Advancing Technology and Innovation Forward at DOC: Interview with Andre Mendes, Departement of Commerce [GovFuture Podcast]

The US Department of Commerce is responsible for promoting economic growth, job creation, and international trade. It has a wide range of responsibilities and 13 different bureaus and offices. These include Census Bureau, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and others. The CIO of the Department of Commerce is responsible for developing and implementing the IT strategy, driving innovation, and ensuring data security and compliance.

In this episode of the GovFuture podcast hosts Kathleen Walch and Ron Schmelzer had the privilege of interviewing Andre Mendes. He is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). Andre discusses why data sharing and collaboration among government agencies is crucial. And, how DOC goes about doing this. He also shares examples of successful strategies in leveraging data for use with emerging technologies.

Every public sector agency is also figuring out how best to leverage AI. Andre shares some of the benefits of AI, including how DOC is usingLarge Language Models (LLMs), Generative AI and advanced uses of AI. But with any technology, it also comes with some challenges. Especially as AI becomes more integrated into cybersecurity practices. Andres discusses some of the challenges that federal agencies should be aware of with AI and cybersecurity. This insightful podcast is worth listening to if you want to gain a better understanding of how DOC is advancing technology and innovation forward.