January 01, 2024
FEMA Phase III SBIR - Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Process Automation Support
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sought to increase efficiency, transparency, and accountability by automating acquisition business processes through the development and secure implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics Process Automation (RPA), establishing an RPA governance framework, and supporting bot development and deployments.
An Artificially Intelligent Contracting Officer to help FEMA’s procurement team transform its processes and drive greater spending visibility, increase compliance, enhance accuracy, as well as achieve significant cost savings
The agency expressed the need to enhance their operational efficiency, reduce costs, ensure compliance, and promote transparency and accountability in the procurement lifecycle. The FEMA AI/RPA team began transforming essential business processes using UiPath, Microsoft Power Automate, and PowerApps. These automations allowed FEMA to capitalize on automation benefits including streamlined workflows, improved resource allocation, audit trails, and improved collaboration.
Forward Edge-AI, Inc., leverages RPA and enterprise process automation expertise to support FEMA in establishing and AI/RPA governance framework, standardize automation developments, and mature and maintain enterprise-level RPA program delivery. The solution leverages a Large Language Model (LLM)/Generative AI (GAI), RPA and other modern technologies to transform FEMA's acquisition processes.
As part of establishing FEMA’s Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Center of Excellence (CoE), we implemented and leveraged cost benefit analysis (CBA) and cost estimate tools to streamline and optimize operations, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs. The CBA tool allows FEMA to assess potential benefits and costs of a proposed automation project, giving detailed budgetary insight when considering enterprise RPA demand management and prioritization.
We use AI to evaluate both tangible factors including cost savings, increased efficiency, error reduction, increased employee satisfaction, and enhanced customer experience. FEMA can easily define key performance indicators (KPIs) and success criteria to measure the impact of automation initiatives on various aspects of the business. Cost estimate tools allow the enterprise to estimate the costs associated with the development, deployment, and maintenance of automations. Development hours, infrastructure costs, licensing fees, and ongoing maintenance expenses are cost inputs used to determine a more accurate and transparent budget and total cost of ownership for each automation opportunity/developments.
FEMA Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) received Authorization to Operate (ATO) approval for the Enterprise – Robotic Process Automation (E-RPA) platform. This marked a significant milestone in advancing efficiency and effectiveness within FEMA. This approval not only emphasizes the platform's robust security measures but also brings about tangible benefits for the FEMA and society at large.
With ATO (FedRAMP) clearance, FEMA’s enterprise is now able to leverage a solution that promotes fast-paced automation development. FEMA is now able to harness a secure, reliable platform and realize the full potential of RPA tools to streamline administrative tasks, accelerate response times, and enhance overall operational efficiency. The automation of repetitive and time-consuming processes enables staff to focus on high-value, mission-critical tasks, thereby increasing productivity. As FEMA becomes more agile and responsive using the E-RPA platform, society benefits from quicker and more effective disaster response efforts, ultimately improving the overall resilience of our communities in the face of emergencies.
Key Objectives
Automation reduces the time it takes to complete repetitive processes within various stages of the procurement process, from solicitation to contract award
Automation reduces the risk of human errors in data entry and processing, enhancing the accuracy of procurement data.
Enabling the standardization of multiple processes, ensuring that procedures are consistently followed across different projects and departments.
Enhanced ability to easily handle increased workloads as the volume of government contracts grows.
Recommended:
Forward Edge-AI Business Information:
UEI Number
KRCZZNY5WPZ8
DUNS Number
117079759
CAGE Code
8bxh2
© 2024 Forward Edge-AI, Inc. All rights reserved.
SBIR DATA RIGHTS:
Contract Numbers: AN 1938135, AN 2028451
Contractor Name: Forward Edge-AI, Inc.
Contractor Address: 10108 Carter Canyon, San Antonio, TX 78255
Expiration of SBIR Data: 01 December 2041
Protection Period: 20 years from award of contract on 01 December 2021
The Government's rights to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose technical data or computer software marked with this legend are restricted during the period shown as provided in paragraph (b)(5) of the Rights In Other Than Commercial Technical Data and Computer Software–Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program clause contained in the above identified contract. After the expiration date shown above, the Government has perpetual government purpose rights as provided in paragraph (b)(5) of that clause. Any reproduction of technical data, computer software, or portions thereof marked with this legend must also reproduce the markings.