When the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act became law at the beginning of 2021, it added resources and high level support for the government’s expansion of its pilot AI projects into large scale applications. A new AI Initiative Office was created at the White House to provide policy guidance and help speed the use of AI to leverage government data. The Government Accountability Office published its Federal AI Accountability Framework in June. The Federal Data Strategy released in October of 2021 also supports accelerating the use of AI. 

DOD leads civilian agencies in spending on AI by a two to one margin, according to data from Deltek’s GovWin, but NASA, DOT, DHS and HHS have been ramping up production projects that improve mission effectiveness and automate repetitive tasks.

This FCW Workshop featured government and industry experts who shared the progress of ongoing efforts and provided best practices by such organizations as GSA’s AI Center of Excellence, DOD’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center and the new National AI Initiative Office at the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Attendees came away with an improved understanding of:

• Policy frameworks now in place for AI in government
• The growing use of AI and RPA as a Service 
• Acquisition vehicles to acquire AI tools and services
• Success stories about what works at current programs
• Where to find technical help and program resources in government
• Ways to reskill and train the current workforce to use AI effectively