Detroit's city government is encouraging contractors to get innovative with their use of artificial intelligence (AI) and tech solutions in public service. Each Request for Proposals (RFPs) from the Office of Contracting and Procurement will now come with a specific invitation for bidders to integrate AI into their plans. This measure is intended to enhance service delivery and optimize operational performance across the board, as reported by the City of Detroit.
"Detroit has always been a city driven by innovation," Mayor Mike Duggan said, emphasizing the city's commitment to technological progress. Importantly, this push toward AI does not alter the existing RFP scoring system, but offers, clearer expectations for companies interested in incorporating cutting-edge technologies into their services. Last year, the city published nearly 300 RFPs and collaborated with over 1,100 vendors, as per the city's annoucement.
This strategic initiative is bolstered by successful use cases from other cities. For instance, Detroit has utilized AI to improve the process of lead pipe removal, as highlighted by Bloomberg Law, prioritizing work where it's most urgently needed. Meanwhile, San José's 311 call center tapped into Google Cloud's AI translation to provide round-the-clock and bilingual emergency response, according to a Google Cloud Announcement.
Similarly, OpenAI's ChatGPT voice capabilities are being trialed in Minnesota for real-time interpretation services, aiding non-English speakers across the state to get timely help in various scenarios including, the legal sphere and community services, detailed in an OpenAI announcement. New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority, as reported by Gothamist, has also piloted AI to predict and prevent bus breakdowns, allowing for smarter maintenance scheduling.
Detroit's drive to integrate technology shows an intention to not just keep up with but lead in the development of smarter, more efficient cities. "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, the city's Chief Procurement Officer. Justin Onwenu, Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity, shared his enthusiasm for the forward-thinking approach, highlighting its potential benefits, especially for local tech companies, as stated in the city's news release.
