Empowering responsible AI: The AI training series for government employees

Empowering responsible AI: The AI training series for government employees

One of GSA's strategic priorities is to deliver the best in digital government services, which includes staying on the leading edge of advancements in technology. As artificial intelligence technology becomes more widely available and becomes a key part of many products and services, it is crucial for governments to understand how to effectively use AI technologies while mitigating any risks they may pose. Training is an important part of ensuring government employees can use AI safely and responsibly, which is why GSA has partnered with the Office of Management and Budget to offer the 2024 AI Training Series.

The 2024 AI Training Series began this month and runs through the end of October. We've seen demand grow a lot: this year, we have 41% more people registered than last year, bringing us to over 12,000 registrants, with an average 94% satisfaction rating to-date. Registration is open and free for all government employees with a .GOV or .MIL email address.

"We're living in a unique moment, one where technology can be harnessed to improve people's lives in new ways we never imagined," said GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan. "This innovative training series advances the Biden Harris Administration's landmark efforts to ensure the responsible and effective government use of AI by empowering public servants with the tools and the training we need to meet this moment and deliver better results for the American people. That's what these training sessions and our AI Community of Practice are all about."

The training's approach is grounded in key principles such as safety and privacy in accordance with the AI Training Act, AI E.O. 13960, AI E.O. 14110, and OMB's first government-wide AI policy, M-24-10. Training partners include the Stanford Human-Centered AI, the George Washington University Law School, Princeton Center for Information Technology Policy, Wilson Center, GSA Office of Government-wide Policy, and OMB.

"Once again, she [the professor] does a masterful job of breaking down the important acquisition points related to Al," said an Acquisition Track attendee. "She's lively, entertaining and even injects some humor, when possible... This type of high-level acquisition strategy related to Al should become mandatory training for all Contracting Officers."

Expert-led tracks for every need

In a 2023 GAO Report, over 86 percent of included agencies reported current and planned AI use cases-citing specific challenges or opportunities that AI may solve-which are being cataloged on AI.gov. The 2024 AI Training Series is divided into three distinct tracks, along with 21 sessions, to provide a comprehensive overview in key areas of interest to public sector employees.

From understanding acquisition to technical execution, the training series aims to ensure that all participants, regardless of their role, are provided with the foundational knowledge they need to responsibly use AI to enhance government services and improve the lives of the public.

• Acquisitions Track: In partnership with GWU Law School, these sessions cover the fundamentals of AI procurement to understanding risk management and ethics in AI acquisition.
• Leadership and Policy Track: Collaborating with Princeton CITP, these sessions explore AI policy development, ethical leadership, and strategic planning, ensuring leaders are well-prepared to handle the societal impacts of AI technologies.
• Technical Track: Partnering with Stanford HAI, this track breaks down complex AI concepts into plain language, covering human-centered AI development, privacy and security concerns, and risk mitigation techniques.

Join us

Sessions take place on the ZoomGov Webinar platform, with recordings available in early 2025 for those who are unable to attend live. Visit AI Training Registration today.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact [email protected].