The top artificial intelligence official at the Department of Homeland Security anticipates that the DHS mission will attract technology experts to join the department’s newly introduced “AI cadre.”
In an effort to bolster its workforce, DHS disclosed its intention to enlist 50 AI technology specialists in 2024. These individuals will become part of a cadre inspired by the U.S. Digital Service, an entity within the White House that furnishes technology expertise and advisory services to federal agencies.
Eric Hysen, serving as both DHS’s chief information officer and chief AI officer, highlighted the department’s strategy to utilize the Office of Personnel Management direct-hire authorities to expedite the establishment of the cadre. These direct hire authorities were granted subsequent to President Joe Biden’s AI executive order.
Hysen emphasized the proactive recruitment approach adopted by DHS, forging partnerships with various organizations nationwide and reevaluating the recruitment process. He commended the Chief Human Capital Officer for effectively leveraging OPM’s new direct hire authority to facilitate a swift and thorough candidate selection process.
The AI corps is anticipated to comprise highly skilled professionals, with members expected to receive compensation at the GS-15 General Schedule annual salary level, ranging from \(123,000 to \)191,900. These roles will be remote positions, with occasional travel and on-site presence necessary for project-specific requirements.
Despite the potential for AI experts to command significantly higher salaries in the private sector, Hysen underscored the appeal of DHS’s mission. He emphasized the unique opportunity at DHS to work on cutting-edge technology while directly contributing to critical missions such as combating illicit activities like the flow of fentanyl, child sexual abuse, exploitation, and facilitating the citizenship process.
The AI corps members will initially be stationed at Hysen’s office at DHS headquarters before being deployed across different departmental units as needed. Their responsibilities will encompass various DHS missions, including disrupting fentanyl networks, combating child exploitation and abuse, and streamlining immigration services.
DHS has already begun employing machine learning for tasks like fentanyl detection, with expectations of expanding the use of AI-related technologies across all DHS mission domains.
Furthermore, DHS issued a policy in October regarding the utilization of commercial generative AI tools, permitting employees to leverage such technologies under specific guidelines to safeguard DHS data.
Hysen noted that DHS personnel across all levels are currently utilizing tools like ChatGPT, which is reshaping their perspectives on the capabilities of AI technology. He shared his recent experience using a large language model to analyze the Senate supplemental spending and border security bill, underscoring the transformative potential of AI in enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making processes within DHS.
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