[co-author: Christina Barone, Public Policy Specialist]

As we previewed in a prior alert, the executive branch is now soliciting additional input related to artificial intelligence (AI). The Trump administration’s executive order titled “Maintaining American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence” directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to issue a plan for federal engagement in the development of technical standards and related tools in support of reliable, robust and trustworthy systems that use AI technologies.

In order to inform the development of a plan for federal engagement, NIST recently announced a request for information and is accepting public comment to understand:

• Current status and plans regarding the availability, use and development of AI technical standards and tools in support of reliable, robust and trustworthy systems that use AI technologies.
• Needs and challenges regarding the existence, availability, use and development of AI standards and tools.
• The current and potential future role of federal agencies regarding the existence, availability, use and development of AI technical standards and tools in order to meet the nation’s needs.

NIST recognizes that timely and fit-for-purpose technical standards, whether developed by national or international organizations, will play a crucial role in the development and deployment of AI technologies, and will be essential in building trust and confidence about AI technologies and for achieving economies of scale.