The US Army Research Laboratory has extended its contract with Palantir Technologies to continue advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) services for the US Department of Defense.
Under the contract extension, Palantir will conduct a one-year project to support the testing, utility, and distribution of AI/ML capabilities across Department of Defense branches, including armed services, joint staff, and special forces.
Valued at $229 million, the agreement continues the collaboration between the company and the army to provide “state-of-the-art operational data and AI capabilities” begun in 2018.
Palantir’s software will continue to support troops, the data science community, and commercial firms working on AI/ML development within the DoD.
The project is also expected to assist the DoD in applying AI/ML capabilities to additional mission areas and emerging priorities.
“By bringing leading AI/ML capabilities to all members of the Armed Services, the Department of Defense continues to maintain a leading edge through technology and by delivering best-in-class software to those on the frontlines,” Palantir USG President Akash Jain said.
Accelerating AI/ML Capabilities
Palantir’s open data standard architecture specializes in assisting soldiers to “test and evaluate the latest advances in AI/ML in some of the most critical operational environments.”
Since the initial partnership with the research laboratory, Palantir has serviced integration, management, and deployment of data and AI model training to all US armed forces and international operators.
“Our work with [the Army Research Laboratory] has enabled users in the field to accelerate the use of AI/ML in support of some of the most critical national security challenges our country and our allies are facing today,” Palantir Federal Innovation Senior Vice President Shannon Clark said.
AI/ML for Combatant Commands
Earlier this year, Palantir announced its expansion of work with the US Army Research Laboratory to implement data AI/ML capabilities for combatant commands.
The contract, valued at $99.9 million, will integrate Palantir’s software to “quickly implement advanced AI capabilities against some of DOD’s most pressing problem sets.”
“Our nation’s armed forces require best-in-class software to fulfill their missions today while rapidly iterating on the capabilities they will need for tomorrow’s fight,” Jain explained.
“We’re looking forward to fielding our newest ML, Edge, and Space technologies alongside our U.S. military partners,” Clark added.
“These technologies will enable operators in the field to leverage AI insights to make decisions across many fused domains. From outer space to the sea floor, and everything in between.”