This Month at CPSAI
After months of dedicated work, expert collaboration, and valuable input from our community, the Center for Public Sector AI, in partnership with US Digital Response, is excited to announce the release of the AI Ready: Evaluation Guide for HHS Agencies. This practical tool is crafted for HHS leaders and their teams and is designed to empower government agencies to make informed, responsible decisions regarding AI adoption. With a focus on real-world challenges specific to HHS, the guide offers actionable insights to evaluate and responsibly deploy AI technologies.
We’re eager to hear your feedback on this tool and learn about the ways you’re putting it to use. You can explore the guide here and reach us anytime at info@cpsai.org!
AI Learning Hub
In this section, we focus on fostering a culture of continuous learning within the public sector by providing essential educational resources and initiatives. Through case studies, expert insights, and curated content, we help government leaders build AI literacy and stay ahead of the curve in emerging technology adoption.
InnovateUS empowers public service professionals to grow their skills and better serve the public through accessible, high-quality learning opportunities. Supported by The Governance Lab, InnovateUS offers evidence-based, collaborative, and participatory learning experiences including self-paced courses, live interactive workshops led by experts, and tailored coaching programs.
You can register for upcoming workshops here, and watch over 100 free sessions on demand!
This Month in AI News
Each month, we curate a selection of the most impactful AI stories from around the globe, focusing on innovations, regulatory updates, ethical debates, and breakthrough applications in various sectors, including the public sector. Stay informed with our concise and insightful summaries that keep you at the forefront of AI developments. Whether you're an AI enthusiast, a policy maker, or a professional in the field, this section will provide you with the knowledge you need to stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of AI technology.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries worldwide, public and private sectors alike are increasingly mindful of its profound impact. This month, a strong theme of responsible and transparent AI governance emerges from recent developments across the U.S. At NVIDIA’s AI Summit, federal agencies reaffirmed their commitment to keeping human oversight central to AI integration. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency’s Chief AI Officer emphasized the need for vigilant human involvement, especially as the General Services Administration moves forward with AI-enabled facial recognition features for Login.gov, enabling agencies to adopt this technology with a flexible, human-centered approach.
At the state level, Connecticut is leading efforts for a more cohesive national AI regulatory framework. With the absence of federal standards, Connecticut State Senator James Maroney is rallying state legislators to avoid a “patchwork” of AI laws. This collaborative push aims to streamline compliance and ensure a level playing field across state borders—potentially setting a national example for AI governance in the absence of unified federal laws.
AI’s potential for life-saving applications came into sharp focus in the military’s response to Hurricane Helene. AI-driven tools played a critical role in coordinating resources to reach the hardest-hit areas, underscoring the technology’s potential to enhance resilience and responsiveness in disaster relief efforts. This integration of AI with on-the-ground operations showcases a promising future for AI in supporting real-world challenges.
Meanwhile, private sector leaders are advocating for more government involvement in AI regulation. Scale AI’s CEO issued a public call for Congress to take a more active role in setting AI safety standards and defining responsible practices, aligning with new Department of Labor guidelines designed to help companies adopt AI ethically. This mutual push from public and private entities highlights a pivotal moment in AI’s journey, with stakeholders working to shape its growth responsibly.
The Biden administration has issued new rules to guide defense and intelligence agencies on using and deploying AI. The framework aims to establish consistent practices to help these agencies deploy AI responsibly, minimizing systemic bias and safeguarding civil and privacy rights. While the White House hopes these standards will accelerate AI adoption within defense agencies, some civil rights advocates, including the ACLU, have expressed concerns that the guidelines might not be stringent enough to prevent potential abuses.
AI in The Public Sector
In this section, we highlight how AI is being leveraged to improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, and address critical challenges faced by public sector organizations. From innovative pilot projects and successful implementations to policy updates and ethical considerations, we cover a wide range of topics that demonstrate the potential and reality of AI in government.
Across the U.S., government entities are increasingly embracing AI to improve services and address unique challenges. MITRE’s new Federal AI Sandbox stands as an ambitious initiative to test AI tools for federal agencies in a controlled environment. The Sandbox, which includes projects like an AI system aimed at enhancing Medicare sustainability, represents a significant step toward developing specialized, mission-driven AI applications to benefit the public sector.
At the state level, collaboration is driving innovation in AI adoption. In New York, the recently launched Empire State Consortium is bringing together top research institutions to explore AI’s potential across science, healthcare, and government. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s state government is making strides in robotic process automation (RPA) to boost efficiency across agencies. These initiatives reveal the unique ways states are applying AI to streamline operations and foster regional innovation.
Procurement, a traditionally time-intensive area in government, is also seeing transformative AI-driven changes. Texas’ Civic Marketplace, in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments, has introduced AI tools to help local governments navigate procurement processes with ease and transparency. By reducing administrative barriers, this solution is already simplifying contracting and compliance—a model that could encourage more streamlined public-sector procurement nationwide.
In Washington, D.C., a newly formed AI Advisory Group is setting out to ensure responsible AI governance in the district. By advising on ethical data practices and developing educational resources, the group is poised to help city agencies make thoughtful, citizen-centered AI decisions. As more local governments follow suit, we’re seeing the dawn of a new era of thoughtful AI governance, designed to balance innovation with accountability in ways that serve communities effectively.