Running 150 artificial intelligence pilots while using 132 different generative AI tools and technologies may seem like a daunting task for any federal agency. So may our years of experience using machine learning, large-scale language models, and language processing bots.
But for the General Services Administration, the decision to go all-in on AI was off the table.
“We're doing this because it's GSA's job to share services for the government,” GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan said Thursday. “And generative AI tools are going to be a huge help in that regard.”
Speaking at AIScoop's AITalks event, Carnahan said GSA currently operates seven different sandbox environments and that “more is coming” leveraging AI across the agency. Fully embracing this technology means that technology leaders in the public and private sectors have to decide whether they are on the right or wrong side of history on this topic and whether they are doing the right thing for the American people. It is important to recognize that “it is up to you to decide.” she said. “That opens up all kinds of possibilities.”
Carnahan said that to fully explore these possibilities, companies will ultimately need to purchase “best-in-class AI technology.” The agency will work closely with industry, he added, and the IT Category Management Office within the Federal Procurement Agency is developing an acquisition resource guide for generative AI and specialized computing infrastructure.
“This is a big deal,” Carnahan said. “Because procurement professionals need to know about these new technologies. If you take a sneak peek at what's out there, you'll identify a lot of common challenges. Identify use cases. This will help procurement personnel navigate the market and achieve the missions of these institutions.”
GSA is also focused on highlighting products that have already received FedRAMP approval, which is part of the federal government's newly released roadmap for cloud services compliance programs. Carnahan said the strategy document aims to make his FedRAMP more scalable, more secure and easier to use.
For budget-strapped agencies considering new AI projects, Carnahan promoted the Technology Modernization Fund as a way to “access funding for these new tools beyond the budget cycle.” TMF is currently seeking proposals from agencies with ideas for AI projects.
“We anticipate there will be a lot of interest from across the government,” Carnahan said. “If your agency hasn't considered using his TMF for his AI proposals, you should. Now is the best time to do so.”
For those at GSA, Carnahan said the new Login.gov pilot, which leverages facial matching technology, best represents the agency's commitment to “ethically, responsibly and safely use technology in the public interest.” he said. The pilot will allow people to remotely verify their identity, but GSA promises to keep data retention to a minimum and “ensure personal information is protected and not shared.” And it will never sell. ”
The next phase of GSA's work on a government-wide single sign-on and identity verification platform, including a partnership with the U.S. Postal Service, is emblematic of what GSA believes is its mission to provide a secure and comprehensive product. I am. Carnahan is bullish about the government's outlook, although there are “tough and unchartered waters ahead” for the full-scale implementation of AI tools and systems.
“We know that by working together through government and industry teams, we can get to the other side,” she said. “The American people expect us to do right. We have no time to waste. Now let's all get to work.”
