, and collaborative with innovators” said Justin Onwenu, Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity. “We’re excited by the possibilities that may come from this, particularly for current and future Detroit technology companies.”

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