Bill > S5436

This bill, known as the Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act of 2024, establishes comprehensive requirements for how the Department of Defense (DoD) procures and manages cloud computing, data infrastructure, and artificial intelligence (AI) foundation models. The bill requires the Secretary of Defense to promote competition by mandating competitive award processes for AI and cloud-related contracts, ensuring the government maintains exclusive rights to its data, and prioritizing intellectual property, data security, and interoperability. It defines key terms like "foundation model" (an AI model with at least 1 billion parameters applicable across multiple contexts) and "multi-cloud technology" (systems that allow data portability across different cloud environments). The legislation also directs the DoD's Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office to update acquisition regulations to protect government-furnished data, preventing unauthorized disclosure or use by vendors, with potential penalties including fines and contract termination. Additionally, the bill mandates annual reporting to congressional defense committees, assessing market competition and innovation in the AI space, with these reports to be made publicly available. The goal is to enhance competition, protect government interests, and ensure responsible development and procurement of advanced technological solutions for national defense.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/5436/all-info