Over the last three years, Congress has sharply increased its legislative activity on defense acquisition reform, with an average of 82 new provisions in this area per year, compared to an average of 47 provisions in the previous decade. “Reform” here often means expanded authority to acquire military goods and services with increased flexibility.
A new report from the Congressional Research Service analyzes and summarizes that recent legislation, which affects contracting, auditing, major defense programs, and many other complicated but important topics. See Acquisition Reform in the FY2016-FY2018 National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs), January 4, 2018.
If the National Flood Insurance Program is not reauthorized by Congress prior to January 19, 2018, many of its key provisions will expire. See What Happens If the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Lapses?, CRS Insight, updated January 3, 2018
Other recent reports from the Congressional Research Service include the following.
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs: FY2018 Budget and Appropriations, updated January 3, 2018
Cyprus: Reunification Proving Elusive, updated January 2, 2018
Serbia: Background and U.S. Relations, updated January 4, 2018
Membership of the 115th Congress: A Profile, updated January 3, 2018
Clean Air Act Issues in the 115th Congress: In Brief, updated January 3, 2018
Military Service Records and Unit Histories: A Guide to Locating Sources, updated January 2, 2018
With thoughtful policy action, it is still possible to build systems that are fair, transparent, and accountable, and to earn the public trust that will ultimately determine AI’s future. We hope policymakers are ready to act.
Procurement is not merely an administrative function—it is how AI enters government and the first line of defense for responsible AI in the public sector.
Responsible AI starts with who is in the data, who is at the table, whose needs shape the outcome, and who is responsible when it falls short.
There is no question this is a Big Deal. If you are a university or research lab, or aspire to work in one, or are simply an enthusiast of federally-funded research, what’s next will matter.