The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Chief Data Office was established in July 2017 with the goal of strengthening and modernizing the Department's data strategy and capabilities. In 2021, artificial intelligence (AI) was added to the portfolio, thus establishing the Chief Data and AI Office (DAF CDAO). The DAF and the Secretary of the Air Force have prioritized AI, recognizing the critical role it will play in the future of the military - from enhancing decision-making processes to streamlining operations. By integrating AI, our team ensures responsible implementation and effective utilization of these technologies to support the Department's mission and operations.

Chief Data and AI Officer

Susan K. Davenport

Ms. Susan Davenport serves as the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer within the Office of the Chief Information Officer. She develops and implements strategies for enterprise data management, analytics, digital transformation, and responsible/ethical artificial intelligence to optimize performance and drive innovation in and across all missions and operations. For more information about Ms. Davenport please click here.

 

 

 

 

FY 2026 GOALS

Strategy: Produce and publish implementation plans for department-wide Data and AI strategies.

Policy: Produce and release updates to DAFI Data and AI policies, including enterprise data management, AI and RAI, Data Sharing, and Stewardship.

Governance: Release new charter identifying stakeholders establish delegated responsibility for defined data domains including roles and responsibilities, provide oversight to prioritization of resources, and ensure compliance and accountability to statutory requirements.

Architecture: Deliver an integrated Data Mesh and Data Services Environment including an API gateway, metadata standards, and data catalogue.

  • Codify Envision as a program of record, resolving FY27 funding and securing funding for FYDP28-32

Advocacy: Elevate the voices and projects within the DAF that are developing and delivering cutting-edge solutions using AI, prioritize enterprise level advocacy and resourcing through the CfE to reduce barriers to AI.

  • Establish full reporting capability in Clara across NIPR and SIPR
  • Host DAF AI Summit

Workforce Preparedness: Codify bounds and responsibilities for workforce preparedness while aiming to develop a data- and AI-ready workforce through training, upskilling, and applied use cases, and emerging AI policy mandates.

Priorities

~ The DoD AI Ethical Principles are Responsible, Equitable, Traceable, Reliable, and Governable.

~ The RAI Foundational Tenets operationalize the DoD AI Ethical Principles. 

~ The Foundational Tenets are RAI Governance, Warfighter Trust, AI Product and Acquisition Lifecycle, Requirements Validation, Responsible AI Ecosystem and AI Workforce.

AI Initiatives

To Democratize Access

  • Provide access to those outside of Program Offices

To Integrate Responsibly

  • Ensure respect for DoD RAI Ethical Principles and Foundational Tenets

To Accelerate Adoption

  • Encourage ubiquitous integration at the speed of relevance

To Provide Visibility

  • Establish efficient and informed resource management

To Build Coalitions

  • Leverage academic, industry, ally, and partner relationships

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