Given the high-risk, high-reward nature of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), a statewide strategy that balances investment in this technology with careful, deliberate implementation is essential. While the state is operating in a rapidly evolving AI regulatory environment (e.g., the passage of SB24-205, Artificial Intelligence), Colorado's strategic approach to GenAI in the near term is clearly outlined below.
GenAI's Potential for Colorado
GenAI is a powerful technology that enables the creation of new content such as text, images, audio and video by learning patterns from existing data. For government organizations, GenAI may improve efficiency, accuracy and accessibility in public services; enhance communication with constituents; support decision-making processes; and foster innovation in public administration. By leveraging GenAI, Colorado has the potential to improve the delivery of government services, increase transparency and respond more effectively to emerging challenges and constituent needs. Additional efficiencies can also be gained, including drafting reports, translating communication and digitizing large volumes of information.
GenAI Strategic Pillars
Colorado's plan for GenAI adoption and governance is anchored by three strategic pillars: governance, innovation and education.
Governance
Governance | Enhancing current policy and processes to support and guide GenAI initiatives at the state.
The primary objective of creating the statewide GenAI policy is to clarify OIT's authority of oversight and intake and specify the Governor’s Office review of high-risk use cases. A further goal is to align GenAI use with the existing OIT intake process to ensure alignment with OIT policies and Colorado state laws, including vendor-led initiatives. Given the rapid evolution of GenAI regulations, our guidance will be iterative and potentially evolve into additional OIT policies and procedures.
OIT Intake
To ensure the responsible use of GenAI, OIT’s intake and solution evaluation process must align with agency stakeholders to flag and assess GenAI initiatives early. Key considerations include:
- Procurement: Provide contract terms that ensure GenAI procurement complies with state law and the state's data security requirements.
- Risk Assessment: All GenAI use cases must undergo a thorough risk assessment conducted by OIT based on the standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The risk assessment criteria also align with but are not dependent on the high-risk definition in SB24-205.
Innovation
Innovation | Providing a framework for ideation and guidance to support early use cases and build long-term capabilities
Collaboration
- OIT is actively engaging with educational, municipal and other state and national organizations to enhance resource knowledge and provide guidance across the state.
- Members of the GenAI Working Group are involved in national and state AI communities, including the GovAI Coalition and CDG AI Council, NASCIO, Beeck Center CDO Network and regularly attend AI presentations, panels and conferences locally and online.
Learning and Communication
- With each implementation and solution iteration, we will gain diverse insights by adhering to the core principles of the NIST AI Framework. This framework will guide our observation of solution planning and implementation.
- Our communication plan includes channels for distributing information to all stakeholders, state employees and the public to ensure transparency.
Tracking/Measuring
- We will explore how considerations such as accuracy, bias, privacy and safety will be analyzed, tested and addressed.
- OIT will monitor and collect data on security and infrastructure reliability.
Education
Education | Preparing our state employees with appropriate resources to guide usage and implementation of GenAI solutions.
At OIT, we are dedicated to fostering an AI community that is inclusive, transparent and accountable to all. That's why we created the AI Community of Practice (CoP), a virtual session open to all state employees to learn more about GenAI and address any risks or concerns. In this forum, we highlight monthly guest speakers such as the San Jose Government AI Coalition, host demos, showcase agency use cases and discuss all things AI. With representation across state agencies, the CoP is a space for collaboration, learning and thought leadership in the State of Colorado.
GenAI Literacy
OIT is developing AI-specific training, in partnership with agencies, to increase understanding of GenAI technology. This training will range from general knowledge to more technical-focused skills and will supplement off-the-shelf tools already available by experts, such as InnovateUS, in the field.