Artificial Intelligence
Smarter AI Procurement: Lessons, Pitfalls, and Tools for Public Sector Leaders
Led by: Thomas Gilbert & Neil Kleiman
The AI boom is flooding the market with tools—many with lofty promises, but few that meet the specific needs of government teams. In this workshop, Thomas Gilbert shares lessons from where AI procurement often goes wrong and explores what IT teams, CIOs, and policymakers can do to make the process more effective. The discussion, moderated by Neil Kleiman, also introduces Hortus Trellis, a platform designed to provide a Consumer Reports–style interface to rank and assess AI vendors for alignment with public interests.
Ideal for public technology leaders, innovation officers, and purchasing teams, the session offers practical insights on how to make informed decisions about the safety and performance of generative AI products.
-
Identify the major pitfalls of AI procurement in the public sector
-
Take away strategies for comparing vendor offerings, communicating needs, and understanding how AI capabilities matter for their jurisdictions
-
Learn how new tools and platforms like Trellis can assist with the early stages of AI procurement through robust vendor documentation and mechanisms to hold vendors accountable
This workshop is part of an InnovateUS Series called AI Series
View more workshops from AI SeriesOther workshops in the Artificial Intelligence collection
Artificial Intelligence
Governing and Funding Public AI: Standards, Oversight, and Sustainable Investment
April 8, 2026
Artificial Intelligence
State and Local Pathways to Building and Buying Public AI
March 25, 2026
Artificial Intelligence
The Public Option: Rethinking AI Infrastructure for the Common Good
March 18, 2026
Artificial Intelligence
How Governments Are Buying AI Now: Opportunities, Risks, and Leverage
March 4, 2026
Want to be a part of our community of innovators?
We'd love to keep in touch!
