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CDT Sets Vendor Forum on GenAI, Project Delivery Lifecycle

The virtual event Wednesday is intended to help industry members navigate new rules and legislation governing use of generative AI for those doing business with the state.

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With developments in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) coming at lightning speed, the California Department of Technology is holding a Vendor Forum next week to offer guidance to the industry and other stakeholders.

“The Department of Technology (CDT) recognizes the tremendous potential of AI and GenAI to improve the lives of California residents, support the state work force, and improve the efficiency of services delivered by the state,” says a Technology Letter that CDT published last month. “It also recognizes the use of AI and GenAI must be guided by principles of fairness, transparency, privacy, security, and accountability to ensure that the systems and technology used are protected.”

The letter explains “the processes, procedures, forms and contract language” pertaining to the Project Delivery Lifecycle that vendors need to know when doing business with the state. Many state contracts already require disclosure of products or services that incorporate AI.

The virtual forum runs from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday. More details and registration information are available online.

CDT and the Department of General Services are among the state departments involved in the expansion of GenAI use in government, and Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order in September 2023 guiding its use.

Among the state laws dealing with GenAI are:
  • Senate Bill 896, the GenAI Accountability Act, intends to regulate and mitigate risks associated with GenAI technologies in California by requiring transparency, risk assessments and clear communication when AI is used in state government services.
  • Assembly Bill 2013 requires public disclosure of the data used to train GenAI models, including summaries of the data sets and their sources.
  • AB 2885 establishes uniform definitions for AI in California law.
At the Vendor Forum, state government representatives will walk attendees through the new and revised policies, processes, procedures, forms and contract language for GenAI that took effect Feb. 20, as spelled out in the Technology Letter. For those seeking background before the event, the state has a website, genai.ca.gov, which offers guidance and additional resources for state technologists as well as industry innovators.
Dennis Noone is Executive Editor of Industry Insider. He is a career journalist, having worked at small-town newspapers and major metropolitan dailies including USA Today in Washington, D.C.