SIIA Submits Comments on DOE’s FASST Initiative

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) has submitted comments to the Department of Energy (DOE) on the transformative potential of the Frontiers in AI for Science, Security, and Technology (FASST) initiative. SIIA emphasizes FASST's role in advancing U.S. economic and national security by leveraging AI and data resources, especially through DOE's 17 national laboratories. SIIA also supports the Department of Energy AI Act of 2024, which would formalize this initiative, and calls for robust industry-DOE collaboration to maximize the program's impact on scientific discovery and application.

In its comments, SIIA highlights key areas for DOE's focus, including data interoperability, enhanced privacy measures, and a comprehensive data ecosystem with multi-cloud support. The association also urges DOE to prioritize AI workforce development and to foster a public-private partnership for governance. By incorporating best practices in data management, computational infrastructure, and AI governance, SIIA believes FASST can set a new standard for government-led AI initiatives and maintain U.S. leadership in AI innovation.