Press Release
May 22, 2024
Dr. Gisele Waters and Dr. Cari Miller combined their AI research, social-behavior education, career experiences, and standards development skills to co-create the AI Procurement Lab (AIPL). AIPL is a non-profit organization focused on researching, evaluating, and developing standards and practices for purchasing high-risk AI solutions. AIPL’s mission is rooted in their knowledge that the global exponential growth of high-risk AI solutions, such as employment decision tools, educational assessments, welfare eligibility screening, health diagnostics and others can upend and sometimes even threaten people’s lives. AIPL leverages enhanced procurement practices as a responsible governance mechanism for every type of organization.
According to Dr. Miller, “Public trust in organizations, governments, and AI vendors is more important than ever. The Lab lays the groundwork for the future of trust by helping organizations learn to balance the benefits and risks associated with AI systems by using processes tailored to AI as a unique category.” Dr. Waters also reminds us that, “Most AI systems are being procured the same way as traditional software, focused on cost, basic features, standard security measures, and a vendor’s past performance. These old criteria are not enough to evaluate the full implications of deploying a high-risk AI solution. Through the AIPL, we can deliver bespoke research, education, and readiness programs that build risk mitigation muscles and procurement adaptation strength.”
The AIPL aims to improve administrative standards and practices to be applied to the entire AI procurement life cycle. Dr. Waters highlights, “the story of procurement as a function and AI as the main character has yet to be told.” Through training programs, we will also begin to address the gaps in procurement approaches that have yet to address the unique risks of AI solutions. “We want to help organizations modernize procurement practices to amplify their own trustworthiness while ensuring those impacted by AI systems are safeguarded,” says Dr. Waters.
Key objectives for AIPL are continuing research and development of the -
Risk Management Framework for the Procurement of AI Systems (RMF PAIS 1.0) in collaboration with the Center for Inclusive Change. AIPL is also creating training programs around international standards in AI procurement to build capacity in this significant emerging field. In the coming months, AIPL will offer limited memberships enabling procurement professionals to gain access to insightful research, tools, and educational content.
The AI Procurement Lab is available to deliver organizational training programs; assess organizational readiness, programs, policies, and practices; provide pilot test oversight; conduct specialized research; and more.
For more information about the AI Procurement Lab, visit www.AIprocurementlab.org or email us at team@aiprocurementlab.org.
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