NGA Director Announces New AI Framework and Launches Rapid Capabilities Office

NGA Director Army Lt. Gen. Michelle Bredenkamp said the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is working to finalize a new AI framework that will be made available very soon. She described the forthcoming document as the blueprint for NGA to become an 'AI-first' organization.

Bredenkamp spoke at the GEOINT 2026 symposium on May 6, 2026 in Denver. The framework will align to the department’s AI strategy and cover operationalizing GEOINT and AI across the intelligence cycle, modernizing business operations, revolutionizing acquisition, strengthening partnerships, and maturing AI governance.

NGA says its AI efforts will focus on equipping employees with AI literacy and establishing career pathways for human-machine teaming.

"I do want to specifically acknowledge that AI does not replace human judgment. It amplifies it," Bredenkamp stated. " The NGA is the functional manager for geospatial intelligence for the Department of Defense.

It is responsible for fusing, analyzing and disseminating data from government and commercial intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites. Bredenkamp announced that NGA has stood up a new Rapid Capabilities Office led by Chris Parrett. The office will engage industry and use a range of acquisition authorities, including Other Transaction Authorities, to accelerate capability development.

"I have personally charged Chris and our RCO team with engaging industry and using the full range of acquisition authorities, including Other Transaction Authorities, to deliver capabilities at speed," Bredenkamp said. She added that the RCO team will take more acquisition risk to reduce operational risk.

NGA will hold an industry day on advanced analytics in July, including both classified and unclassified forums.