Insights from Federal Tech Leaders

HERSHEY, Pa. — At the recent ACT-IAC’s Imagine Nation ELC conference, discussions turned to the pivotal artificial intelligence executive order released by President Biden a year ago. While last year’s event buzzed with excitement, attendees this year reflected on AI’s trajectory and its integration into federal operations.

Focus on Basics

Zach Brown, chief information security officer at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), noted that their strategy emphasizes the fundamentals of AI usage. He remarked, ‘We’ve been able to do some things a little bit quicker’ through the use of generative AI tools in coding. However, he stressed the importance of having humans in the loop to maintain accountability and clarity, particularly when assessing AI-generated outputs.

The Hype Cycle

According to Brown, while AI tools provide significant efficiency, he warned of a ‘hype cycle’ that may correct itself over time. He believes that organizations must approach AI with caution, stressing that it is not a magic solution and requires careful explanation and integration into workflow.

Innovative Trends

Shelly Hartsook from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) shared insights on the mainstream adoption of AI tools. She described the current landscape as a ‘kitchen with the best, freshest ingredients,’ noting that these developments give rise to unique use cases that could lead to exciting innovations. However, she urged vendors to create more straightforward solutions to facilitate implementation across agencies.

Experimentation Continues

Another critical figure at the event, Karen Wrege from the State Department, emphasized the importance of experimentation with AI tools. While existing cybersecurity mandates are a priority, she is exploring tools like Microsoft Copilot to enhance efficiency in her office’s coding tasks.

The Future of AI in Government

Greg Touhill, the first federal CISO and director of the CERT Division at Carnegie Mellon, noted the ongoing planning for AI in governmental functions. He contended, ‘AI is an overnight sensation — over 65 years in the making,’ underlining the need for more workforce investment in AI applications aligned with national interests.

Conclusion

As leaders from various federal agencies continue to grapple with AI’s capabilities and challenges, it is evident that the technology is here to stay, and its successful integration will require ongoing collaboration, accountability, and innovative thinking.

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• Cybersecurity
• Federal Tech
• US Government