BigBear.ai Wins Department of Defense Contract to Prototype Near-Peer Adversary Geopolitical Risk Analysis for Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO)

Rhea-AI Summary

BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI) has secured a Department of Defense (DoD) contract to advance its Virtual Anticipation Network (VANE) prototype. The project will support the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) and Office of the Secretary of Defense by using custom AI models to analyze news media from potential foreign adversaries.

The VANE system, initially developed with the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate, aggregates and analyzes data to predict adversarial activity in complex situations. The prototype received 'awardable' status on the CDAO Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace in April 2024.

The contract includes a transition plan for future deployment on CDAO's Advana environment, which will enable broader access across DoD's Combatant Commands to this AI capability.

Positive

• Secured new Department of Defense contract for VANE prototype
• Achieved 'awardable' status on CDAO Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace
• Planned expansion to CDAO's Advana environment for broader DoD access

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Technology Analyst

This contract win represents a strategic advancement in BigBear.ai's defense portfolio, particularly significant as it addresses a critical capability gap in near-peer competitor analysis. The selection of VANE for the CDAO's Advana environment is especially noteworthy, as Advana serves as the DoD's premier data analytics platform, potentially positioning BBAI's solution for widespread adoption across military commands.

The progression from IWTSD to CDAO demonstrates a successful technology maturation pathway, transitioning from research to operational status. This evolution typically indicates increased funding potential and broader deployment opportunities within the defense ecosystem. The focus on foreign media analysis using AI is particularly timely given the current geopolitical climate and the DoD's increasing emphasis on information warfare capabilities.

While the contract's specific value wasn't disclosed, the strategic positioning within CDAO's Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace is crucial. Tradewinds serves as a streamlined acquisition vehicle for AI solutions, potentially facilitating faster future contract awards and expansion opportunities. The planned integration with Advana could serve as a significant multiplier, as it would expose BBAI's capabilities to numerous potential customers across the defense establishment, potentially leading to follow-on contracts and expanded use cases.

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI), a leading provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions for defense and national security, has been awarded a contract by the Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) to advance BigBear.ai’s Virtual Anticipation Network (VANE) prototype. This initiative will support the CDAO and Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) by leveraging custom AI models to better assess news media originating in countries that are potential foreign adversaries.

The prototype award is designed to improve CDAO’s ability to identify key trends and topics related to potential foreign adversarial areas of interest, enabling faster and more informed assessments of media data vital to national security. VANE was created to contrive clarity in multi-domain environments for military and government applications by aggregating and analyzing vast data points, enabling predictions of adversarial activity in complex situations.

“We are honored to continue our support in the modernization of our nation’s defense efforts. This award underscores the importance of leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to address complicated geopolitical challenges,” said Ryan Legge, President of National Security at BigBear.ai. “By advancing VANE within CDAO, we are arming our warfighters with sophisticated intelligence capabilities to leverage foreign insights critical to the safety of our Nation and those protecting it.”

VANE was initially developed in partnership with the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD). Additionally, VANE received “awardable” status on the CDAO Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace in April 2024. Advancing to CDAO marks a successful transition from a research prototype to an operational prototype, providing critical insights to decision-makers. The contract involves a transition plan, which aims for a future deployment on CDAO’s Advana environment, enabling a broader audience across the DoD’s Combatant Commands to access the advanced AI capability.

To learn more about BigBear.ai’s VANE, download the solution brief here: https://bigbear.ai/resources/virtual-anticipation-network-vane-solution-brief/.

About BigBear.ai

BigBear.ai is a leading provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions and service for national security, defense, travel, trade, and enterprise. Customers and partners rely on BigBear.ai’s artificial intelligence and predictive analytics capabilities in highly complex, distributed, mission-based operating environments. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, BigBear.ai is a public company traded on the NYSE under the symbol BBAI. For more information, visit https://bigbear.ai and follow BigBear.ai on LinkedIn: @BigBear.ai. To receive email communications from BigBear.ai, register here.

Forward-Looking Statements

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FAQ

What is the purpose of BigBear.ai's VANE contract with the Department of Defense?

The VANE contract aims to help CDAO assess news media from potential foreign adversaries using custom AI models, enabling faster and more informed assessments of media data vital to national security.

When did BBAI's VANE receive 'awardable' status on the CDAO Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace?

VANE received 'awardable' status on the CDAO Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace in April 2024.

What is the deployment plan for BBAI's VANE system?

The contract includes a transition plan for future deployment on CDAO's Advana environment, which will allow broader access across DoD's Combatant Commands.

Who was BBAI's initial development partner for the VANE system?

VANE was initially developed in partnership with the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD).

What capabilities does BigBear.ai's VANE system provide?

VANE aggregates and analyzes vast data points to predict adversarial activity in complex situations, providing clarity in multi-domain environments for military and government applications.