DoE Releases Updated GenAI Reference Guide in Response to President Biden’s Executive Order

The Department of Energy (DoE) has taken a significant step in the world of artificial intelligence with the release of an updated version of its Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) Reference Guide. This new version incorporates guidance from President Biden’s AI executive order, ensuring that the department is aligned with the latest developments in the field.

Version two of the reference guide builds upon the foundation laid by the initial release last summer, which was inspired by OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4. The guide aims to provide essential guidance on the use of generative AI technology, highlighting key considerations, risks, and best practices.

One of the key updates in the new version is the specific guidance from the executive order, which emphasizes the importance of not imposing broad bans on the use of GenAI within agencies. Instead, the DoE is focusing on conducting comprehensive risk assessments to determine which GenAI services will be permitted for use, with specific guidelines for usage to follow.

The reference guide outlines several potential use cases for GenAI within the DoE, including contract summarization, image creation from text descriptions, meeting minutes transcription, video creation for training materials, and drafting interview questions. These examples demonstrate the versatility and potential benefits of incorporating GenAI into various aspects of the department’s operations.

Gardy Rosius, the deputy CIO of DoE, played a crucial role in spearheading the development of the updated reference guide. He emphasized the importance of setting boundaries in the relationship between AI and humans, ensuring that the department moves forward with adoption in a way that aligns with its mission and mitigates potential risks.

As the field of AI continues to evolve rapidly, DoE is committed to keeping the reference guide up to date to reflect the latest advancements and best practices. By staying on pace with developments in the AI space, the department aims to leverage GenAI effectively while maintaining a responsible and informed approach to its use.