AI impact at scale

Federal leaders share what it takes to move AI from experimentation to operational outcomes—and what’s slowing progress.

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AI is advancing. Scalable execution is next.

Federal agencies have made measurable progress moving AI from concept to reality. Investments are growing, governance is evolving, and AI is increasingly embedded in mission strategy.

But progress from pilot to production remains slow.

The gap isn’t ambition—it’s execution. Procurement delays, fragmented data, and workforce readiness challenges continue to slow delivery—widening the gap between AI investment and mission impact.

See where agencies are getting stuck and how leaders are moving AI into production faster.

Agencies can demonstrate AI value, but scaling it remains the harder challenge:
6.7 mos.
to move from concept to functional prototype
10-17 mos.
average time from prototype to production
60%
say red tape is slowing AI deployment

Turn AI momentum into mission impact

Federal agencies have demonstrated that AI can deliver value. The next challenge is scaling those capabilities into production across complex mission environments.

Closing that gap requires embedding AI in core systems and workflows, strengthening data foundations, and aligning procurement and governance with how solutions are delivered and adopted.

This research highlights where leaders are overcoming the biggest barriers—and what it takes to move from pilots to production at scale.

Download full report

We surveyed 200 federal civilian employees directly involved in AI strategy, procurement, implementation, and decision-making to get a view into the operational realities shaping the next phase of federal AI leadership.