Most knowledgeable AI engineers and software developers agree that the term “artificial intelligence” (AI) is artificial. Today’s so-called AI systems simply link multiple databases coordinated by issue-specific algorithms that are no more intelligent than their wooden abacus forefathers. The intelligent ingredient is the carbon-based life form that creates the algorithm and manipulates and interprets the data.

Like it or not, however, the modern world would grind to a screeching halt were it not for AI and machine learning (ML) systems. The googolplex of bits/bytes flooding the IoT requires AI, ML, and robotic process automation (RPA) tools that allow humans to make sense of it. But no matter how fast or how much data AI/ML systems process, they still don’t understand why they’re crunching the numbers or have the common sense needed to decide how to apply the results effectively. 

Understanding the nuances of language and human needs makes it unlikely silicon-based intelligence will ever replace human intelligence, no matter how fast it runs. Bots are very fast, but they can’t render compassionate rulings in child custody disputes, for example. 

Database Problems Plaguing FOIA Agencies

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proactively transitioning away from its FOIAonline system because the agency understands its benefits of modernizing and enhancing the systems’ AI technology and ML tools to effectively render complex and nuanced results for its clients. 

FOIAonline is the EPA’s comprehensive database it uses to manage FOIA requests from the general public and government agencies. However, the quickening pace of changing technology gradually rendered the system less effective since it could not conform to the new FedRAMP-compliant cybersecurity requirements, allow efficient system access, or help other agencies process millions of FOIA requests with alacrity.

However, the decision to sunset FOIAonline posed headaches for all the government agencies that relied on it for information for the past ten years. While the EPA worked diligently to pave the way for the transition, managing this major change is a daunting challenge for government agencies.  

How Armedia’s Advanced AI Solutions Saved the Day

Armedia correctly discerned those problems and created a suite of flexible and powerful web-based solutions that successfully allow government agencies to make the transition. Armedia is a platform-agnostic solution integrator that partners with AWS, Hyland, Ephesoft, and OpenText. This suite of complementary applications uses AI to formulate FedRAMP-compliant workflow and rules engines to automate business processes. 

These AI-driven applications also support advanced document/records management, cloud content services, and FOIA privacy needs and integrate with legal case management systems that process requests, evidence documents, and manage court dockets.   

Utilizing ArkCase for Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

ArkCase integrates robotic process automation software that simplifies building and deploying software robots that emulate specific human actions while interacting with digital systems. Of course, humans understand what’s on a screen, complete the proper keystrokes, navigate systems, identify and extract data, and perform a wide range of defined actions. But RPA-driven bots can complete some functions much faster with more consistency and only need electricity. On the other hand, people have the unfortunate habit of asking for coffee breaks, health benefits, and paid vacations. 

Private industry and government agencies strive to attain practical operating models that offer cost-effective and durable procedures for managing all facets of their organizations. Today, one of the most important standards is the Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) methodology that augments and supplements ArkCase when agencies need to design business processes with flow charts illustrated in XML, for example. 

Integrating BPM on a modern RPA platform gives ArkCase a comprehensive solution that generates practical robotic process automation tools while crushing repeatable human tasks like reading and segregating sensitive documents with personal identifying information (PII). In addition, this innovative approach deploys bots to help streamline and simplify workflows, no matter the administrative headcount.

Utilizing ML and AI for Processing FOIA Requests

ArkCase uses a BPMN 2.0-compliant workflow engine and advanced rules engines to automate business processes for case management, content management, and task management that can efficiently support large volumes of FOIA requests. 

Armedia’s robust digital solutions include the Hyland-Alfresco platform and the OpenText platform to store and manage all documents related to FOIA requests. They are also used for customers who want formal records management.

This comprehensive, multi-faceted approach facilitates eight significant advantages as it:

  • Reduces FOIA request processing time
  • Enhances auditing loads for non-conforming tracking
  • Improves the user experience (UX)
  • Remains compliant with federal laws
  • Modernizes system configuration tools 
  • Automates workflows for legacy systems with no APIs, virtual desktop infrastructures (VDIs), or secure database access
  • Increases employee satisfaction and engagement
  • Reduces pressure on federal agency budgets 

Government agencies value the FedRAMP-compliant solutions Armedia brings to the party. To name a few, agencies like the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must submit to repeated Congressional oversight hearings and get slapped with varied and sundry lawsuits regularly. ArkCase supports a low-code open-source enterprise FOIA and legal case management system that allows such agencies to deploy their entire technology stack to manage requests, cases, evidence, and audio/visual material.

The Department of Justice INTERPOL uses ArkCase to help process its growing volume of FOIA requests. Armedia’s AI technology also provides valuable insight and visibility into government databases and FOIA request trends and mitigates dark data threats by exposing hidden information. The robust ArkCase engine:

  • Links records by relationships or concepts
  • Calculates the number of requests by agency office and ratios by request type
  • Sorts, flags, and groups records as directed by specific algorithms
  • Determines which disclosures or redactions need further review
  • Helps predict future FOIA request volumes and suggests resource allocation
  • Assists with publishing documents when redundant requests (three or more) occur
  • Reduces overtime costs and workload inefficiencies
  • Provides hiring and overhead cost data for adding or reducing FTE staff

Let Armedia Help You Get Started

Experienced and knowledgeable people are the key to any organization’s long-term success, no matter how many silicon-based computer chips are deployed. In the IoT megaverse, natural “intelligence” demands deft data management handling combined with well-planned, effective, and secure AI/ML solutions. 

Armedia’s proven and FedRAMP-compliant AI technology and advanced robotic automation engines were conceived and built to assist federal agencies in processing FOIA requests efficiently. The AI technology is also designed to effectively manage large volumes of documents for legal cases and prevent national unemployment fraud nationwide on a standalone or interagency basis. 

Armedia is an ISO 9001: 2015, ISO 27001, and CMMI Dev level 3 certified system integrator (SI) authorized to offer GS 36 and 70 contract vehicles. Our expert team can also help small business enterprises determine the right AI/ML technology that best suits their organization’s mission-critical needs. 

We will conduct a rigorous needs analysis to ensure the right application(s) are deployed on the right platform for the right problem, on time, and on budget. Deploying secure, web-based, and hosted solutions will significantly improve the opportunities for SMBs to succeed in the growing FedRAMP market.