Why a cohesive federal strategy should lead America’s AI future
Gettyimages.com/Yuichiro Chino
Removing barriers to innovation while balancing security and collaboration are crucial, writes Laura Stash of iTech AG.
Recent actions and reports, including the Removing Barriers to American Leadership in AI executive order and the National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee (NAIAC) report, are beginning to frame the path for AI in the coming years—a time that will be pivotal for technology in the United States.
Initial directives provide a roadmap to address barriers, foster innovation and align federal policies with the rapid advancements in AI technology, calling on federal agencies to act decisively to retain leadership in AI and enhance our economic and national security.
In alignment with the recent NAIAC insights, agencies should prioritize innovation, refine regulatory frameworks and ensure a unified federal approach. Through this strategy, industry can help pave the way for a future where AI drives progress, creates value and enhances global competitiveness.
Innovation is a top priority
Lengthy and complex regulatory approvals can be one barrier to the deployment of cutting-edge AI solutions. For example, AI-powered diagnostic tools in healthcare often face multi-year approval timelines, delaying potentially life-saving drug discovery. Similarly, federal procurement rules and certification hurdles can make it difficult for emerging AI companies to sell to government agencies.
Limitations on data access can serve as another barrier, making it difficult for AI researchers to train models on real-world datasets and reducing the effectiveness of AI applications.
By removing these roadblocks, the U.S. can avoid the risk of falling behind in AI advancements and lead in the global AI landscape, creating an environment where innovation thrives and empowers American researchers, developers and organizations.
Industry can empower the government by developing secure, U.S.-based AI datasets that limit the need for complex customer development and are tailored for federal use. Hosting AI models in U.S.-based, air-gapped cloud environments and pre-trained AI models for tasks that reduce time to value, supporting efficiency, security and collaboration.
AI leadership over dominance
The NAIAC report notes a need for more consistent and timely guidance from the highest levels of government—a necessity for the safe and effective deployment of AI systems that will serve the needs of the American people.
The NAIAC provides clear recommendations like filling key leadership roles to capitalize on AI's potential. Through this approach, the office will have the ability to enhance innovation and risk management with the help and synergy of federal agency Chief AI Officers. Their collaboration will empower other agencies too.
This action exemplifies the country’s efforts to set a standard and provide consistent guidance to lead AI innovation. AI leadership requires innovation that benefits humanity, strengthens economic competitiveness and reinforces national security. The U.S. must not only innovate but also set ethical standards, build trust and collaborate internationally to promote the responsible use of AI.
AI leadership also requires policy and execution—government must streamline AI governance, move beyond risk-averse mindsets and enable secure, scalable AI deployments across agencies. This can be done by leveraging AI already built into the SaaS platforms agencies use today rather than waiting for costly, custom implementations.
Some agencies are already emerging as leaders—government leaders at CMS CCSQ are championing AI-driven automation and analytics to improve efficiency, enhance decision-making and deliver better public services. These leaders play a critical role in driving adoption by showcasing success, ensuring compliance and fostering cross-agency collaboration.
By aligning AI leadership, embedded AI capabilities and strong industry partnerships, the U.S. can lead AI innovation while delivering real, immediate value to government operations and the public.
Cross-agency collaboration
Addressing outdated or restrictive policies along a clear timeline will help build a cohesive government-wide approach to AI governance that enables collaboration. It’s a pragmatic step that balances immediate action with long-term strategy.
NAIAC recommends establishing an AI model evaluation, testing and assessment framework that builds on concepts of the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program. Rather than each agency addressing these issues on its own, progress could occur more quickly and safely by providing consistent approaches that can be instituted across the government.
Partnering with experienced vendors and implementers who understand FedRAMP-compliant AI platforms streamlines the authorization-to-operate process. Pre-approved tools within platforms like ServiceNow, Microsoft Azure AI, AWS AI and Google Cloud AI support faster AI deployment while maintaining compliance.
By combining FedRAMP AI expertise, security acceleration and data integration capabilities, industry can help federal agencies move beyond exploration to real, impactful AI deployment that drives mission success, paving the way for a future where AI technology drives progress, creates value and enhances global competitiveness.
Laura Stash is executive vice president of solutions architecture at iTech AG.