2025 AI Building Blocks Recap
This workshop equipped federal IT leaders with foundational AI knowledge, including key terminology and its relevance to their work. Attendees gained insights into real-world use cases, explored practical applications and learned how to ask the right questions to ensure responsible and effective AI integration in their agencies.
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Fireside Chat: The Evolving Role of the Chief AI Officer
New directives from the presidential administration have prioritized artificial intelligence, introducing new goals for federal tech development and elevating the role of agency chief artificial intelligence officers. In this recording, hear from the Central Intelligence Agency’s CAIO on how the agency is approaching AI, shaping strategies around the tech and driving innovation.
Featured Speaker:
- Lakshmi Raman, CAIO and AI Director, CIA
Training Part 1: Foundations and Governance of Federal AI
This session grounded participants in the foundational concepts of AI with a specific focus on what matters most in a federal context. It explored the differences between commercial tools like GPT and custom-built agency AI solutions, including their varying benefits, implementation strategies and governance requirements. Participants also explored how data quality and long-term governance are often the sticking points in AI implementation.
Featured Speaker:
- Taka Ariga, Former Chief AI Officer and Chief Data Officer, OPM and Founder of Sol Imagination
Lightning Rounds: Snapshots in Federal AI
AI leaders are developing, implementing and assessing AI strategies to accelerate mission outcomes and ensure thoughtful innovation across agencies. Listen to experts on how they envision AI transforming federal operations, advancing national priorities and staying ahead of emerging technological challenges.
Featured Speakers:
- David Aha, Director of the AI Center, NRL
- Wole Moses, CAIO, Federal Civilian, Microsoft
- Martin Stanley, AI and Cybersecurity Researcher, ITL, NIST
- Zach Whitman, Chief Data Scientist and CAIO, GSA
Training Part 2: Turning AI Use Cases Into Action
This practical session focused on real-world AI use cases and how they can be implemented to support federal missions. Rather than theoretical discussions, participants dove into examples of how AI is already being used to solve agency challenges. Microsoft’s experience with public-sector partners informed discussions around best practices, with a focus on empowering agencies to confidently adopt AI that drives efficiency and innovation.
Featured Speaker:
- Wole Moses, CAIO, Federal Civilian, Microsoft
Training Part 3: Scaling AI Efficiently
This session focused on what comes after initial AI experimentation to scale responsibly, efficiently and with strong governance. This training provided guidance on scaling AI in a way that is sustainable and mission-driven. The session also explored strategies for accelerating AI adoption while avoiding common pitfalls.
Featured Speaker:
- Dave Erickson, Distinguished Architect, Elastic
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NIST to Release New AI Cybersecurity Guidance as Federal Use Expands
NIST plans to release AI cybersecurity guidance within the year to support safe adoption as federal agencies expand use cases.
4m read -
CIA Adds Fourth Pillar to AI Strategy, CAIO Says
Lakshmi Raman says the new pillar marks a strategic shift toward embedding AI more deeply into the CIA’s day-to-day mission execution.
3m read -
Federal AI Infrastructure Requires a Smarter Foundation
Federal AI depends on a smarter infrastructure, from managing environmental impacts to improving data quality and workforce readiness.
4m read -
GSA Positions Itself as a Federal AI 'Enabler,' CAIO Says
CAIO Zach Whitman says the agency is focusing on "grounded practicality" in AI adoption throughout government.
5m read
