H.R. 5466: Growing University AI Research for Defense Act

This bill, known as the "Growing University AI Research for Defense Act" or "GUARD Act," aims to establish a National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute under the Department of Defense. Here are the main points of what the bill would do:

Establishment of the Institute

The Secretary of Defense would be authorized to create at least one National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute at eligible host institutions. These institutes will focus on research in artificial intelligence (AI) specifically for national security and defense purposes.

Focus Areas of the Institute

The Institute would concentrate on:

• Addressing key challenges in AI relevant to national security and defense.
• Fostering partnerships among various stakeholders, including federal agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, and private industry.
• Promoting an innovation ecosystem to apply research towards enhancing national security capabilities.
• Encouraging collaborative research across different institutions and organizations.
• Supporting workforce development in AI disciplines within the U.S.

Financial Assistance

The bill provides that the Secretary of Defense can grant financial assistance to eligible host institutions or their consortia for establishing and sustaining these institutes. The financial assistance would cover several uses, including:

• Managing and providing access to secure data sets for AI research.
• Developing testing environments for evaluating AI systems before deployment.
• Conducting research and educational activities to address national security challenges using AI.
• Offering access to computing and networking resources for relevant AI research.
• Providing technical support for AI research and development.
• Engaging outreach efforts to diversify participation in AI research and the workforce.
• Other activities as determined necessary by the Secretary of Defense.

Duration and Review Process

Financial assistance would be awarded for five years initially, with a possibility of one renewal for an additional five years. Applications for this assistance would be required to go through a competitive, merit-based review process.

Collaboration with Other Entities

In the funding process, the Secretary of Defense would have the ability to collaborate with other government departments and agencies that are related to national security and AI, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the implications of AI systems.

Limitations

It is specified that no financial assistance can be awarded to entities based outside the United States. All recipients must be based in the U.S. and comply with additional eligibility criteria set by the Secretary of Defense.

Definition of Eligible Host Institution

The term "eligible host institution" is defined as a senior military college, as specified in related U.S. legal codes.

Relevant Companies

• GOOGL (Alphabet Inc.): As a major player in AI research and development, the company's involvement in defense-related AI projects could increase if the bill passes.
• IBM (International Business Machines Corporation): IBM has a strong focus on AI and has engaged in government contracts; hence, it may benefit from partnerships arising from this legislative action.
• MSFT (Microsoft Corporation): With its ongoing investments in AI and cloud computing, Microsoft could see an increase in collaboration opportunities related to national security AI initiatives.
• BA (Boeing Company): As a defense contractor, Boeing may become more involved in AI applications for military capabilities, in line with the goals of this bill.