Agencies risk becoming unable to make successful acquisition decisions independent of contractors. Image: Tada Images/Shutterstock.com
A report in support of a bill ready for a Senate vote to boost training of federal employees in the capabilities and potential risks of artificial intelligence stresses that the government should build up such skills in-house rather than relying on contractors.
The bill (S-1564), which has cleared the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, would require OPM to establish a training program on artificial intelligence for federal management officials and supervisors addressing the capabilities, risks, and ethical implications associated with AI.
The measure would build on provisions enacted last year to require similar training for federal employees involved with procuring AI technologies, as well as a recent White House executive order on AI in general which also calls for boosting related skills in the federal workforce.
The Senate report for example cites a National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence review that was “particularly concerned with the implications of an under-trained federal workforce,” concluding that agencies “that rely solely on contractors for digital expertise will become incapable of understanding the underlying technology well enough to make successful acquisition decisions independent of contractors.”
Similarly, it said, the National AI Advisory Committee “also recommended training for public and private sector entities, citing lack of knowledge and skills among personnel as a challenge to adoption of trustworthy AI.”
Key Bills Advancing, but No Path to Avoid Shutdown Apparent
TSP Adds Detail to Upcoming Roth Conversion Feature
White House to Issue Rules on RIF, Disciplinary Policy Changes
DoD Announces Civilian Volunteer Detail in Support of Immigration Enforcement
See also,
How Do Age and Years of Service Impact My Federal Retirement
The Best Ages for Federal Employees to Retire
How to Challenge a Federal Reduction in Force (RIF) in 2025
Should I be Shooting for a $1M TSP Balance? Depends…