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CHAI: MOSA-aligned AI deployment for defense and enterprise
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A honeycomb structure with illuminated hexagons, symbolizing a "cognitive hive" AI combined with modular open system architecture (MOSA). The interconnected hexagons represent modular components or data nodes, each contributing to a larger, cohesive intelligence network. The glowing outlines and embedded circuitry evoke the technological sophistication and adaptability of the system, highlighting how individual AI units work together to enhance situational awareness and resilience in complex environments. This design suggests a collaborative and modular approach to AI-driven defense and security solutions.

CHAI: MOSA-aligned AI deployment for defense and enterprise

By Jacob Andra / Published October 30, 2024 
Last Updated: October 30, 2024

Executive summary:

Cognitive hive AI (CHAI) implements Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) principles in AI deployment. While MOSA originated as a Department of Defense standard for weapon systems, its emphasis on modularity, defined interfaces, and component replaceability aligns perfectly with the needs of enterprise AI deployment. CHAI builds on MOSA's proven track record to create AI systems that are more configurable, secure, explainable, and maintainable than monolithic AI implementations.

At Talbot West, we specialize in implementing MOSA-compliant AI systems using the CHAI architecture. Our approach delivers the benefits of both MOSA and AI: enhanced security, clear upgrade paths, vendor independence, and improved oversight. Whether you need air-gapped deployment for defense applications or flexible scaling for enterprise use, CHAI provides a MOSA-aligned solution for your AI needs.

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Main takeaways
CHAI implements core MOSA principles in AI deployment.
MOSA compliance ensures long-term viability and upgradeability.
Modular architecture enables security and governance.
CHAI supports both defense and enterprise applications.
Talbot West specializes in MOSA-aligned AI implementation.

Understanding MOSA in AI implementation

The Department of Defense mandates MOSA for major defense acquisition programs because the standard enables continuous adaptation to changing threats and technologies. MOSA's core principles—modularity, open standards, and defined interfaces—apply equally well to AI deployment:

  • Modularity: MOSA requires systems to be built from discrete, replaceable components. In CHAI, this means separating AI capabilities into distinct modules that can be updated or replaced independently.
  • Open standards: MOSA emphasizes widely supported, consensus-based standards for interfaces. CHAI implements standardized interfaces between modules, enabling seamless integration of new capabilities.
  • Defined interfaces: MOSA requires clear specification of how components interact. CHAI maintains explicit interfaces between modules, making the system's operation transparent and traceable.

CHAI: A MOSA-aligned AI paradigm

Interconnected hexagonal nodes, each containing icons representing various functions, illustrating how Cognitive Hive AI (CHAI) aligns with Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) principles. The central hexagon, with a hive symbol, suggests a core AI system, while the surrounding hexagons represent modular components like security, data processing, and communication, all linked by illuminated lines. This networked layout emphasizes interoperability and flexibility, highlighting how each module can operate independently yet seamlessly integrate into a unified system for enhanced operational capability.

CHAI implements MOSA principles and provides the following advantages over black-box, monolithic AI models:

  • Discrete AI components: CHAI modules can work independently on separate tasks or collaborate on complex problems. Multiple modules might analyze different aspects of the same data, challenge each other's conclusions, or work together to reach consensus. Modules can be activated selectively based on task requirements, and their interactions can be configured to suit specific needs, from cooperative analysis to adversarial testing.
  • Standardized interfaces: Modules communicate through defined protocols, ensuring smooth interaction while maintaining security boundaries.
  • Severable components: Individual modules can be updated or replaced without disrupting the entire system, enabling rapid adaptation to new requirements.
  • Transparent decision paths: Unlike black-box AI systems, CHAI's modular architecture allows tracing of decisions through specific modules. This explainability is critical to many defense applications, as well as to other high-stakes industries such as healthcare.
  • Air-gapped deployment: For sensitive applications, CHAI can operate entirely within secure environments, with no external dependencies.

Benefits of MOSA-aligned AI

MOSA alignment through CHAI delivers the following advantages.

Enhanced security

  • Modular isolation contains potential vulnerabilities
  • Air-gapped deployment options
  • Granular access control at module level

Clear upgrade paths

  • Independent module updates
  • No system-wide disruption
  • Selective capability enhancement

Vendor independence

  • No lock-in to specific providers
  • Competitive module sourcing
  • Mix-and-match capabilities

Cost savings

  • Reuse of proven modules
  • Efficient resource utilization
  • Reduced integration costs

Improved interoperability

  • Standardized interfaces
  • Clear data exchange protocols
  • Easy system integration

Better governance

  • Transparent operation
  • Clear decision trails
  • Defined accountability

Talbot West's implementation approach

We help organizations implement MOSA-compliant AI through a structured process:

A stylized hive structure with interconnected hexagonal cells, each containing icons of bees, symbolizing the benefits of Cognitive Hive AI (CHAI) through Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) principles. The glowing blue pathways connecting the cells represent the flow of information and coordination among different AI modules, illustrating how each component collaborates within a unified system. The detailed grid and circuitry in the background emphasize the structured and high-tech environment that supports seamless integration, adaptability, and efficient data sharing across the networked AI units.

Feasibility study

Our feasibility studies uncover your core needs, and the best CHAI ensemble to meet those needs in the most efficient way.

  • Assess current systems and needs
  • Identify MOSA alignment opportunities
  • Define module requirements
  • Plan implementation roadmap

Pilot project

A pilot project allows you to validate the ROI of the CHAI implementation without risking full deployment prematurely.

  • Deploy limited CHAI implementation
  • Demonstrate MOSA compliance
  • Validate benefits
  • Refine approach

Full deployment

We go into full deployment after validating the CHAI system rigorously. Our stepwise approach allows our clients to commit resources incrementally.

  • Scale successful pilot
  • Maintain MOSA alignment
  • Enable modular growth
  • Ensure security compliance

Ongoing support

If desired, Talbot West can provide ongoing support for a CHAI instance.

  • Monitor system performance
  • Update modules as needed
  • Add new capabilities
  • Maintain MOSA compliance

Work with Talbot West

As pioneers of the CHAI paradigm, we understand how to implement MOSA principles in AI deployment. Our team can help you:

  • Assess your AI needs and MOSA requirements
  • Design a CHAI implementation that meets your objectives
  • Deploy secure, modular AI capabilities
  • Maintain MOSA compliance over time

Contact us to discuss how CHAI can provide a MOSA-aligned solution for your AI needs

CHAI and MOSA FAQ

MOSA is a Department of Defense standard requiring modular design and open interfaces in defense systems. CHAI is an AI architecture that implements these MOSA principles. Think of MOSA as the blueprint and CHAI as the building. CHAI takes MOSA's proven approach to modularity and applies it to AI deployment.

Monolithic LLMs lack the flexibility, security, and governance capabilities that MOSA requires. They operate as black boxes, making them unsuitable for applications requiring clear decision trails or secure deployment. Additionally, large language models are limited in their capability. CHAI's modular architecture allows for air-gapped operation, transparent decision paths, diverse capability sets, and selective deployment.

CHAI implements MOSA's core requirements through modular design, standardized interfaces, and severable components. Each module can be independently updated or replaced, and all interfaces follow open standards. This enables the continuous adaptation and vendor independence that MOSA demands.

Yes. Unlike cloud-based AI systems, CHAI can operate entirely within air-gapped environments. Modules can be selectively isolated, and the system requires no external connections. This makes CHAI suitable for sensitive defense applications while maintaining MOSA compliance.

CHAI modules can operate independently on discrete tasks or collaborate on complex problems. They might analyze different aspects of the same data, challenge each other's conclusions, or work together to reach consensus. This flexibility allows for sophisticated problem-solving while maintaining MOSA's modular principles.

CHAI can incorporate diverse machine learning, AI, and IoT technologies: large language models, small language models, quantitative analysis engines, computer vision systems, knowledge graphs, sensors, and more. The modular architecture allows you to mix and match capabilities while maintaining MOSA compliance through standardized interfaces.

Following MOSA principles, individual CHAI modules can be updated or replaced without disrupting the entire system. This allows for continuous improvement and adaptation to new requirements while maintaining system stability and security.

CHAI's resource requirements can be tailored to available infrastructure. Unlike monolithic AI systems that demand significant computing power, CHAI activates only the modules needed for specific tasks.

Implementation time varies based on requirements and scope. We typically start with a feasibility study and pilot project to demonstrate MOSA compliance and value. Full deployment follows a structured process to ensure security, governance, and alignment with MOSA principles.

We pioneered the CHAI architecture specifically to meet MOSA requirements in AI deployment. Our deep understanding of MOSA principles and AI implementation allows us to deliver solutions that are secure, governable, and adaptable to changing needs.

About the author

Jacob Andra is the founder of Talbot West and a co-founder of The Institute for Cognitive Hive AI, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting Cognitive Hive AI (CHAI) as a superior architecture to monolithic AI models. Jacob serves on the board of 47G, a Utah-based public-private aerospace and defense consortium. He spends his time pushing the limits of what AI can accomplish, especially in high-stakes use cases. Jacob also writes and publishes extensively on the intersection of AI, enterprise, economics, and policy, covering topics such as explainability, responsible AI, gray zone warfare, and more.
Jacob Andra

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Talbot West bridges the gap between AI developers and the average executive who's swamped by the rapidity of change. You don't need to be up to speed with RAG, know how to write an AI corporate governance framework, or be able to explain transformer architecture. That's what Talbot West is for. 

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