Federal agencies must adopt NIST AI standards under new House bill
A bipartisan bill introduced Thursday would require federal agencies to use the National Institute of Standards and Technology's AI Risk Management Framework and develop consistent standards for artificial intelligence systems across government.
Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., led the bill with co-sponsors Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, and Don Beyer, D-Va. The legislation directs agencies to apply NIST's framework-originally designed as voluntary-and work with NIST to build additional standards and guidelines.
The framework, released by NIST in 2023, organizes AI risk management around four core principles: govern, map, measure, and manage. It was created to fulfill requirements under the National AI Initiative Act, enacted as part of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.
Agencies would also be required to use NIST standards when acquiring AI systems or services, and NIST would develop training programs to support implementation. The requirements would not apply to national security systems.
Beyer called the bill "a natural starting point" to ensure agencies have tools to work with AI. "This bill lays the foundation for harnessing the power of AI for the benefit of the American people, while upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency," he said.
Why this matters for managers
Federal managers overseeing AI adoption will need to understand these standards. The bill signals that compliance with NIST guidelines is moving from optional to mandatory, affecting how agencies procure, deploy, and oversee AI systems.
The 2024 report from the House Bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Task Force noted that the NIST framework "only sets the theoretical baseline" and called for additional guidance specific to federal systems. The bill responds to that gap by directing NIST to develop more detailed profiles for different agency needs.
NIST announced last month it is developing a new profile focused on trustworthy AI in critical infrastructure, suggesting the framework will continue expanding.
The bill has been referred to the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. For managers implementing AI in federal agencies, staying current on these standards will be essential. Learn more about AI for Government and consider the AI Learning Path for Policy Makers to understand how these frameworks apply to your work.
Your membership also unlocks:
