Introduction
The IEEE Standards Association has been diligently working on the IEEE 3119-2025 standard for the procurement of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision systems. This groundbreaking standard aims to equip procurement teams in high-risk domains—such as education, healthcare, and employment—with the tools to identify and manage potential risks. Knowing how crucial AI is for public sector operations, this article dives deeper into the predominantly new processes introduced by this standard and the vital role it plays in enhancing responsible AI deployment.
Understanding IEEE 3119-2025: A Breakthrough Standard for AI Procurement
The Backstory of the IEEE 3119-2025 Standard
For more than three years, an expert working group within the IEEE Standards Association has been refining the IEEE 3119-2025 standard. This standard plays a crucial role in assisting procurement teams in high-risk sectors to navigate the complexities of acquiring AI and automated decision-making systems. The group collaborated with a European Union agency last year to evaluate the standard’s components, focusing on user needs and the standard’s overall value.
New Processes: Enhancements in Procurement Practices
The initial draft included five critical processes designed to help organizations develop effective solicitation strategies. These processes were:
- Problem Definition
- Vendor Evaluation
- Solution Evaluation
- Contract Negotiation
- Contract Monitoring
Feedback from the EU agency prompted a re-evaluation of these processes, leading to the inclusion of an additional step: Solicitation Preparation. This new aspect enhances opportunities for procurement teams to adapt solicitation documents with transparency in data requirements and inquiries about the maturity level of vendor AI governance frameworks.
Why is IEEE 3119-2025 Important?
Filling the Gap in AI Procurement Standards
Before the introduction of IEEE 3119-2025, a notable gap existed in globally accepted standards specifically focusing on the procurement of AI tools. While standards like ISO 42001 have catered to AI management and ethics, they lack specific operational guidance for responsibly purchasing high-risk AI systems. The IEEE 3119-2025 standard addresses this gap, offering a risk-based approach tailored to governmental agencies.
Defining High-Risk AI Systems
The term “high-risk AI systems” is described in the standard as those that can significantly impact individuals, groups, or society through consequential decisions. This definition aligns with the parameters laid out in Colorado’s 2034 AI Act, the first U.S. law to tackle high-risk AI comprehensively.
Alignment with Global Regulatory Frameworks
The IEEE 3119-2025 standard not only addresses procurement but also aligns itself with existing hard laws, such as the EU AI Act and Colorado’s regulations. By doing so, it supports high-risk provisions and creates an effective framework for procurement of AI tools—both in public and commercial sectors.
Target Audience for IEEE 3119-2025
This standard is designed for a diverse group of professionals involved in AI procurement, including:
- Mid-level procurement professionals and interdisciplinary staff with some knowledge of AI governance.
- Public and private-sector procurement coordinators or buyers.
- Non-procurement managers overseeing procurement processes or staff.
- Professionals from various sectors, including education and public utilities, interested in modernizing purchasing processes for AI tools.
- AI vendors who need to understand the updated transparency and disclosure obligations.
Upcoming Training Opportunities in AI Procurement
IEEE Responsible AI Procurement Training Program
The IEEE Standards Association is collaborating with the AI Procurement Lab to offer the IEEE Responsible AI Procurement Training Program. This comprehensive course aims to guide practitioners on how to implement the standard’s core processes and adapt existing practices for acquiring high-risk AI systems.
Training includes over 26 practical tools and rubrics across the six selected processes, empowering attendees to conduct an AI procurement risk-assessment and apply vendor evaluation scoring guides, effectively creating a procurement risk register tied to identified threats and their mitigations. The training is now available for purchase, making it essential for professionals navigating the complexities of AI procurement.
Conclusion: Strengthening AI Procurement Practices
While the integration of AI into procurement practices is still in its infancy, the IEEE 3119-2025 standard is a pivotal step toward responsible and informed AI deployment in high-risk domains. By providing structured processes and complying with current regulations, the standard aims to arm procurement teams with the necessary tools to enhance their AI governance and risk management strategies.
FAQ
Question 1: What is the IEEE 3119-2025 standard?
Answer 1: The IEEE 3119-2025 standard is a comprehensive guideline created to help procurement teams responsibly acquire high-risk AI systems, focusing on risk identification and management.
Question 2: Who will benefit from this standard?
Answer 2: Mid-level procurement professionals, government agencies, and AI vendors will greatly benefit, as the standard offers essential guidance for responsible AI procurement practices.
Question 3: What training is available for professionals interested in the standard?
Answer 3: The IEEE Responsible AI Procurement Training Program equips professionals with the tools and processes necessary for effective AI procurement, enhancing risk management capabilities.