Sen.: Rapid advancements in AI technologies underscores the need to build a robust knowledge base within the federal government. Image: Lightspring/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffThe chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee has recommended creating a program to boost the federal workforce’s capacity on artificial intelligence, saying that “given the work that needs to be done, we undoubtedly need more expertise and more capacity.”
“The rapid advancements in AI technologies underscores the need to build a robust knowledge base within the federal government to grapple with AI applications across various sectors of our economy and society,” Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said in a letter to President Biden.
Warner said that while “excellent work related to AI is happening across the federal government” in agencies such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Institutes of Health, “It is clear to me that we will not be able to meet the need in this rapidly advancing field without a diverse and representative group of talented minds. These individuals should possess technical knowledge but also a keen understanding of the social impact of AI,” he wrote.
“Furthermore, a dedicated group of individuals focused solely on AI can help the federal government think through the opportunities to harness AI technologies to meet federal objectives while also working collaboratively with agencies to guard against AI-generated risks within their purview,” he wrote.
He cited as a potential model the GSA’s 18F and U.S. Digital Service programs, which brought together experts from a number of fields to address internal government challenges regarding technology and services.
“What these initiatives have in common – and what I believe we must focus on in a similar initiative for AI – is bringing together a group of bright minds, with diverse backgrounds and experiences, to lend their expertise to the federal government on issues of national importance,” he wrote.
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