Terms ofService

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Services

AKIVA provides artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) services including but not limited to:

• AI/ML model development, training, and optimization
• Multi-agent system design and implementation
• Large Language Model (LLM) integration and fine-tuning
• Computer vision and natural language processing solutions
• AI-powered automation and intelligent systems
• Generative AI application development

Data Processing and Training

When you engage AKIVA for AI/ML services:

• Client data used for model training remains the property of the client
• AKIVA may process client data to develop, train, and optimize AI/ML models as specified in the statement of work
• Data processing activities will comply with applicable data protection regulations and contractual requirements
• Client data will not be used to train models for other clients without explicit written consent
• De-identified or anonymized data may be used for research and development purposes unless otherwise specified in contract

AI-Generated Content and Intellectual Property

Regarding AI-generated outputs and intellectual property:

• Ownership of AI models developed specifically for a client project will be defined in the statement of work
• Pre-existing AI frameworks, tools, and methodologies remain the property of AKIVA
• Client retains ownership of their input data and AI-generated outputs derived from their data
• AKIVA retains ownership of proprietary algorithms, training techniques, and architectural innovations
• Third-party AI models and APIs are subject to their respective licensing terms

AI System Limitations and Responsibilities

Clients acknowledge that:

• AI/ML systems may produce outputs that are probabilistic in nature and not guaranteed to be 100% accurate
• AI-generated content should be reviewed and validated before use in critical applications
• AKIVA is not liable for decisions made based solely on AI system outputs
• Clients are responsible for ensuring AI systems comply with applicable laws and regulations in their use case
• Bias mitigation and fairness testing will be performed as specified in project scope, but cannot be guaranteed to eliminate all potential biases

Data Security in AI Workflows

AKIVA implements industry-standard security measures including:

• Encrypted data transmission and storage for AI training data
• Access controls and authentication for AI development environments
• Secure model deployment and inference infrastructure
• Regular security audits and compliance assessments
• Data retention and deletion policies as specified in contractual agreements

Third-Party AI Services

AKIVA may integrate third-party AI services (such as OpenAI, Google AI, AWS Bedrock, Azure OpenAI) as part of solution delivery. Use of such services is subject to the third-party provider's terms of service and privacy policies. Clients will be informed when third-party AI services are utilized in their projects.

Commitment to Ethical AI Development

AKIVA is committed to developing and deploying artificial intelligence systems that are ethical, responsible, and aligned with human values. Our approach to AI development prioritizes:

• Transparency in AI system capabilities and limitations
• Accountability for AI-driven decisions and outcomes
• Fairness and mitigation of algorithmic bias
• Privacy protection and data stewardship
• Safety and security in AI system design
• Human oversight and control mechanisms

Bias Detection and Mitigation

AKIVA actively works to identify and mitigate bias in AI systems through:

• Diverse and representative training data selection
• Regular bias audits and fairness assessments
• Implementation of bias detection algorithms
• Continuous monitoring of model outputs for discriminatory patterns
• Documentation of known limitations and potential biases
• Stakeholder feedback mechanisms for bias reporting

Transparency and Explainability

We strive to make AI systems understandable and interpretable by:

• Providing clear documentation of AI system functionality
• Implementing explainable AI (XAI) techniques where appropriate
• Disclosing when users are interacting with AI systems
• Offering insight into how AI-driven decisions are made
• Maintaining audit trails for critical AI decisions

Human-Centered AI Design

AKIVA designs AI systems with human wellbeing at the center:

• AI systems augment rather than replace human judgment in critical decisions
• User interfaces provide clear options for human override
• AI recommendations include confidence levels and uncertainty indicators
• Systems are designed to enhance human capabilities and productivity
• User feedback is incorporated into continuous improvement processes

Data Governance and Privacy

Our responsible AI practices include rigorous data governance:

• Minimization of data collection to what is necessary
• Consent-based data usage policies
• Protection of personally identifiable information (PII)
• Secure data handling throughout the AI lifecycle
• Compliance with data protection regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)
• Clear data retention and deletion policies

Safety and Security

AKIVA implements comprehensive safety measures:

• Rigorous testing and validation before deployment
• Fail-safe mechanisms and fallback procedures
• Protection against adversarial attacks and manipulation
• Regular security assessments and penetration testing
• Incident response procedures for AI system failures
• Continuous monitoring for anomalous behavior

Prohibited Uses

AKIVA will not knowingly develop or deploy AI systems for:

• Unlawful surveillance or privacy violations
• Discrimination or prejudicial treatment of individuals
• Manipulation or deception of users
• Development of autonomous weapons systems
• Any purpose that violates human rights or dignity
• Activities prohibited by applicable laws and regulations

Continuous Improvement and Accountability

We are committed to ongoing ethical AI practices through:

• Regular review and update of AI ethics policies
• Training for development teams on responsible AI principles
• Engagement with AI ethics research and best practices
• Collaboration with industry standards organizations
• Transparent reporting of AI system performance and limitations
• Mechanisms for users to report ethical concerns

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Compliance

We maintain strict adherence to FAR requirements including:

• FAR Part 12 - Acquisition of Commercial Products and Commercial Services
• FAR Part 15 - Contracting by Negotiation
• FAR Part 19 - Small Business Programs
• FAR Part 22 - Application of Labor Laws to Government Acquisitions
• FAR Part 52 - Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses
• Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) when applicable

Security and Information Assurance

AKIVA implements comprehensive security measures in compliance with:

• NIST SP 800-171 - Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
• NIST Security Framework (CSF)
• Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements
• DFARS 252.204-7012 - Safeguarding Covered Defense Information
• DFARS 252.204-7021 - Maturity Model Certification Requirements
• Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA)
• ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management

Small Business Certifications

AKIVA holds the following small business designations:

• Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Certified
• New York State Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB)
• Virginia Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business (SWaM)

Data Rights and Intellectual Property

We comply with all government data rights requirements including:

• DFARS 252.227-7013 - Rights in Technical Data - Noncommercial Items
• DFARS 252.227-7014 - Rights in Noncommercial Computer Software
• FAR 52.227-14 - Rights in Data - General
• Proper marking and protection of government-furnished information
• Compliance with licensing and assignment requirements
• Protection of classified and controlled unclassified information

Export Control Compliance

AKIVA maintains compliance with U.S. export control regulations:

• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
• Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions
• Employee screening and training on export compliance
• Proper classification and handling of controlled technical data

Ethics and Business Conduct

We adhere to the highest standards of ethical conduct:

• Compliance with FAR Subpart 3.1 - Safeguards
• Prohibition of gratuities and conflicts of interest
• Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct
• Mandatory disclosure of violations and potential violations
• Internal controls and ethics training programs
• Whistleblower protections in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 4712

Quality Management Systems

AKIVA implements rigorous quality management practices:

• Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 3 processes
• ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
• Continuous process improvement methodologies
• Quality assurance and quality control procedures
• Performance metrics and reporting requirements

Contract Vehicle Access

We hold and participate in various government contract vehicles:

• GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contracts
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contract vehicles
• Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) program eligibility
• State and local government cooperative purchasing agreements
• Direct contracting authority under FAR 19.14

Record Keeping and Audit Compliance

We maintain comprehensive record-keeping systems:

• Compliance with FAR Part 4 - Administrative Matters
• Three-year record retention for government contracts
• Audit readiness and cooperation with government auditors
• Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) compliance
• Cost accounting standards and timekeeping systems
• Invoice and payment documentation

Labor and Employment Compliance

We comply with all applicable labor laws and requirements:

• Service Contract Act (SCA) wage determinations
• Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements (when applicable)
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance
• Affirmative Action Program for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities
• E-Verify employment eligibility verification
• Drug-Free Workplace requirements