Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO) - MIP

The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer (CDAO) program, part of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is dedicated to advancing digital and artificial intelligence capabilities within the Department of Defense (DoD). Its primary objectives include strengthening data integration and AI solutions to support the National Defense Strategy. This involves leading strategy development for data, analytics, and AI, overcoming barriers to their adoption, and creating digital infrastructure to support these technologies. The CDAO aims to scale proven AI solutions for enterprise and joint use cases while providing rapid digital services in response to crises.

A significant goal is enhancing interoperability between the DoD and the Intelligence Community (IC), especially within the Defense Intelligence Enterprise. This involves developing joint AI operational concepts and capabilities to improve coordination and minimize duplication. The program supports algorithm development, data preparation, and integration experimentation to create joint capabilities between the DoD and IC. These efforts are part of a broader mission to accelerate the adoption of data, analytics, and AI across the Joint Force.

The CDAO's initiatives include expanding AI integration with the IC, establishing a responsible AI ecosystem, executing the AI and Data Accelerator initiative, and developing a comprehensive Data, Analytics, and AI Adoption Strategy. These efforts aim to preserve decision-making advantages across military operations. Starting in FY 2025, resources were realigned under a new project code focusing on AI/ML Scaffolding to better align with current priorities.

Project Maven is a key component under this program element, tasked with creating joint interoperability for scaling AI across both DoD and IC operations. The project's resources support algorithm development and experimentation necessary for integrating these technologies into defense operations. While specific details about Project Maven's plans are classified, its overarching goal remains enhancing joint capabilities through advanced AI solutions.