Why Data Governance is Critical to a Successful JCF

Developers need lots of data to build effective AI capabilities, but not all data is created equal.

The Joint Artificial Intelligence Center recognizes that effectively identifying, curating, managing, and securing the best possible data inputs is key to not only building effective AI capabilities but also making sure that we rapidly deliver those AI capabilities at an accelerated rate and at scale across the Department of Defense and out to the tactical edge.

The JAIC is now working to develop a data governance framework and procedures that will guide Mission Initiatives to onboard data that maximizes the effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning algorithm development. As we continue to build the Joint Common Foundation, the data governance framework put in place and the decisions made in the coming months about data inputs and use will be critical to the JCF’s long-term success.

This means that developers who bring data into the JCF will need to be prepared to answer some key questions:

• What mission challenges are you trying to solve with the large datasets you’re bringing into the JCF?
• What are the intended and potential use cases?
• What other data do you plan to use and why?
• What will be the cost to prepare your data for use in AI/ML development?

Having the answer to these questions and others will speed the data onboarding process.

Ultimately, the JAIC recognizes that a strong data governance framework is about making informed decisions to onboard the best possible data to design, develop, test, and field DoD AI-enabled capabilities.