LEAD - Leadership & Execution
‍ ‍in AI Deployment Award

On November 18, 2026, we will honor those who demonstrate excellence in execution, leadership, and deployment for AI-powered missions. If you know someone advancing fielded AI in meaningful ways, we encourage you to submit a nomination.

Nominate
Sponsor

Our Award Criteria

Artificial intelligence is transforming how governments deliver on their most critical missions. The LEAD AI Awards recognize the individuals responsible for executing AI in real-world environments. These are the engineers, program managers, operators, and executives who move beyond pilots to deliver measurable results in mission-critical settings.

Examples of potential use cases:

  • Service Delivery & Citizen Experience: digital services, benefits, public health

  • Operations & Mission Execution: public safety, defense, infrastructure, emergency response

  • Risk, Compliance & Security: fraud detection, cybersecurity, investigations

  • Administration & Back Office: procurement, grants, HR, financial management 

  • Other use cases are welcome

Judge Conflict of Interest Statement

To preserve the integrity, fairness, and impartiality of the awards process, judges will be asked to recuse themselves from evaluating any nominations with which they, or their company, are involved. If a conflict is identified, the judge must promptly notify the awards administrator.

LEAD AI Awards Timeline

June 15:
Awards submission period opens

July 31:
Awards submission period closes

August 15:
Judging panel convenes to
select winners

September 1:
Finalists publicly announced

November 18:
Awards celebration luncheon

Nominate

Celebration Details

Date: Wednesday, November 18th
Time: 11am-2pm Eastern
Location: Carahsoft Conference &
Collaboration Center,
Training Center 5 East

Sponsorship Packages

Awardee Table Sponsor - $10,000
3 Sponsor Packages Available

Sponsorship Benefits:

Premier positioning as one of three premier supporters of the LEAD AI Awards. Includes:

  • Awardee seated exclusively at sponsor table

  • Prominent brand visibility across award communications and event signage

  • Access to the keynote speaker and honorees in a pre-event VIP experience

  • Opportunity to present the award to the awardee seated at your sponsor table

Become a Sponsor

LEAD AI Award FAQ

  • Any individual or team working in the federal government, military space or federal IT industry that has taken AI from concept to real-world deployment. This includes engineers, program managers, operators, warfighters, executives and beyond who have delivered measurable results in mission-critical settings.

    *Self nominations are accepted.

  • This award is focused on AI in deployment. We are not recognizing early-stage or strategy alone - only pilots or scaled systems with demonstrated results.

  • There is no cost for nominees.