Key AI Actions: What the New Guidelines Mean for Defense Tech

In an era where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into defense systems is becoming a pivotal aspect of national security strategies. As we venture into uncharted territories with AI, there is an increasing need for clear-cut protocols to be put in place. Otherwise, we risk exposing ourselves to external and internal threats. However, the question remains of how and if these guidelines will affect industry performers that develop or utilize AI technologies for the DoD.

AI Safety and Security Guidelines in Defense

The Biden-Harris administration recently published a press release on the “Key AI Actions” that would be implemented to ensure best practices and minimize security risks with AI utilization. The DoD’s proactive approach not only fortifies the nation’s defense infrastructure but also sets a benchmark for AI governance, especially in military contexts. These guidelines include:

• Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening: Agencies established a to prevent AI misuse in engineering dangerous biological materials, collaborating with DHS, DOE, and the Department of Commerce.
• AI Safety and Security Guidelines for Critical Infrastructure: Developed guidelines for AI safety in critical infrastructure, informed by assessments across all sixteen critical sectors.
• AI Safety and Security Board: Launched a board to advise on safe AI deployment in critical infrastructure, involving experts from various sectors.
• Piloting AI Tools for Software Vulnerability Detection: DoD and DHS piloted AI tools to identify vulnerabilities in critical government software systems.
• DHS AI Corps Launch: DHS initiated an AI Corps to hire professionals to develop trustworthy AI for service delivery and homeland security.

Playing Defense: Implementation of AI in Vulnerability Detection

One key action in the new AI guidelines is piloting AI tools for vulnerability detection in software. While AI can set us ahead in technical capabilities, it can also make DoD systems more vulnerable to outside threats. Because of this, the White House’s key actions result in a higher demand for industry players who specialize in AI threat detection and warning systems.

Another aspect of vulnerability detection capabilities is the improvement of missile warning systems. Space Systems Command (SSC), the sponsor of the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC), has multiple initiatives that utilize AI to modernize missile warning ground systems that can detect and track missile activity across the globe. Projects like FORGE C2 are actively working on this mission by strengthening resiliency with Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) technology in space defense efforts. This effort would not be possible without the utilization of safe AI. Industry performers who have expertise in threat detection capabilities will be highly sought after.  Become a member to check out current SpEC opportunities.

Playing Offense: The Role of OTAs in AI Development in Defense

The most competitive technical capabilities often reside within industry performers, and therefore, the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) will be critical for the DoD as it pursues software security. OTAs enable faster procurement and development of cutting-edge AI technologies by bypassing traditional acquisition processes (like the FAR), facilitating quicker integration into defense systems. This flexible process attracts Non-Traditional Defense Contractors (NTDCs), giving the DoD access to a broader range of innovative AI solutions.

OTAs have significantly contributed to the integration of AI technology in DoD defense efforts through several key actions. The California-Pacific-Northwest AI Hub (Northwest-AI-Hub) is an ecosystem and infrastructure of physical and virtual facilities with the mission to serve regional and national needs for lab-to-fab translation of AI hardware technologies. Northwest-AI is one of eight Hubs under the Microelectronics Commons, a regional network of prototyping Hubs that was awarded through the Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Systems (S²MARTS) OTA in 2023. These Hubs are largely supported by small, NTDCs who are uniquely equipped to support the White House mission of utilizing AI technologies to support DoD defense efforts.

Supporting the U.S. Mission with Safe AI

Overall, the new guidelines for AI Safety and Security increase the demand for specialized industry capabilities and faster acquisition processes. OTAs are an effective vehicle for promoting partnerships between the DoD, industry leaders, and academic institutions. By encouraging collaboration in AI research and development tailored to defense needs, OTAs like S²MARTS and SpEC enable access to the best that industry has to offer in terms of vulnerability detection and technology development.

By implementing a set of guidelines for best practices for utilizing AI in defense, the DoD is taking proactive steps to ensure that technical capabilities serve our mission and don’t hurt us in the long run. These contributions have been instrumental in advancing the DoD’s AI capabilities, ensuring that defense technology remains at the forefront of innovation. Learn more about membership at NSTXL to see how you can contribute to AI defense efforts.

About NSTXL 

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