The CDT report released on April 29, 2024, titled “The Federal Government’s Power of the Purse: Enacting Procurement Policies and Practices to Support Responsible AI Use,” sheds light on the increasing government spending on artificial intelligence (AI) and the necessity for responsible AI use in federal procurement processes.

According to the report, government spending on AI has surged in recent years, with over $2 billion in contracts awarded to private companies in fiscal year 2022 alone. This rise in spending has prompted crucial questions about the integration of responsible AI practices into federal procurement policies and practices.

The report highlights key executive actions, such as the Biden Administration's 2023 Executive Orders focusing on AI governance and racial equity in AI use within federal agencies. While these actions represent progress, the report emphasizes the need for more robust guidance to ensure equitable, ethical, and effective government procurement of AI.

Challenges specific to AI procurement, including the lack of a common AI definition and limited internal capacity to evaluate AI systems, are also identified in the report. Recommendations put forth in the report aim to establish sustainable AI procurement processes for federal agencies, emphasizing the importance of responsible AI considerations at every stage of acquisition planning.

In conclusion, the report serves as a framework for enhancing AI procurement practices within the federal government to improve agency operations while safeguarding the interests of the people they serve.