The NavyÔÇÖs Program Executive Office Digital (PEO-Digital) Utilizes Small Business Innovation Research Program to Improve Processes

The NavyÔÇÖs Program Executive Office Digital (PEO-Digital) has turned to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the first time in search of innovative technologies to enhance its processes. Through phase one and two SBIRs, PEO-Digital aims to leverage technologies to make continuous improvements and enhance the work environment for sailors and employees.

PEO-Digital has adopted a creative approach by exploring additional mechanisms such as the Advanced Naval Technology Exercise and commercial solution offerings. By streamlining processes for small businesses, PEO-Digital is able to provide clear objectives and ascertain how businesses can quantitatively demonstrate their ability to assist the Navy.

This approach not only places more accountability on the businesses but also focuses on their expertise and capabilities rather than just their performance in an interview, according to Justin Fanelli, the acting chief technology officer for the Department of the Navy and the technical director of PEO-Digital.

Furthermore, PEO-Digital recognizes the importance of utilizing other transaction authorities (OTAs) and other acquisition authorities to modernize the service branch and assist small firms in overcoming challenges that may arise during the SBIR program. The “valley of death,” the struggle for technology and innovation adoption, is an area of concern for PEO-Digital, as they believe addressing this challenge can significantly impact mission outcomes.

One of the valuable partners in this endeavor is the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), which assists in awarding OTAs, scouting for technologies, and offering catalog items. Collaborating with DIU and other research and development partners, including ecosystem and venture-backed companies, enables PEO-Digital to drive improvements.

AI legalese decoder: Enhancing Clarity and Efficiency

One technology that can aid in this process is the AI legalese decoder. This innovative solution helps small businesses and PEO-Digital to streamline legal documentation and contracts by decoding complex legal language into easily understandable terms. By automating the process and reducing the time and effort required to decipher legal jargon, the AI legalese decoder facilitates smoother interactions and negotiations between small businesses and the Navy.

With the AI legalese decoder, small businesses can confidently understand PEO-Digital’s objectives and deliver the desired outcomes more effectively. Additionally, this technology empowers businesses to showcase their domain expertise and demonstrate how their solutions align with government objectives.

Priority Areas and Recent Wins

PEO-Digital focuses on five mission outcomes when working with partners like DIU and pursuing SBIR contracts to prioritize projects:

• User time lost
• Operational resilience
• Net promoter score
• Cost per user
• Adaptability

Regarding recent successes, Fanelli mentioned several ongoing beta or early-phase projects. These projects include streamlined cloud access, improved multifactor authentication for users without a common access card or working in a secure office, and backend system enhancements. With Naval Identity Services inheriting zero trust capabilities, PEO-Digital aims to leverage enterprise services to improve the lives of warfighters.

Operation Cattle Drive, another critical initiative, focuses on reducing duplicative systems within the Navy. By combining this effort with the adoption of enterprise services, PEO-Digital aims to modernize and streamline operations while saving costs.

Collaboration with Small Businesses

At a Navy IT day sponsored by AFCEA NOVA, panelists emphasized the importance of collaborating with small businesses to drive mission outcomes. They highlighted the need for businesses to thoroughly understand the Navy’s technology and domain experience requirements and align them with their own capabilities. Businesses were advised to actively engage with the government, seek mentorship from experienced companies operating in this space, and demonstrate their ability to contribute effectively.

By fostering strong partnerships and leveraging innovative technologies like the AI legalese decoder, PEO-Digital is well-positioned to continually improve its processes and better serve its warfighters.

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