Defense Industrial Base Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for Defense Applications; Notice of Availability, 44964-44966 [2024-11195]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 44964 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 22, 2024 / Notices industrial ecosystem designed to deter U.S. adversaries and meet the production demands posed by evolving threats. Dr. Simpson will elaborate on the obstacles confronting the DoD in building resilient supply chains. Next, the Board will receive a classified discussion on Emerging Global Threats, including the Supply Chain, and their Potential Implications for the National Defense Strategy from MG Joseph ‘‘JP’’ McGee, U.S. Army, Director for Strategy, Plans & Policy, J5. This discussion will focus on strategic proactiveness to ensure adaptability, resilience, and continued effectiveness in an everevolving security landscape and on how the DoD can partner with industry before and during crises. After a short break, the Board will receive their final classified discussion on Making DoD Work Attractive to Non-Traditional Companies from Hon. Kathleen Hicks, Deputy Secretary of Defense, along with Mr. Doug Beck, Director, Defense Innovation Unit. The Deputy Secretary and Mr. Beck will share successes DoD has realized in becoming a better partner for non-traditional defense companies, along with how combinations of traditional and nontraditional companies are working together to accelerate capability development and delivery. The DFO will adjourn the closed session. The latest version of the agenda will be available on the Board’s website at: https://dbb.dod.afpims.mil/Meetings/ Meeting-May-7-8-2024/. Meeting Accessibility: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 1009(d) and 41 CFR 102– 3.155, it is hereby determined that the May 7–8 meeting of the Board will include classified information and other matters covered by 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(1) and that, accordingly, the meeting will be closed to the public. This determination is based on the consideration that it is expected that discussions throughout the meeting will involve classified matters of national security. Such classified material is so intertwined with the unclassified material that it cannot reasonably be segregated into separate discussions without defeating the effectiveness and meaning of the meeting. To permit the meeting to be open to the public would preclude discussion of such matters and would greatly diminish the ultimate utility of the Board’s findings and recommendations to the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense. Written Comments and Statements: Pursuant to 41 CFR 102–3.105(j) and 102–3.140 and 5 U.S.C. 1009(a)(3), the VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:06 May 21, 2024 Jkt 262001 public or interested organizations may submit written comments or statements to the Board in response to the stated agenda of the meeting or regarding the Board’s mission in general. Written comments or statements should be submitted to Ms. Cara Allison Marshall, the DFO, via electronic mail (the preferred mode of submission) at the address listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. Each page of the comment or statement must include the author’s name, title or affiliation, address, and daytime phone number. The DFO must receive written comments or statements submitted in response to the agenda set forth in this notice by close of business Friday, May 3, 2024, to be considered by the Board. The DFO will review all timely submitted written comments or statements with the Board Chair and ensure the comments are provided to all members of the Board before the meeting. Written comments or statements received after this date may not be provided to the Board until its next scheduled meeting. Please note that all submitted comments and statements will be treated as public documents and will be made available for public inspection, including, but not limited to, being posted on the Board’s website. Dated: May 15, 2024. Aaron T. Siegel, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2024–11250 Filed 5–21–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6001–FR–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Defense Industrial Base Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for Defense Applications; Notice of Availability Office of Policy, Analysis, and Transition (PA&T), Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Industrial Base Resilience), Department of Defense (DoD). ACTION: Notice of request for public comments. AGENCY: The DoD Office of Industrial Base Resilience seeks public comment on actions it can take to enable the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) to continue to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) for defense applications. Feedback from the public will guide the DoD in developing policies, initiatives, and PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Responses to this notice must be received by July 22, 2024. DATES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and title, by any of the following methods: ADDRESSES: Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail: Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Mailbox #24, Suite 08D09, Alexandria, VA 22350–1700. Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name, docket number, and title of this Federal Register document. Each responding entity (individual or organization) is requested to submit only one response. You need not reply to all questions listed. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make them available as they are received, without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information for public viewing on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov. Therefore, your response to this RFI should not include any information that is proprietary, copyrighted, or personally identifiable, or that you do not wish to be made public. Ms. Kylie Gaskins, Deputy Director, Enabling Future Capabilities Transition Division of the Office of Policy, Analysis, and Transition, at (571) 372– 6380 or osd.mc-alex.ousd-a-s.mbx.ibrai-rfi@mail.mil. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: [Docket ID: DoD–2024–OS–0058] SUMMARY: resource distribution to ensure support for the DIB in integrating AI into defense systems. Public comments will also be used to formulate PA&T’s Trusted AI Defense Industrial Base Roadmap. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The DoD Office of Industrial Base Resilience recognizes that the integration of AI into defense systems is pivotal to national security. The DIB is responsible for developing, manufacturing, and maintaining the systems that the U.S. military uses to defend the nation. DoD collaborates with the DIB to rapidly adopt AI for defense applications and maintain the nation’s tactical advantage. E:\FR\FM\22MYN1.SGM 22MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 22, 2024 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES The Department recognizes the importance of investing in the DIB’s ability to incorporate AI into the design, development, operations, maintenance, and support of defense systems. Two Executive Orders signed in 2021 and 2023 underscore the need for the United States to uphold its technological competitiveness. Executive Order 14017, ‘‘America’s Supply Chains’’ (available at https://www.federal register.gov/documents/2021/03/01/ 2021-04280/americas-supply-chains), prioritizes the establishment of a resilient supply chain and DIB to safeguard U.S. economic prosperity and national security. Executive Order 14110, ‘‘Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence’’ (available at https:// www.federalregister.gov/documents/ 2023/11/01/2023-24283/safe-secureand-trustworthy-development-and-useof-artificial-intelligence), highlights the importance of integrating AI securely and safely. The recently released National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS) (available at https:// www.businessdefense.gov/NDIS.html) emphasizes the significance of robust supply chains and modernization of the DIB, both of which can be facilitated through the adoption of AI. Finally, the Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence Adoption Strategy (available at https://media.defense.gov/ 2023/Nov/02/2003333300/-1/-1/1/DOD_ DATA_ANALYTICS_AI_ADOPTION_ STRATEGY.PDF), by the Department’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, advocates for an approach to AI that includes data, analytics, rapid research and development, and seamless integration with allied nations and partners. These strategies, approaches, and policies emphasize the critical importance of a robust DIB with the resources necessary to employ AI effectively for defense applications. The Department seeks comments from the public to: (1) help the DoD understand the resources needed by the DIB for ongoing integration of AI into defense systems; and (2) help PA&T to develop a Trusted AI Defense Industrial Base Roadmap, which will outline short-, mid-, and long-term DIB considerations for AI-enabled defense systems. Written Comments The DoD seeks input and insight specifically pertaining to the policy goals outlined in Executive Orders 14017 and 14110, the NDIS, and the Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence Adoption Strategy. These directives directly impact the DIB’s ability to integrate AI into defense VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:06 May 21, 2024 Jkt 262001 applications. The Department is seeking input from the public on the following questions: Infrastructure/Supply Chain Resilience The domestic DIB includes publicsector (government-owned, governmentoperated) facilities, academic institutions, and private-sector (commercial) companies that are located in the United States and that enable the DoD to conduct its missions. The global DIB includes foreign-owned companies, commodities, and supply chains sourced from countries with or without which the United States maintains formal defense cooperation partnerships with the United States. Together, the domestic DIB and portions of the global DIB form the National Technology and Industrial Base, as established by 10 U.S.C. 4801. 1. What foundational investments in the DIB does the DoD need to make to support increased adoption of AI into defense systems (e.g., manufacturing considerations, standards, best practices, bill of materials, etc.)? What foundational investments (e.g., standards, best practices, bills of materials, etc.) already exist within the DIB for defense systems that incorporate AI? 2. Are there specific vulnerabilities in the current and future supply chain that the DoD needs to address to support defense systems that incorporate AI? 3. Are there specific sectors/ subindustries within the DIB that face significant challenges in developing and applying AI to defense systems? If so, which sectors/subindustries are impacted and what challenges do the sectors/subindustries face? Workforce A non-traditional defense contractor is defined as an entity that is not currently performing and has not performed, for at least the one-year period preceding the solicitation of sources by the DoD for the procurement or transaction, any contract or subcontract for the DoD that is subject to full coverage under the cost accounting standards prescribed pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 1502 and the regulations implementing such section. A small business in the United States is defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s table of small business size standards: https://www.sba.gov/ document/support-table-size-standards. 4. How can the DoD support the involvement of non-traditional defense contractors and small businesses in the design, development, testing, and deployment of AI technologies for defense applications? PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 44965 5. How can the DoD support and create effective partnerships with the DIB that will ensure that the DoD and DIB workforce is adequately trained, skilled, and sized to partner effectively? Innovation 6. Are there specific intellectual property considerations or challenges related to the development of AIenabled defense systems that impact the DIB? If so, how can the DoD address these issues to promote innovation? 7. How can the DoD promote information-sharing and collaboration among government agencies, defense contractors, and research institutions to enhance data availability, collective knowledge, capabilities, and defense innovation in AI adoption into defense systems? 8. What measures can the DoD take to assess and mitigate the risks associated with potential adversarial exploitation of AI technologies within the DIB for developmental and/or operational defense systems? Acquisition, Policy, & Regulatory Environment 9. Please identify statutory, regulatory, or other policy barriers to the DIB’s design, development, testing, and provision of AI-enabled defense systems in a manner consistent with DoD’s approach to Responsible AI (https:// rai.tradewindai.com/). 10. Please identify examples of DoD programs, strategies, policies, or initiatives that have provided effective support to the DIB in transitioning AI for defense applications. What made these programs, strategies, policies, or initiatives successful? 11. What DoD financing and acquisition mechanisms can help facilitate or incentivize the DIB to continue to invest in AI technologies for defense applications? 12. What are the primary barriers that the DoD needs to address in the next five to ten years to enable the DIB to adopt AI for defense applications? 13. In what ways can AI support or enhance acquisitions, supply chain management, regulatory compliance, and information-sharing in the DIB? The DoD encourages respondents to structure their comments using the same text above as identifiers for the areas of inquiry to which they are responding. This will assist the DoD in reviewing and summarizing the comments. For example, a commenter submitting comments responsive to (1), ‘‘1. What foundational investments in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) does the DoD need to make to support increased adoption of AI into defense systems (e.g., E:\FR\FM\22MYN1.SGM 22MYN1 44966 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 100 / Wednesday, May 22, 2024 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES manufacturing considerations, standards, best practices, bill of materials, etc.)?’’ would use that same text as a heading in the public comments followed by the commenter’s specific comments in this area. The Department encourages the use of an Executive Summary at the beginning of all comments and information so it can review the submitted documents more efficiently. All inputs are welcome. Respondents do not need to reply to every question. Requirements for Written Comments The https://www.regulations.gov website allows users to provide comments by filling in a ‘‘Type Comment’’ field, or by attaching a document using an ‘‘Upload File’’ field. The DoD prefers that comments be provided in an attached document. The Department prefers submissions in Microsoft Word (.doc files) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf files). If the submission is provided in a format other than Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat, please indicate the name of the application in the ‘‘Type Comment’’ field. Please do not attach separate cover letters to electronic submissions; rather, include any information that might appear in a cover letter within the comments. Similarly, to the extent possible, please include any exhibits, annexes, or other attachments in the same file, so the submission consists of one file instead of multiple files. Responses must not exceed 12 pages in 12-point or larger font, with a page number provided on each page. Comments will be placed in the docket and open to public inspection. Comments may be viewed on https:// www.regulations.gov by entering docket number DoD–2024–OS–0058 in the search field on the home page. All filers should name their files using the name of the person or entity submitting the comments. Responses should include the name of the person(s) or organization(s) filing the comment, as well as the respondent type (e.g., academic institution, advocacy group, professional society, industry, member of the public, government agency, other). Respondent’s role in the organization is also requested to be provided (e.g., researcher, faculty, student, administrator, program manager, journalist) on a voluntary basis. We will not make communications from United States Government agencies available for public inspection. Anyone submitting business confidential information should clearly identify the business confidential portion at the time of submission, file a VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:06 May 21, 2024 Jkt 262001 statement justifying nondisclosure and referring to the specific legal authority claimed, and provide a non-confidential version of the submission. The nonconfidential version of the submission will be placed in the public file on https://www.regulations.gov. For comments submitted electronically containing business confidential information, the file name of the business confidential version should begin with the characters ‘‘BC.’’ Any page containing business confidential information must be clearly marked ‘‘BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL’’ on the top of that page. The non-confidential version must be clearly marked ‘‘PUBLIC.’’ The file name of the nonconfidential version should begin with the character ‘‘P.’’ The ‘‘BC’’ and ‘‘P’’ should be followed by the name of the person or entity submitting the comments or rebuttal comments. If a public hearing is held in support of this assessment, a separate Federal Register notice will be published providing the date and information about the hearing. The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Industrial Base Resilience) does not maintain a separate public inspection facility. Requesters should first view the Department’s web page, which can be found at https://open.defense.gov/ (see ‘‘Electronic FOIA’’ heading). The records related to this assessment are made accessible in accordance with the regulations published in part 4 of title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations (15 CFR 4.1 through 4.11). Dated: May 16, 2024. Aaron T. Siegel, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 2024–11195 Filed 5–21–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6001–FR–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Department of the Army; Army Corps of Engineers Notice of Solicitation of Applications for Stakeholder Representative Members of the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army, DoD. ACTION: Notice of solicitation of applications for stakeholder representative members of the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee. AGENCY: The Commander of the Northwestern Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is soliciting SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 applications to fill vacant stakeholder representative member positions on the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC). Members are sought to fill vacancies on a committee to represent various categories of interests within the Missouri River basin. The MRRIC was formed to advise the Corps on a study of the Missouri River and its tributaries and to provide guidance to the Corps with respect to the Missouri River recovery and mitigation activities currently underway. The Corps established the MRRIC as required by the U.S. Congress through the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA), section 5018. DATES: The agency must receive completed applications and endorsement letters no later than July 31, 2024. ADDRESSES: Mail completed applications and endorsement letters to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District (Attn: MRRIC), 1616 Capitol Avenue, Omaha, NE 68102–4901, or email completed applications to mrric@ usace.army.mil. Please put ‘‘MRRIC’’ in the subject line. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shelly McPherron, 402–803–0073. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The operation of the MRRIC is in the public interest and provides support to the Corps in performing its duties and responsibilities under Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; Authority: Sec. 601(a), Public Law 99–662, 100 Stat. 4082; Sec. 334(a), Public Law 106–53, 113 Stat. 269; and sec. 5018, Public Law 110–114, 121 Stat. 1041. Authority: 5 U.S.C. App. 2, does not apply to the MRRIC. A Charter for the MRRIC has been developed and should be reviewed prior to applying for a stakeholder representative membership position on the Committee. The Charter, operating procedures, and stakeholder application forms are available electronically at www.MRRIC.org. Purpose and Scope of the Committee 1. The primary purpose of the MRRIC is to provide guidance to the Corps and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with respect to the Missouri River recovery and mitigation plan currently in existence, including recommendations relating to changes to the implementation strategy from the use of adaptive management; coordination of the development of consistent policies, strategies, plans, programs, projects, activities, and priorities for the Missouri River recovery and mitigation plan. Information about the Missouri River E:\FR\FM\22MYN1.SGM 22MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 100 (Wednesday, May 22, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44964-44966]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-11195]


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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Office of the Secretary

[Docket ID: DoD-2024-OS-0058]


Defense Industrial Base Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for 
Defense Applications; Notice of Availability

AGENCY: Office of Policy, Analysis, and Transition (PA&T), Office of 
the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Industrial Base Resilience), 
Department of Defense (DoD).

ACTION: Notice of request for public comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The DoD Office of Industrial Base Resilience seeks public 
comment on actions it can take to enable the Defense Industrial Base 
(DIB) to continue to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) for defense 
applications. Feedback from the public will guide the DoD in developing 
policies, initiatives, and resource distribution to ensure support for 
the DIB in integrating AI into defense systems. Public comments will 
also be used to formulate PA&T's Trusted AI Defense Industrial Base 
Roadmap.

DATES: Responses to this notice must be received by July 22, 2024.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and 
title, by any of the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    Mail: Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant to the 
Secretary of Defense for Privacy, Civil Liberties, and Transparency, 
4800 Mark Center Drive, Mailbox #24, Suite 08D09, Alexandria, VA 22350-
1700.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name, docket 
number, and title of this Federal Register document. Each responding 
entity (individual or organization) is requested to submit only one 
response. You need not reply to all questions listed. The general 
policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is 
to make them available as they are received, without change, including 
any personal identifiers or contact information for public viewing on 
the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Therefore, your response to 
this RFI should not include any information that is proprietary, 
copyrighted, or personally identifiable, or that you do not wish to be 
made public.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Kylie Gaskins, Deputy Director, 
Enabling Future Capabilities Transition Division of the Office of 
Policy, Analysis, and Transition, at (571) 372-6380 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The DoD Office of Industrial Base Resilience recognizes that the 
integration of AI into defense systems is pivotal to national security. 
The DIB is responsible for developing, manufacturing, and maintaining 
the systems that the U.S. military uses to defend the nation. DoD 
collaborates with the DIB to rapidly adopt AI for defense applications 
and maintain the nation's tactical advantage.

[[Page 44965]]

    The Department recognizes the importance of investing in the DIB's 
ability to incorporate AI into the design, development, operations, 
maintenance, and support of defense systems. Two Executive Orders 
signed in 2021 and 2023 underscore the need for the United States to 
uphold its technological competitiveness. Executive Order 14017, 
``America's Supply Chains'' (available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/03/01/2021-04280/americas-supply-chains), prioritizes the establishment of a resilient supply 
chain and DIB to safeguard U.S. economic prosperity and national 
security. Executive Order 14110, ``Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy 
Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence'' (available at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/11/01/2023-24283/safe-secure-and-trustworthy-development-and-use-of-artificial-intelligence), 
highlights the importance of integrating AI securely and safely. The 
recently released National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS) 
(available at https://www.businessdefense.gov/NDIS.html) emphasizes the 
significance of robust supply chains and modernization of the DIB, both 
of which can be facilitated through the adoption of AI. Finally, the 
Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence Adoption Strategy 
(available at https://media.defense.gov/2023/Nov/02/2003333300/-1/-1/1/DOD_DATA_ANALYTICS_AI_ADOPTION_STRATEGY.PDF), by the Department's Chief 
Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office, advocates for an approach 
to AI that includes data, analytics, rapid research and development, 
and seamless integration with allied nations and partners. These 
strategies, approaches, and policies emphasize the critical importance 
of a robust DIB with the resources necessary to employ AI effectively 
for defense applications.
    The Department seeks comments from the public to: (1) help the DoD 
understand the resources needed by the DIB for ongoing integration of 
AI into defense systems; and (2) help PA&T to develop a Trusted AI 
Defense Industrial Base Roadmap, which will outline short-, mid-, and 
long-term DIB considerations for AI-enabled defense systems.

Written Comments

    The DoD seeks input and insight specifically pertaining to the 
policy goals outlined in Executive Orders 14017 and 14110, the NDIS, 
and the Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence Adoption Strategy. 
These directives directly impact the DIB's ability to integrate AI into 
defense applications. The Department is seeking input from the public 
on the following questions:

Infrastructure/Supply Chain Resilience

    The domestic DIB includes public-sector (government-owned, 
government-operated) facilities, academic institutions, and private-
sector (commercial) companies that are located in the United States and 
that enable the DoD to conduct its missions. The global DIB includes 
foreign-owned companies, commodities, and supply chains sourced from 
countries with or without which the United States maintains formal 
defense cooperation partnerships with the United States. Together, the 
domestic DIB and portions of the global DIB form the National 
Technology and Industrial Base, as established by 10 U.S.C. 4801.
    1. What foundational investments in the DIB does the DoD need to 
make to support increased adoption of AI into defense systems (e.g., 
manufacturing considerations, standards, best practices, bill of 
materials, etc.)? What foundational investments (e.g., standards, best 
practices, bills of materials, etc.) already exist within the DIB for 
defense systems that incorporate AI?
    2. Are there specific vulnerabilities in the current and future 
supply chain that the DoD needs to address to support defense systems 
that incorporate AI?
    3. Are there specific sectors/subindustries within the DIB that 
face significant challenges in developing and applying AI to defense 
systems? If so, which sectors/subindustries are impacted and what 
challenges do the sectors/subindustries face?

Workforce

    A non-traditional defense contractor is defined as an entity that 
is not currently performing and has not performed, for at least the 
one-year period preceding the solicitation of sources by the DoD for 
the procurement or transaction, any contract or subcontract for the DoD 
that is subject to full coverage under the cost accounting standards 
prescribed pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 1502 and the regulations implementing 
such section.
    A small business in the United States is defined by the U.S. Small 
Business Administration's table of small business size standards: 
https://www.sba.gov/document/support-table-size-standards.
    4. How can the DoD support the involvement of non-traditional 
defense contractors and small businesses in the design, development, 
testing, and deployment of AI technologies for defense applications?
    5. How can the DoD support and create effective partnerships with 
the DIB that will ensure that the DoD and DIB workforce is adequately 
trained, skilled, and sized to partner effectively?

Innovation

    6. Are there specific intellectual property considerations or 
challenges related to the development of AI-enabled defense systems 
that impact the DIB? If so, how can the DoD address these issues to 
promote innovation?
    7. How can the DoD promote information-sharing and collaboration 
among government agencies, defense contractors, and research 
institutions to enhance data availability, collective knowledge, 
capabilities, and defense innovation in AI adoption into defense 
systems?
    8. What measures can the DoD take to assess and mitigate the risks 
associated with potential adversarial exploitation of AI technologies 
within the DIB for developmental and/or operational defense systems?

Acquisition, Policy, & Regulatory Environment

    9. Please identify statutory, regulatory, or other policy barriers 
to the DIB's design, development, testing, and provision of AI-enabled 
defense systems in a manner consistent with DoD's approach to 
Responsible AI (https://rai.tradewindai.com/).
    10. Please identify examples of DoD programs, strategies, policies, 
or initiatives that have provided effective support to the DIB in 
transitioning AI for defense applications. What made these programs, 
strategies, policies, or initiatives successful?
    11. What DoD financing and acquisition mechanisms can help 
facilitate or incentivize the DIB to continue to invest in AI 
technologies for defense applications?
    12. What are the primary barriers that the DoD needs to address in 
the next five to ten years to enable the DIB to adopt AI for defense 
applications?
    13. In what ways can AI support or enhance acquisitions, supply 
chain management, regulatory compliance, and information-sharing in the 
DIB?
    The DoD encourages respondents to structure their comments using 
the same text above as identifiers for the areas of inquiry to which 
they are responding. This will assist the DoD in reviewing and 
summarizing the comments. For example, a commenter submitting comments 
responsive to (1), ``1. What foundational investments in the Defense 
Industrial Base (DIB) does the DoD need to make to support increased 
adoption of AI into defense systems (e.g.,

[[Page 44966]]

manufacturing considerations, standards, best practices, bill of 
materials, etc.)?'' would use that same text as a heading in the public 
comments followed by the commenter's specific comments in this area. 
The Department encourages the use of an Executive Summary at the 
beginning of all comments and information so it can review the 
submitted documents more efficiently. All inputs are welcome. 
Respondents do not need to reply to every question.

Requirements for Written Comments

    The https://www.regulations.gov website allows users to provide 
comments by filling in a ``Type Comment'' field, or by attaching a 
document using an ``Upload File'' field. The DoD prefers that comments 
be provided in an attached document. The Department prefers submissions 
in Microsoft Word (.doc files) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf files). If the 
submission is provided in a format other than Microsoft Word or Adobe 
Acrobat, please indicate the name of the application in the ``Type 
Comment'' field. Please do not attach separate cover letters to 
electronic submissions; rather, include any information that might 
appear in a cover letter within the comments. Similarly, to the extent 
possible, please include any exhibits, annexes, or other attachments in 
the same file, so the submission consists of one file instead of 
multiple files. Responses must not exceed 12 pages in 12-point or 
larger font, with a page number provided on each page. Comments will be 
placed in the docket and open to public inspection. Comments may be 
viewed on https://www.regulations.gov by entering docket number DoD-
2024-OS-0058 in the search field on the home page.
    All filers should name their files using the name of the person or 
entity submitting the comments. Responses should include the name of 
the person(s) or organization(s) filing the comment, as well as the 
respondent type (e.g., academic institution, advocacy group, 
professional society, industry, member of the public, government 
agency, other). Respondent's role in the organization is also requested 
to be provided (e.g., researcher, faculty, student, administrator, 
program manager, journalist) on a voluntary basis. We will not make 
communications from United States Government agencies available for 
public inspection.
    Anyone submitting business confidential information should clearly 
identify the business confidential portion at the time of submission, 
file a statement justifying nondisclosure and referring to the specific 
legal authority claimed, and provide a non-confidential version of the 
submission. The non-confidential version of the submission will be 
placed in the public file on https://www.regulations.gov. For comments 
submitted electronically containing business confidential information, 
the file name of the business confidential version should begin with 
the characters ``BC.'' Any page containing business confidential 
information must be clearly marked ``BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL'' on the top 
of that page. The non-confidential version must be clearly marked 
``PUBLIC.'' The file name of the non-confidential version should begin 
with the character ``P.'' The ``BC'' and ``P'' should be followed by 
the name of the person or entity submitting the comments or rebuttal 
comments.
    If a public hearing is held in support of this assessment, a 
separate Federal Register notice will be published providing the date 
and information about the hearing. The Office of the Deputy Assistant 
Secretary of Defense (Industrial Base Resilience) does not maintain a 
separate public inspection facility. Requesters should first view the 
Department's web page, which can be found at https://open.defense.gov/ 
(see ``Electronic FOIA'' heading). The records related to this 
assessment are made accessible in accordance with the regulations 
published in part 4 of title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations (15 
CFR 4.1 through 4.11).

    Dated: May 16, 2024.
Aaron T. Siegel,
Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense.
[FR Doc. 2024-11195 Filed 5-21-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6001-FR-P
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