The U.S. government is gearing up to integrate more AI chatbots for federal workers, marking a shift in federal priorities where AI providers are bumped up in the approval process. The General Services Administration (GSA) aims to accelerate the authorization of cloud services with AI engines as part of its push for AI adoption in routine governmental tasks. This move gives AI solutions a head start in achieving FedRAMP certification, essential for cloud software security.

GSA’s new ‘FedRAMP 20x’ initiative, launched under the Biden administration, seeks to streamline approval for cloud services while maintaining stringent security standards. This initiative includes automating verification processes and continuously validating applications.

AI providers will still face rigorous criteria for prioritization, which includes robust security measures, guaranteed data protection, and established demand from vital governmental bodies. Several large AI companies, like OpenAI and Google, have already secured contracts with GSA, setting the stage for faster approval.

However, this fast-tracking may not necessarily make the approval process easier for smaller firms. The steep requirements may favor larger corporations that already meet the criteria. GSA acknowledges no companies have yet fully met its prioritization standards.