Districts are navigating rapidly shifting terrain when it comes to artificial intelligence. Federal and state leaders are moving quickly, and the landscape of legislation and policy is moving toward concrete action. For vendors, this means staying informed and adapting strategies is no longer optional; it is essential.

At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Education has recently published a proposed supplemental priority for advancing AI in education, now open for public comment. Once finalized, these priorities will shape future discretionary grant programs and signal which innovations the government is most likely to fund.

In what felt like one swift motion, Ohio has mandated that all K-12 public schools adopt comprehensive AI usage policies by July 1, 2026, whether they follow a state model or build their own, as long as it aligns with the state blueprint. Other states, including Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, and Georgia, have issued guidance emphasizing ethics, privacy, human oversight, and academic integrity in the adoption of AI tools. Meanwhile, some proposed legislation aims to limit or even ban the use of AI to deliver or replace classroom instruction, adding another layer of complexity for both districts and vendors.

These shifts highlight a broader reality. The learning ecosystem for students and the methods of curriculum delivery are constantly evolving. Students aren’t learning in the same manner they were just two years ago. Policy changes surrounding AI may feel inevitable, but without staying ahead of the legislation, the already complex world of government contracting will become even more challenging to navigate.

Funding adds another layer to this challenge. While proposed federal cuts have raised concern, many formula grants remain intact or are being restored. Recent guidance highlights how public comment continues to influence federal priorities, indicating that discretionary funding pools remain very much in play. Vendors who pay attention to these signals are better positioned to anticipate new or re-released opportunities and align their offerings accordingly.

Keeping up with these developments requires strong intelligence and a proactive strategy. At RFPSchoolWatch, we track legislative, funding, grant, and other opportunities to help clients stay one step ahead. These tools allow us to help vendors anticipate changes, align proposals with shifting state and federal priorities, and stay ahead of competitors who are still reacting after the fact.

What does this mean for vendors preparing RFP responses? The answer is clear: compliance and foresight are now core to competitiveness. Proposals must explicitly demonstrate alignment with data privacy regulations, such as FERPA, and explain safeguards for academic integrity. They should also outline how tools ensure human oversight in educational use. Vendors that demonstrate readiness for adapting to changing evaluation criteria, including AI-related compliance and funding alignment, will have a distinct advantage.

As procurement evolves, the ability to navigate these policy and funding developments will separate vendors who react from those who lead. This is the moment to review your strategy and strengthen your positioning in the marketplace.