In early April, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a pair of memos to provide agencies with guardrails for how they use and purchase artificial intelligence (AI). These memos replaced guidance issued by the previous administration but maintain many of the same structures.
The first memorandum, M-25-21, gives agencies three priorities when accelerating the federal use of AI: innovation, governance, and public trust. It states, "...agencies are directed to provide improved services to the public, while maintaining strong safeguards for civil rights, civil liberties, and privacy." The memo maintains items that were established under the Biden administration, including:
- The creation of chief AI officer roles and AI councils "to serve as change agents and AI advocates, rather than overseeing layers of bureaucracy."
- Implement minimum risk management practices for "high-impact" AI use--those applications of AI that could have significant impacts when deployed.
The second memorandum, M-25-22, is focused on government purchasing of AI. It maintains the previous administration's focus on the benefits of a competitive AI marketplace, tracking AI performance and managing risks, and cross-functional collaboration. It adds new language about "maximizing" use of AI that's made in the United States. It also sets a 200-day deadline for the General Services Administration and OMB to create a web-based repository of AI procurement tools.
In support of "made in America" AI, the memo also identifies sites on federal land to build data centers to support AI infrastructure. This is an extension of the Biden administration's EO that instructed the Department of Energy and other agencies to identify land it could lease to the private sector for data center operation and construction that supports AI.
To stay on top of AI regulations and implementations, check out these resources from GovEvents and GovWhitePapers.
- AI FedLab (May 13, 2025; Reston, VA) - This event provides networking, expert panels, and interactive roundtable discussions focused on AI's impact on national security, infrastructure modernization, and innovation.
- AI for Defense Transformation (May 20-21, 2025; Austin, TX) - This event brings together leaders and experts from across the U.S. military and allied forces to explore the latest advancements in AI and their applications in defense. Discussions will highlight key initiatives such as Advana, Project Linchpin, Replicator 2, and Project Maven, providing insight into how these programs are shaping the future of military AI.
- AI in the New Administration: Legislation and Regulation (May 21, 2025; Washington, DC) - The previous Congress's bipartisan AI Task Force advised a sector-specific approach to regulation. It envisioned a legislative approach that fills in the gaps not already covered by existing regulations and regulatory bodies, while maintaining an incremental approach that accounts for the still-evolving technology. Will the new Congress take up that blueprint or forge their own path?
- AI Acquisition Forum 2025 (July 23, 2025; McLean, VA) - This event will provide an update on OMB guidance and regulations to date and demonstrate the efficiencies that can be achieved and how data can be used more effectively with AI.
- Enabling Principles for Artificial Intelligence Governance (white paper) - The question of how to govern artificial intelligence (AI) is rightfully top of mind for U.S. lawmakers and policymakers alike. Strides in the development of high-powered large language models like ChatGPT/GPT-4o, Claude, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot have demonstrated the potentially transformative impact that AI could have on society, replete with opportunities and risks.
- How to Responsibly and Effectively Use Artificial Intelligence in Government (white paper) - The overarching goal of improving citizen experience is a shift to seeing citizens as customers and implementing private sector-type practices in responding to requests and needs. While there may not be an alternative for citizen customers to choose when it comes to government services, agencies must adopt the competitive mindset of the private sector in how they deliver services to build trust in government.
You can find more about AI in government by searching for additional events and resources on GovEvents and GovWhitePapers.
