NRC and GSA Collaboration for AI Strategy
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is joining forces with the General Services Administration (GSA) to conduct an artificial intelligence (AI) maturity assessment. This initiative is a critical step in advancing the NRC's strategic plan. Over the coming nine months, the NRC will have a GSA-provided project manager working alongside their staff. This collaboration aims to strengthen the agency's enterprise strategic planning, as explained by Basia Sall, the NRC's Chief Data Officer, during an AI workshop.
Strategic Plan Development
The project manager, while not yet identified, will play a pivotal role in integrating with the NRC staff and engaging with both internal and external stakeholders. The goal is to identify the needs for a comprehensive strategic plan. This step is crucial as the NRC aims to release a new strategic plan, aligning with the Office of Management and Budget guidance.
Interagency Agreement Benefits
Sall emphasized the benefits of working through an interagency agreement with the GSA, noting that the project manager will handle contracting and acquisition tasks. This support is essential due to the NRC's current staffing capabilities. Sall noted that the partnership is in its nascent stages, but a clearer direction is expected in the coming months.
AI Readiness and Maturity
The GSA's AI Center of Excellence plays a role in this partnership, although they declined to comment specifically. The center provides expertise on measuring AI readiness, focusing on both the organizational and operational levels. This collaboration marks a significant move towards embedding AI into the NRC's framework, ensuring the agency stays ahead in technological advancements.
Understanding Key Terms
To better understand the terminology: An AI maturity assessment evaluates an organization's readiness and capability to implement AI technologies effectively. This involves analyzing current processes, technological infrastructure, and human resources to determine how prepared an organization is to adopt AI solutions effectively.
Real-World Example
Imagine you are planning to renovate your kitchen. Before purchasing any new appliances or hiring contractors, you would assess what you currently have, what needs improvement, and what resources are available. Similarly, the NRC is assessing its current state and requirements for AI to ensure a successful implementation of their strategic plan.
