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Vinay Singh, appointed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is set to assume the role of the district’s principal artificial intelligence officer following a directive from the federal agency under President Biden’s administration. As reported by FedScoop, Singh will work closely with Solomon Greene, the district’s chief information officer and senior advisor for policy enhancement, to promote ethical AI technology, enhance transparency, safeguard HUD personnel and the communities they serve, and mitigate risks associated with the government’s sensitive use of AI.
In line with Executive Order 14110 issued by President Biden, the Office of Management and Budget is finalizing guidelines that mandate the appointment of a chief AI officer within 60 days. These newly appointed CAIOs will be responsible for coordinating AI initiatives within their respective agencies, fostering AI innovation, and managing associated risks.
While some agencies, such as the Departments of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security, already had AI leadership roles prior to the recent executive order, others are now publicly announcing their appointed officials.
In response to inquiries from FedScoop, the National Science Foundation and the General Services Administration disclosed that their chief data officers will also serve as the agencies’ general AI officers. Additionally, the Department of Education confirmed the appointment of its chief technology officer to the position.
One of the key responsibilities outlined in the OMB’s draft guidance for chief AI officers is to co-chair the AI leadership committee within their respective agencies. These committees, mandated within 60 days of the OMB’s guidance, will oversee AI deployment and risk management under the leadership of each agency’s deputy director.
While agencies were previously required to designate an AI official under a prior administration order (EO 13960), the new chief AI officers will assume these responsibilities as well, as indicated by the OMB’s review guidance. A decision regarding HUD’s current AI governance structure is pending.
The HUD spokesperson mentioned that “The AI Governance Board will define the role of the Responsible AI Official and its integration into the upcoming initiatives.”
Several agencies informed FedScoop that they are progressing with AI-related initiatives, even without appointing a CAIO.
For instance, NASA is actively developing strategies to leverage emerging AI technologies for advancing its scientific missions, such as analyzing Earth science imagery, processing data from the James Webb Space Telescope, coordinating communications with the Perseverance Mars rover, and more.
Likewise, the Department of Transportation is formulating a strategy aligned with the executive order to guide its AI endeavors.
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