ICE Issued Request for AI Strategy Proposals

The federal agency is seeking industry partners to expand its enterprise data and AI capabilities.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Isometric editorial illustration of a modular server tower representing technical infrastructure for government data strategy. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued a request for information from vendors to modernize its data and artificial intelligence strategy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the federal government rely on private vendors for critical AI and data strategy?

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a request for information (RFI) to evaluate potential vendors for its AI, data, and technology strategy. The agency is looking to integrate modular, multi-cloud platforms into its operations.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to support the delivery of AI-enabled software while maintaining the operational security of the agency. By evaluating industry capabilities now, the government intends to better prepare for mission-critical digital requirements.

The agency's requirements center on the STELLA platform, a multi-cloud system operating across Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services. The STELLA Chat enterprise chatbot currently supports a portfolio of 12 distinct AI applications.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

This federal agency is responsible for enforcing border control, customs, and immigration laws within the United States.

Thomson Reuters Special Services

This company provides data analytics solutions and was previously awarded a $125 million contract by the agency.

The details

The RFI focuses on securing services across AI, data, and technology strategy functional areas, including an Agentic Software Factory. Vendors are required to operate within a modular, multi-vendor environment to ensure systems integration and mission readiness.

ICE posted the official request for information on SAM.gov on Sept. 25, 2026.
Industry responses to the federal notice are due by Oct. 16, 2026.
The 2026 Homeland Security Summit is scheduled for Nov. 10, 2026.

The Tech Race

The expansion of the STELLA multi-cloud AI platform represents a broader shift toward integrating commercial cloud infrastructure into federal agency operations. This positions the agency to move away from legacy silos toward modular, vendor-agnostic digital ecosystems.

This move towards a modular AI environment aims to improve the efficiency and security of digital software delivery within the agency. Users and government contractors should expect a shift toward multi-vendor requirements that prioritize cloud compatibility and chatbot integration.

The takeaway

This procurement effort highlights the government's accelerating focus on adopting enterprise-level generative AI tools. Industry players in the cloud and AI space will likely face increased scrutiny regarding modularity and interoperability in future federal solicitations.

What happens next

Industry stakeholders must submit their formal responses to the government request for information by Oct. 16, 2026. Additionally, relevant agency representatives are expected to discuss technology strategy during the Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 10, 2026.