Figure Eight Federal wins award at ICEAA 2025

Figure Eight Federal (F8F), in partnership with the Training Data Project and Technomics, received the Best Paper award for the Management, Earned Value Management (EVM), Software, and Agile track at the 2025 International Cost Estimating and Analysis Association (ICEAA) Conference. Titled “Enabling Measurable Success in DoD AI Programs from Acquisition to Operations,” the paper introduces a novel methodology for aligning acquisition strategy, risk, AI training data, and program oversight with mission outcomes.

The research proposes integrating qualitative and quantitative risk scoring into AI program oversight, enabling real-time course correction, transparent accountability, and data-driven decision-making across acquisition lifecycles. Despite its central role, AI training data is too often approached as an artistic guesswork rather than a measurable, scientific discipline. Without a structured method for estimating how many labels are needed, or which labels are most valuable, agencies are left navigating complexity without a compass—contributing to wasted resources, brittle models, and stalled progress. “Without quantifiable quality in your AI training data, you introduce unquantifiable risk to your downstream models and program outcomes. The ability to optimize costs and deliver innovation for AI models requires an understanding of how each label will contribute to driving mission readiness,” said Tim Klawa, Head of Product at Figure Eight Federal.

The paper highlights the critical role of AI training data in the success or failure of AI programs. With a well-designed training data strategy that incorporates actionable metrics, organizations can identify performance issues early, make informed decisions about resource allocation, and save both time and cost. “We believe that responsible AI is AI that creates measurable value,” said Dave Cook, CEO of The Training Data project. “By combining the unique knowledge and experience of our team, we’ve created a new way for organizations to measure and manage AI, quantify risk and value, and adopt AI in a mission-aligned and cost-effective way.”

The ICEAA award recognizes F8F’s and its partners’ contribution to advancing practical, evidence-based frameworks for managing AI investments.

For media inquiries, access to the paper, or to schedule interviews, contact: info@f8federal.com.

About Figure Eight Federal

Figure Eight Federal (F8F), is a leading provider of data labeling technology dedicated to eliminating the ambiguity and uncertainty that often hinder traditional AI initiatives. By bringing precision and accountability to labeling campaigns, F8F focuses on accelerating AI innovation in the Federal sector. Backed by over 25 years of industry experience, F8F’s data labeling technology has supported some of the most advanced AI models, where understanding the cost and value of each label has been critical to achieving mission success. Unlock the potential of defense and intelligence data at www.f8federal.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250515157830/en/