Boosting efficiency with AI: real-world success stories

At the Department of Labor, we’re on the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence to not only enhance jobs but also to streamline operations and elevate our customer service experience. We’re excited to introduce… 

Instant Answers for Inclusive Job Searches

The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP), co-managed by the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, connects federal employers with college students and recent graduates with disabilities seeking internships and employment. During each registration period, the WRP team receives a surge of emails filled with frequently asked questions. To address these efficiently, the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) collaborated with our colleagues in ODEP to develop a new Q&A chatbot.

How it works:
ODEP identified answers to common questions, while IT specialists from OCIO structured the topics to ensure the chatbot’s AI could accurately process queries and deliver appropriate responses. The chatbot was also developed in collaboration with the Section 508 team to ensure accessibility and compliance with federal standards — a critical consideration for all IT solutions, especially for a program like WRP.

The result:
The public now has fast and easy access to vital information, while department staff can shift their focus from responding to repetitive inquiries to work that directly supports America’s workforce. As of early December, the WRP chatbot has processed nearly 21,000 interactions, helping individuals and employers alike.

Watch the video below to see the chatbot in action.

A New AI Procurement Assistant

Government procurement is often complex and time intensive. To help streamline this process, OCIO collaborated with senior procurement executives to create a generative AI assistant that provides dynamic, real-time answers for department staff.

How it works:
This AI assistant leverages a custom model trained with Department of Labor data to deliver precise responses to procurement-related queries. Its ability to learn and adapt in real-time ensures continuous improvement. 

The result:
Internal staff now have a quick and reliable resource for navigating procurement processes, freeing contract specialists to focus on mission-critical and strategic work. So far, the assistant has supported nearly 2,300 user interactions, making the procurement process more efficient and accessible.

Our AI Strategy

The Department of Labor has adopted a comprehensive strategy to ensure AI is implemented responsibly, effectively and ethically. This approach emphasizes solutions that prioritize efficiency and worker-centric outcomes.

Explore the animation below to learn more about our AI strategy.

Mangala Kuppa is the chief technology officer and chief AI officer at the Department of Labor.