AI, Government and the Future

Happy New Year!

Corner Alliance
January 02, 2025

Welcome to our weekly dive into the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the U.S. Government!

AI is progressing at an incredible pace, and we're just scratching the surface. With so much information out there, it can be overwhelming to keep up.

We're here to provide you with insightful analysis and a concise summary, delivered to you on a regular basis. Stay informed, stay up-to-date, and join us on this thrilling journey into the future of AI.

Episode 34 Recap: Mfon Akpan Assistant Professor of Accounting at Methodist University

Dr. Mfon Akpan, joins this episode of AI, Government, and the Future, to discuss the transformative potential and challenges of AI in accounting education and the workforce. They explore how AI can enhance productivity, bridge the digital divide, and address the ethical considerations surrounding its use in academia. Dr. Akpan also shares his insights on the rapidly evolving technology landscape and the importance of lifelong learning.

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Spotlight

Bridging the Skills Gap in Government: The Case for Workforce Training

Rapid advancements in digital technology, such as AI and big data, are widening the skills gap in the public sector. The lack of technological expertise is hindering the effective implementation of AI in government work. To address this, government agencies and contractors must identify the skills their workforce needs and provide targeted training and upskilling opportunities. It is also crucial to anticipate how the nature of work is changing and address the resulting skill gaps. Upskilling and reskilling programs can equip employees with the necessary capabilities to adapt to these changes. Managers play a pivotal role in coaching employees and developing individualized growth plans. Internal training programs should combine both online learning and hands-on experience. Investing in workforce development not only benefits employees but also enhances agencies’ competitiveness in the labor market. For public sector organizations to keep pace with technological advancements and deliver effective solutions, consistent employee training and education are essential.

Read More - federalnewsnetwork

The Number

$1.8 Billion

The Department of Defense (DOD) has significantly increased its investment in AI in recent years. For fiscal year 2024, the DOD requested $1.8 billion for AI and machine learning (ML) initiatives, a $600 million increase from the $1.2 billion that was appropriated for AI in FY 2023. The FY 2024 AI budget request is intended to support the delivery and adoption of responsible AI/ML-enabled capabilities, workforce development, and DOD-wide data management and modernization efforts.

Notably, while the FY 2025 budget request for AI remains at $1.8 billion, this is due to spending caps imposed by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, not a shift in the DOD’s prioritization of AI. The department’s increased focus on AI is further evidenced by a sharp rise in AI-related contracts. Between August 2022 and August 2023, the total amount committed to these contracts grew from $190 million to $557 million. Moreover, the potential value of these contracts, if fully extended, surged from $269 million to $4.3 billion during the same period.

This substantial increase in AI spending highlights the DOD's strategic emphasis on AI as a critical technology for future defense capabilities and its response to global technological competition, particularly with China.

In-Depth

San Diego's New Broadband Master Plan Tackles Digital Equity

The city of San Diego is developing a new Broadband Master Plan to improve access and affordability, particularly in underserved communities. Funded by a $500,000 grant, the plan will prioritize collaborations with community-based organizations. In Kansas, applications for the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology program will open soon, offering $10.7 million to support public Wi-Fi and device distribution. Meanwhile, Crowley County, Colorado, plans to use a grant to expand internet access to 30% of its residents. A consultancy firm’s report estimates that improving broadband access in Harlan County, Kentucky, could generate $71.5 million in economic benefits. Additionally, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation released a report arguing that government-owned broadband networks are not competing on a level playing field with private networks.