GSA Issues Generative AI Buyers’ Playbook for Federal Agencies

The General Services Administration has completed an acquisition guide to help the federal government’s buyers of generative artificial intelligence efficiently navigate the AI marketplace. Released on Monday, the playbook, titled Generative AI and Specialized Computing Infrastructure Acquisition Resource Guide, will be continuously updated as new solutions and technologies on specialized computing emerge. 

Laura Stanton, assistant commissioner at the agency’s Office of Information Technology and a speaker at a past Potomac Officers Club event, shared in a blog post the guidebook’s questions that contracting officers should first resolve before generative AI acquisition, the GSA said Monday. 

The guide, which implements President Joe Biden’s executive order for the safe and reliable development of AI, also recommends ways to use testbeds before large-scale procurements, cost-control methods and considerations for data management and protection. 

Robin Carnahan, GSA administrator, disclosed earlier that the guide will prioritize AI solutions with Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program authorization. 

In the playbook’s release announcement, Carnahan pointed out that the new guide identifies the typical generative AI use cases and the challenges of acquiring them in an evolving marketplace. The guide is a key element to enable federal agencies’ responsible and effective use of generative AI technologies for the American people’s benefit, she added.  

In addition to the guide’s issuance to implement Biden’s AI executive order, the GSA also supports the National AI Talent Surge and the AI and Technology Talent Task Force to accelerate the government’s hiring of more AI tech talents.