Why It Matters

PrimeAI Inc. enters federal lobbying as Congress actively legislates AI procurement standards, with bills like the Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act of 2025 mandating competitive contracting that could favor new entrants over incumbents. Federal agencies struggle with AI deployment barriers—data access, IT infrastructure, and workforce skills—creating immediate demand for AI service providers.

PrimeAI’s transportation and aviation focus is well-positioned. The FAA is establishing AI safety frameworks and eVTOL integration pilots, while the transportation sector rapidly deploys AI across operations. By hiring Whitmer & Worrall LLC—a firm with two decades of experience in appropriations and transportation—PrimeAI gains access to relationships critical for navigating federal procurement.

By the Numbers

PrimeAI retained Whitmer & Worrall LLC on February 19, 2025, for its first federal lobbying campaign. The firm has reported over $18 million in fees across nearly 1,000 disclosures since 2005. PrimeAI’s three-lobbyist team includes Martin T. Whitmer Jr., a founding partner with two decades in transportation and technology advocacy; Thomas Worrall, who has direct AI lobbying experience; and Morgan Collins, specializing in emerging technology and defense contracting. The lobbying focuses on science/technology, transportation, aviation, and budget/appropriations.

The Agenda

PrimeAI is lobbying to secure federal contracts for its "artificial intelligence as a service" offerings in science/technology, transportation, and aviation sectors. While not yet lobbying on specific legislation, the company is positioned to engage on bills shaping federal AI procurement, including the Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act and the CREATE AI Act of 2025. Objectives include influencing budget and appropriations for AI-related federal programs and contracts.

Broader Context

The Trump administration’s America’s AI Action Plan prioritizes rapid government AI adoption, while executive orders require the FAA to deploy AI tools for UAS waiver applications by October 2025—directly relevant to PrimeAI’s focus.

The Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act mandates competitive procurement for DoD cloud, data, or AI contracts exceeding $50 million annually, creating favorable conditions for emerging vendors. However, Transportation and Interior departments cite structural barriers including data access challenges and IT infrastructure gaps—obstacles creating demand for external AI expertise.

Between The Lines

Congressional efforts to mandate competitive AI contracting directly benefit new entrants by preventing vendor concentration. The CREATE AI Act, backed by bipartisan leadership, aims to democratize AI research access. Transportation and aviation sectors receive focused attention—the FAA released its first AI Safety Assurance Roadmap and faces executive-mandated AI deployment deadlines. Persistent federal barriers to AI adoption create opportunities for external vendors to address gaps through contracts.

Competitive Landscape

PrimeAI faces established competitors like Accenture Federal Services, which spent $270,000 on AI and IT modernization lobbying in Q4 2024, and Tata Consultancy Services, with sustained AI policy efforts. However, allies exist: the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence supports the CREATE AI Act, while industry groups actively engage on AI and aviation safety. Congressional mandates for competitive defense AI procurement create favorable conditions for challenging incumbents.

The Bottom Line

PrimeAI hired Whitmer & Worrall to pursue federal AI-as-a-service contracts in transportation and aviation. Congressional efforts to mandate competitive DoD procurement and accelerated FAA timelines create near-term opportunities, but established competitors already dominate federal AI policy debates.

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