Why it matters

Scale AI Inc. continues its sustained federal engagement with a focused approach. The company used in-house lobbyists rather than external firms, maintaining direct control over policy messaging. This quarter’s spending aligns with their historical average of $213,333 per disclosure.

By the numbers

  • Q2 2025 spending: $230,000 in in-house lobbying
  • Historical context: $5.2 million total since 2020, with $3.03 million from in-house efforts
  • Lobbying team:
    • Alexander Hunt Davis: 14 years House experience, former House Appropriations Committee Parliamentarian
    • Max A. Fenkell: Former Legislative Director for Rep. Mark Sanford, nine Scale AI disclosures totaling $1.7 million

Broader context

Scale AI holds substantial federal contracts worth over $350 million. The company has a $250 million Department of Defense blanket purchasing agreement. It also secured a $99 million Army R&D contract. These contracts directly tie to their lobbying focus on federal AI procurement rules.

The agenda

The Q2 2025 filing specifically mentions “AI policy as it relates to the Intelligence Community.” Scale AI consistently lobbies on defense and intelligence AI applications. Their focus includes data infrastructure needs and AI provisions in authorization bills. The company also engages on appropriations vehicles affecting their core business.

Competitive landscape

Anthropic PBC lobbies on federal AI policy and national security provisions. Cohere US Inc. engages on multiple AI regulatory proposals. C3.ai Inc. focuses on defense appropriations and DoD AI applications. Major cloud providers also lobby on AI procurement and data privacy.

Between the lines

Congress is actively considering AI legislation affecting Scale AI’s business. The CREATE AI Act would establish AI research infrastructure and evaluation frameworks. The Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act requires competitive procurement for AI solutions. Recent congressional communications emphasize AI evaluation standards and third-party verification.

The bottom line

Scale AI maintains steady lobbying investment as federal AI policy takes shape. The company’s focus on Intelligence Community applications positions it strategically. With major contracts secured and key legislation pending, their lobbying protects existing revenue while shaping future opportunities.

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