USCG Mission Enablement, Readiness, and Innovation through Design Intelligence for AI Needs (MERIDIAN)

The United States Coast Guard is seeking to advance its operational effectiveness through the MERIDIAN initiative, which aims to embed trusted artificial intelligence and data capabilities directly into the hands of its personnel to accelerate decision-making, reduce administrative overhead, and enhance mission execution. This effort, anticipated to be awarded as an SBIR Phase III contract, is not about replacing existing platforms but rather federating and unifying prior investments such as SURVEYOR, authoritative mission systems, and the emerging AI platform and AI Assistant. The goal is to make these systems more powerful and accessible without requiring a costly rip-and-replace strategy, ensuring continuity while unlocking greater value from current enterprise-level technology investments. The solution must establish a sustainable framework for AI and data utilization that includes infrastructure, governance structures, and workforce readiness to support continuous, mission-driven adoption across the Coast Guard. The initiative is aligned with the Technology Readiness Directorate and the Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Cyber and Intelligence functions to ensure strategic alignment with broader Department of Homeland Security priorities. The contractor will be responsible for delivering a unified capability that transforms enterprise-level AI and data resources into actionable tools at the user level, enabling personnel to focus more on mission tasks and less on tool management. Performance will be executed primarily out of Washington, D.C., with key points of contact including Emma Horne and Kevin O’Donnell for program inquiries and Mark Solomon serving as the Small Business Specialist to support SBIR participants. The North American Industry Classification System code 541512 identifies this as an information technology services contract, emphasizing the need for a contractor with deep expertise in AI integration, data federation, and user-centered design to build scalable, secure, and mission-responsive capabilities that meet the evolving needs of the Coast Guard.