Artificial intelligence ("AI") stands at the forefront of transformative change in both private and public sectors. The federal government recently began sharing details on its implementation of AI.
Last month, the United States Government Accountability Office ("GAO") issued a comprehensive review, scrutinizing the deployment of AI across major federal agencies. The GAO's latest report, GAO-24-105980, dissects the current state of AI implementation, evaluates reporting accuracy, and examines compliance with federal policies. The report not only provides a narrative that reveals strides made in AI but also highlights the crucial steps needed to ensure a safe and complete integration into federal operations.
Decoding GAO's Recommendations
The GAO's in-depth study yields a set of 35 recommendations addressed to 19 agencies, echoing the urgency to align with President Biden's fiscal year 2023 budget, which earmarked $1.8 billion for nondefense AI research and development. These recommendations encompass a spectrum of actions, ranging from updating AI use case inventories to government-wide implementation of AI requirements with far-reaching implications.
Navigating the Road Ahead
Among the GAO's key findings, a call to action resonates for 15 agencies to enhance their AI use case inventories, ensuring they align with the prescribed guidance. Additionally, the GAO cast a spotlight on agencies such as the Office of Management and Budget ("OMB"), the Office of Science and Technology Policy ("OSTP"), and the Office of Personnel Management ("OPM"), urging them to take a lead in implementing AI requirements with widespread implications.
The Collaborative Path Forward
While 10 agencies embraced the GAO's recommendations, and three partially agreed, the report acknowledges that more work lies ahead for federal agencies to fully implement the AI guidance and laws. Notably, challenges are identified with OMB and OPM, emphasizing the need for developing AI acquisition and use guidance and establishing an updated occupational category for AI-related positions.
Crucial GAO Recommendations
One standout recommendation, directed at OPM, underscores the importance of establishing or updating an occupational series for AI-related positions. Furthermore, it calls for an estimation of the number of such positions across federal agencies and the preparation of a comprehensive two-year and five-year forecast, aligning with federal law.
Looking to the Future
GAO's report highlights the need to harmonize AI implementation across federal agencies. The government’s use of AI not only concerns embracing innovation but doing so responsibly, ensuring that AI integrates seamlessly into the fabric of government operations while adhering to ethical standards and regulatory frameworks. The GAO's recommendations serve as a compass, guiding federal agencies towards a future where the potential of AI is harnessed to its fullest, creating a technologically advanced and ethically sound governance landscape.
To explore the full report and recommendations, please click here.