US Federal Agencies: Mapping AI Activities
This guide outlines AI activities across the US Executive Branch, focusing on regulatory authorities, budgets, and programs.
It does not detail overall departmental and agency structures. For a comprehensive overview of US federal departments and agencies, please refer to emergingtechpolicy.org.
Department of Commerce (DoC)
The Department of Commerce focuses on advancing American economic growth and competitiveness through data management, regulation, and industry development. Commerce influences AI policy through its oversight of standard-setting processes, intellectual property regulation, and regulation of semiconductor manufacturing and exports, particularly via its Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), USPTO, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
This profile will focus primarily on ITA’s Industry & Analysis (I&A) unit, specifically the Supply Chain Center (SCC). The I&A unit is focused on enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness and national security through supply chain analysis, industry expertise, trade agreement support, and international competitiveness initiatives. SCC provides analysis on supply chain resilience policy by anticipating supply chain challenges, setting policy priorities based on risk analysis, and improving the targeting of U.S. government investments.
Marissa Lago - Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade
See office profile for detailed authorities
$607,100,000
$645,500,000
The USPTO registers and develops policy on intellectual property. It also houses the Patent and trial Appeal Board (PTAB) which is a board that reviews dual-use technologies.
Kathi Vidal - Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
See office profile for detailed authorities
N/A (fee-funded agency)
N/A (fee-funded agency)
BIS is responsible for advancing national security, foreign policy, and economic objectives of the United States by implementing and enforcing export controls. BIS regulates the export of dual-use technologies, including semiconductors, to foreign countries.
Alan F. Estevez - Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security
See sub-offices for specific authorities and functions
$191,000,000
$223,392,000
MPC is the management body of BIS. It houses the ICTS, which evaluates the national security risks of ICTS transactions. The program aims to protect U.S. digital infrastructure by reviewing, investigating, and potentially prohibiting or mitigating ICTS transactions that pose unacceptable risks to national security.
Elizabeth Cannon - Executive Director Of Office Of Information And Communications Technology And Services
See office profile for detailed authorities
$26,560,000
$35,583,000 (for Management and Policy Coordination which houses the ICTS)
The EA is a division of BIS that develops and implements policies and regulations governing the international transfer of dual-use military items. Its goal is to identify and mitigate national security risks associated with exports while advancing U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. EA evaluates license applications, participates in multilateral export control regimes, and maintains lists of entities of concern.
Thea D. Rozman Kendler - Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration
See office profile for detailed authorities
$74,585,000
$89,004,000
Export Enforcement (EE) enforces U.S. export controls under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (ECRA), the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR). The program investigates illegal exports, unauthorized end uses, and antiboycott violations.
Matthew S. Axelrod - Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement
See office profile for detailed authorities
$87,756,000
$100,610,000
NIST promotes U.S. Innovation and competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology. NIST has played a key role in developing AI policy via the AI Risk Management Framework, the Trustworthy AI Resource Center, the TRAILS Institute, the new U.S. AI Safety Institute (USAISI), and more.
Dr. Laurie Locascio - Director of NIST and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology
See office profile for detailed authorities
$1,627,300,000
$1,498,500,000
The CHIPS for America program aims to fund the domestic semiconductor industry and create jobs within the industry.
Dr. Laurie Locascio - Director of NIST and the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology
See office profile for detailed authorities
N/A
$6,095,000,000
The U.S. AI Safety Institute (USAISI) aims to advance the science of AI safety to enable responsible AI innovation by developing methods to assess and mitigate risks of advanced AI systems. Its work includes creating benchmarks, evaluation tools, and safety guidelines for AI models and applications. USAISI will collaborate across government, industry, and academia to build a shared understanding of AI capabilities and potential harms.
Elizabeth Kelly - Director, U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute, and Paul Christiano - Head of AI Safety, U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute
NIST’s authority to establish the USAISI is granted through the requirements of EO 14110
N/A
$82,700,000
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) advises the department on telecommunications and information policy, manages federal use of the radio frequency spectrum, and conducts telecommunications research through its Institute for Telecommunication Sciences. They have released several RFCs on AI and an AI Accountability Report that make recommendations on auditing, regulatory requirements, and standards for AI. They have also written a report on open model weights.
Alan Davidson - Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information
See office profile for detailed authorities
$62,000,000
$67,000,000
Department of Energy (DoE)
The Department of Energy manages U.S. energy policy, nuclear security, and scientific research to address energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. It oversees national laboratories, regulates energy efficiency standards, and supports technological innovation in grid modernization. Using its research infrastructure, the DOE provides testbeds, compute, and leadership to support AI oversight and development.
The Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) strengthens the security and resilience of U.S. energy infrastructure. It focuses on mitigating cybersecurity, physical, supply chain, and climate-based threats, while assisting with response and restoration. CESER leads national efforts to enhance the preparedness, resiliency, and recovery of U.S. energy systems.
Puesh M. Kumar - Director, Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response
See office profile for detailed authorities
$200,000,000
The Office of Science is a non-regulatory agency that is the nation’s largest federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences. They house the Office of Critical and Emerging Technology which coordinates AI efforts across the labs and agencies of the department.
The director role is vacant. Dr. Harriet Kung is Acting Director for the Office of Science and Deputy Director for Science Programs
Authority is focused on scientific funding
$8,583,000
The Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) program develops computational and networking capabilities to analyze, model, and make predictions for the Department of Energy.
Ceren Susut - ASCR Associate Director of Science
The ASCR is granted its authority through the authority of the Office of Science
$1,152,700,000
In 2019, DOE established the Office for Artificial Intelligence and Technology (AI) to coordinate AI efforts across the labs and the Department. In 2023, DOE replaced this office with the Office for Critical and Emerging Technology (CET), following President Biden’s October 2023 Executive Order on AI (EO). It is housed under the Office of the Undersecretary for Science and Innovation (S4) which oversees 13 out of 17 DOE’s national labs and is the center of R&D in the Department.
Helena Fu - Director, Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies and Chief AI Officer
Not expected to be regulatory in nature
$5,000,000
Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile; works to reduce global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and militarily effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the United States and abroad.
Jill Hruby - Under Secretary for Nuclear Security & Administrator
Mostly derived from the DOE's authority
$24,997,000,000
The DNN works globally to prevent state and non-state actors from developing nuclear weapons or acquiring weapons-usable nuclear or radiological materials, equipment, technology, and expertise.
Corey Hinderstein - Acting Principal Deputy Administrator of NNSA
$2,465,108,000
Department of Homeland Security (DoHS)
The Department of Homeland Security protects U.S. national security through counterterrorism, border protection, and cybersecurity efforts. DHS contributes to AI governance by developing guidelines for responsible AI use in security applications and collaborating with other agencies to address potential risks associated with AI systems in critical infrastructure.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) leads federal cybersecurity efforts and coordinates critical infrastructure security and resilience in the US. Its mission is to understand, manage, and reduce risks to cyber and physical infrastructure in the United States. In accordance with their AI roadmap, they support the development of the DHS approach on AI policy issues.
Jen Easterly - Executive Director, and Lisa Einstein - Chief AI Officer
CISA derives its authority through the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2018
$3,009,047,000
The Chief AI officer will promote AI innovation and responsible AI use across the Department, develops internal policies regarding AI use in partnership with DHS offices and components, and coordinate AI-related efforts on behalf of the Secretary. The CIO role sits under the Management Directorate in the Office of the Chief Information Office.
Eric Hysen - Chief Information Officer & Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer
$9,306,000
Exists to “advance specific mission applications of AI” across the Department of Homeland Security. It is under the joint leadership of the S&T and the CAIO.
Eric Hysen & Dr. Dimitri Kusnezov - Co-chairs
N/A
Under the Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans, the CIRR is a Department of Homeland Security division responsible for developing and coordinating policy and strategy across cyber, technology, risk, and resilience areas. It advises the Secretary and works with DHS components to create unified approach to homeland security. The division leads cybersecurity sprints, technology policy development, and climate change risk incorporation into DHS programs.
Thomas McDermott - Assistant Secretary for Cyber, Infrastructure, Risk and Resilience
See office profile for detailed authorities
$1,144,000
S&T of the Department of Homeland Security, established in 2003, functions as the science advisor to the Secretary and the research and development arm for DHS. It provides scientific and technical expertise to inform policies and address current and emerging threats. S&T focuses on border security, chemical and biological defense, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, first responder support, and critical infrastructure resilience.
Dimitri Kusnezov - Under Secretary for the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T
See office profile for detailed authorities
$836,108,000
Exists to “advance specific mission applications of AI” across the Department of Homeland Security. It is under the joint leadership of the S&T and the CAIO.
Eric Hysen & Dr. Dimitri Kusnezov - Co-chairs
N/A
The 2024 AI roadmap mentions several boards and advisory committees at DoHS working on AI-related issues. This office profile lists all of the relevant boards and committees and their functions.
Department of State (DoS)
The Department of State leads U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic efforts globally. The State Department engages in multilateral discussions on AI governance, promotes international cooperation on AI research and development, and works to shape global AI norms and standards that align with U.S. interests and values.
The Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy in 2021 to coordinate U.S. foreign policy on digital technology and cyberspace. It promotes global digital access, manages international partnerships, and counters authoritarian influences. In July 2024, they released the Risk Management Profile for Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights.
The Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability (ADS) focuses on diplomatic efforts to promote stability and prevent conflict through arms control, verification, and disarmament initiatives. It develops and implements agreements for weapons of mass destruction and conventional weapons, manages deterrence and missile defense policies, and addresses challenges in domains like AI, space, cyber, and other emerging technologies. The bureau ensures proper verification of arms control agreements, reports on compliance, and liaises with the Intelligence Community. It also operates the National and Nuclear Risk Reduction Center, providing secure communications with international partners to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to conflict.
Mallory Stewart - Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Stability
The bureau provides oversight of policy resources related to various treaties.
~$38,000,000
The Office of the Science & Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State (STAS) was established in 2000 to integrate scientific expertise into U.S. foreign policy development and implementation. The office operates three fellowships aimed at bringing technical expertise into policymaking.
Dr. Patricia Gruber - Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State
N/A
The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN) focuses on nonproliferation policy, international security policy, and security and nonproliferation programming. The bureau researches AI’s potential impact on WMDs, developing policies to protect U.S. critical technologies, implementing the CHIPS Act through export controls on semiconductors, and addressing evolving terrorism threats involving new technologies.
C.S. Eliot Kang - Assistant Secretary
See office profile for detailed authorities
$280,480,000
The International Security Advisory Board (ISAB) advises DOS on national security aspects of arms control, disarmament, nonproliferation, outer space, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, emerging technologies (including AI), and international security. The ISAB meets at least quarterly, with some meetings open to the public.
The ISAB Charter
N/A
Independent Agencies
There are a variety of agencies that operate independently of any US state departments.
The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports research across all fields of science, engineering, and STEM education. Its work in AI includes the National AI Research Resource Pilot and the development of test bed and privacy enhancing technology (PETs).
Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan - Director of the U.S. National Science Foundation, and Katerina Antypas - Director of the Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure
$10,183,000,000
The FTC is an independent agency that protects consumers and promotes fair competition in the U.S. economy. Its primary function is law enforcement, but it also engages in rulemaking, research, public outreach, and education.
Lina M. Khan - Chair, Federal Trade Commission
Primarily derived from the FTC, Clayton, and Sherman Acts
$535,000,000
The Bureau investigates and challenges anticompetitive mergers, monopolistic conduct, and other practices that restrain trade. It pursues legal action in federal court or before FTC administrative law judges. The Bureau also advises policymakers on competition issues and collaborates with foreign agencies.
Granted by the FTC’s authority
Launched in 2023, the Office of Technology provides technical expertise in support of the agency’s law enforcement and policy work. Specifically, the office focuses on strengthening law enforcement investigations, advising the Commission on policy and research initiatives, and highlighting relevant market trends for emerging technology.
Stephanie Nguyen - Chief Technology Officer
Granted by the FTC’s authority
The SEC is an independent federal agency responsible for enforcing federal securities laws, proposing securities rules, and regulating the securities industry, the nation's stock and options exchanges, and other securities markets (including crypto) in the United States.
Gary Gensler - Chair, and David Bottom - Chief Information Officer
See office profile for detailed authorities
$2,594,000,000