The memo includes model contractual requirements covering information agencies must collect from a vendor, standards for transparency, and more. Image: Nwz/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffOMB has issued guidance on agency responsibilities under a July executive order on “preventing woke AI in the federal government,” addressing topics such as reviews of existing contracts, requirements to be included in new contracts, and updating of agency policies.
OMB memo M-26-04 follows issuance of an action plan under that order, which mirrored Biden administration directives it overrode in touting AI as a potentially valuable tool for agencies—but adding that they have “the obligation not to procure models that sacrifice truthfulness and accuracy to ideological agendas.”
The memo says the order reflects two main principles for large language models and other forms of AI: that they “shall prioritize historical accuracy, scientific inquiry, and objectivity, and shall acknowledge uncertainty where reliable information is incomplete or contradictory” and that they “shall be neutral, nonpartisan tools that do not manipulate responses in favor of ideological dogmas.”
The memo says that agencies: must ensure that any solicitation or order for procurement include contractual requirements addressing compliance with those principles; should to the extent practicable modify existing contracts to include such requirements and should make such modifications before exercising any option that extends the contract; and should update their procurement policies to incorporate those requirements.
The memo includes model contractual requirements covering information agencies must collect from a vendor, standards for transparency, and more.
It further requires agencies to comply with similar principles for any AI applications they develop on their own.
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