The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) operated by Carnegie Mellon University. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Arlington, Virginia, it serves as a national resource in software engineering, computer security, and process improvement, conducting research, development, and technology transition work on behalf of the U.S. Government. Its partners and clients span defense and government organizations, private industry, and academia.
The SEI's work spans several interconnected technical domains. Its AI Division addresses applied artificial intelligence and the engineering challenges involved in building AI-enabled systems. The CERT Cyber Risk and Resilience Directorate focuses on operational risk and measurement tools, helping organizations achieve resilience against cyber threats. Across both areas, the institute's mandate includes advancing cybersecurity methods and technologies and bringing the discipline of software engineering to AI systems.
- Core domains: Software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, process improvement, operational risk, and resilience
- Primary activities: Research, development, and technology transition for the U.S. Government; improving software engineering and cybersecurity capabilities in partner organizations
- Locations: Pittsburgh, PA and Arlington, VA
- Operator: Carnegie Mellon University