By Adam D’Angelo, Vice President of Technology Solutions at Acuity 

I recently took part in the GovExec-hosted panel discussion, “Data Readiness for AI: The Key to Unlocking Federal Modernization.” I joined Catherine Aiken from Georgetown’s CSET to talk about how agencies can move from legacy data challenges to real-time, AI-enabled insights. Here are a few key takeaways from that conversation: 

Start with Mission, Not Perfection 
Agencies don’t need perfect data to start using AI. They need the right use case. At ICE, Acuity helped build the RAVEN platform by integrating data from legacy systems and focusing on high-value, real-time analytics first — proving impact early and building trust for further investment. 

Modern Architectures Drive Real Results 
Acuity’s work with ICE and the SEC shows how cloud-native, event-driven platforms like Kafka and Lakehouse architectures (for example, Databricks) can unify batch and real-time data processing, enabling faster, smarter decisions across missions. 

Security & Accessibility Can Coexist 
Through Zero Trust models, RBAC/ABAC, and encrypted pipelines, Acuity ensures agencies can protect sensitive data while still making it usable. At the DEA and ICE, Acuity platforms enforce fine-grained access without slowing down operations. 

MLOps is the Bridge to Scalable AI 
To move beyond isolated pilots, agencies need automation. At the SEC, Acuity implemented MLOps pipelines that support continuous model training, compliance, and auditability — setting the stage for enterprise-scale AI adoption. 

Trilingual Leaders: A New Blueprint for Change 
During our panel, Cat Aiken introduced an emerging concept that resonated deeply: the rise of “trilingual” leaders — individuals who can fluently work across technical, operational, and acquisition domains. This term, coined by CSET’s Emelia Probasco, reflects a growing need in federal agencies for leaders who don’t just understand AI, but know how to bring it to life through smart governance, agile procurement, and mission alignment. 

At Acuity, we see the value of trilingual leadership every day. Whether navigating Zero Trust implementation or deploying MLOps pipelines, our teams are embedded with agency stakeholders, bridging the technical and mission sides of the house to make real outcomes possible. As AI adoption scales across government, empowering and elevating these multidisciplinary leaders will be key to moving faster — and smarter. 

At Acuity, we believe data modernization isn’t just about technology — it’s about aligning architecture, governance, and mission priorities to unlock real outcomes. 

If your agency is preparing for AI, start with the data — and start where it matters most. 

Learn more about data enablement and how it sets the stage for AI success.