Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from theory to practice for government contractors (GovCons), and its value is clearer than ever. When thoughtfully integrated, AI helps teams streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and focus on the work that matters most. But simply adding another tool isn’t enough. To realize meaningful results, organizations need to assess where AI fits, invest in team skills, and create support at every level.

Here’s how to identify the right processes for AI, build buy-in across your organization, and equip your team to use AI responsibly and effectively. 

Finding the right fit: processes where AI delivers value 

Before rolling out AI across your organization, take a close look at your existing workflows. AI works best for tasks that are highly repetitive, data-driven, or require fast, consistent processing. For GovCons, this might include activities like data entry, compliance reviews, or information retrieval. These are the areas where AI can truly simplify your workday and free your team to focus on higher-value efforts. 

Examples include: 

• Proposal drafting and compliance: AI can generate first drafts, assemble compliance matrices, and check documents for alignment with client requirements, helping your proposal team move faster without sacrificing accuracy. 

• Market and competitor analysis: AI-powered tools can sift through large data sets, helping business development (BD) teams spot trends, monitor spending patterns, and better understand the competitive landscape. 

• Knowledge management: With AI, teams can quickly retrieve past performance examples or critical documentation, reducing time spent searching for information. 

Not every process is right for AI. Tasks that require deep human judgment, nuanced communication, or creative strategy (such as relationship-building with customers or shaping pursuit strategies) are often best left to your team’s expertise. Sensitive or classified data management may also require more oversight and manual controls to ensure compliance. 

Building buy-in: supporting change across your organization 

Successful AI integration doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It requires trust, transparency, and shared understanding from the executive team to the front lines. Leadership sets the tone by allocating resources, clarifying expectations, and connecting AI adoption to business goals like improving efficiency or gaining a competitive edge. 

When introducing AI, keep these points in mind: 

• Showcase practical benefits: Use clear examples to demonstrate how AI will remove manual burdens, improve decision-making, and empower teams to deliver work they’re proud of. 

• Set realistic expectations: AI is a tool to support rather than replace your team. It’s important to be honest about both the opportunities and limitations. 

• Encourage open dialogue: Invite feedback from teams early on. Address concerns around job security, ethics, or data privacy directly. Sharing success stories from peers or other departments can make the potential more tangible. 

Upskilling for success: helping your team use AI confidently and ethically 

AI is only as powerful as the people using it. Upskilling your workforce helps everyone gain the confidence to use new tools and adapt as the technology evolves. Practical, role-specific training makes a difference whether it’s teaching proposal managers to leverage AI for compliance or giving BD teams new insights through automated analysis. 

Key areas for training include: 

• Role-based learning: Align training with day-to-day responsibilities so it feels relevant and actionable. 

• Prompt engineering: For those interacting directly with AI, knowing how to frame questions or prompts can dramatically improve the quality of results. 

• Ongoing learning: AI changes quickly. Regular workshops or access to learning resources keep skills current and teams adaptable. 

Ethics must be at the center of any AI initiative. Teams should know how to protect proprietary information, understand the risks of bias in AI-generated content, and remain accountable for the quality and compliance of final outputs. 

Moving forward with confidence 

AI has the potential to help GovCons simplify their workday, gain greater control and clarity, and deliver stronger outcomes for federal customers. With the right approach – grounded in real-world needs, clear communication, and continuous learning – your organization can integrate AI in ways that support your mission, your people, and your growth. 

If you want to learn more about how Unanet ProposalAI can help your government contractor tap into the power of AI to strengthen your processes and grow your business, connect with a Unanet expert today.