The AI Training for the Acquisition Workforce Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden on October 17, 2022.
So what does that mean for us government contractors? Well, it could be a lot. Let’s dive into it.
The AI Training for the Acquistion Workforce Act requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to provide AI training for federal government agency employees responsible for program management, planning, procurement, and oversight of AI-related activities.
This training program is intended to ensure that federal government employees are knowledgeable about the science behind AI, how it works, basic technological features, and ethical considerations when using AI. This will be a 10-year training program across executive agencies. The first round of training could be released as late as fall 2023.
The AI Training for the Acquisition Workforce Act is a proposed bill that would require federal officials involved with procuring artificial intelligence to receive training on the emerging technology’s capabilities and limitations.
The relationship between the AI Training Act and the Executive Order 13960 is that the Executive Order establishes principles for the use of AI in the Federal Government, as well as a common policy for implementing these principles while this Act provides for the training of the Acquisition Workforce responsible for procuring and running AI programs. It would be expected that the Executive Order will be part of the curriculum of the AI Training.
What kinds of other topics might be covered in the AI Acquisition Training?
The AI Acquisition Training would most likely cover topics such as:
- the science behind artificial intelligence, particularly how it operates;
- basic ideas relating to the technological characteristics of AI systems;
- the potential benefits of AI for the federal government;
- risks associated with AI, such as discrimination and privacy threats;
- methods to reduce the risks, such as initiatives to develop and recognize AI that is dependable, safe, and trustworthy;
- future AI trends, such as innovation trends related to homeland and national security.
Other potential topics not mandated by the Act could include:
- understanding the capabilities and limitations of commercially available AI systems,
- understanding government procurement regulations and procedures for procuring AI systems,
- developing strategies to monitor, evaluate and audit AI programs in accordance with applicable laws,
- recognizing instances when an independent third-party assessment is necessary to ensure that the AI system is operating properly and is producing the desired results
- understanding best practices for preparing effective Requests for Proposal (RFPs) when acquiring AI systems.
So what does that mean to us?
One former acquisition professional we talked to said that the impact of this training to the federal acquisition workforce could have a ripple effect across all procurements.
As innovations like ChatGPT and other AI advancements become more mainstream and the benefits and risks of AI are more widely understood, contracting officers could feel pressure to write more AI requirements into their procurements. A statement of objectives (SOO) could include clauses that ask for an approach to adapt or advance AI in legacy systems. Certainly, any new IT initiatives would be expected to have AI as part of the solution – or explain why AI is not the right fit.
Long story short: if your company does not have, or will not have a competent AI practice with some solid AI past performance, then you should start building that capability now. Or line up some partners that can help you out. This will become critical for doing business with the government in the very near future.
Word of Caution: Be thoughtful about what you bid, because some AI initiatives will likely be misguided, and you don’t want your name associated with those projects that have low value.
Don’t be blinded by shiny AI tech – it’s important to make sure your team can also explain and defend why a given AI solution is the right path forward, including presenting an appropriate cost-benefit analysis. In other words, think before you code!
At the same time, there is a growing recognition of the importance and value of AI, so don’t be afraid to take advantage of this opportunity. The sooner you can get your team up to speed on effective AI use in government contracts, the better!
And remember, don’t forget to research potential partners that can help you out. From specialized technology providers to industry consultants to legal advisors, plenty of resources are available for anyone looking for assistance with their next government contract. With the right partner by your side, you’ll be on your way to making the most of AI in government contracting.