HR-5466 : Still Just a Bill

The "Growing University AI Research for Defense Act," or the "GUARD Act" (H.R. 5466), proposes to authorize the Secretary of Defense to establish one or more National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institutes.

Key provisions of H.R. 5466 include:

• **Establishment of Institutes:** The Secretary of Defense may establish these Institutes at eligible host institutions, specifically defined as senior military colleges.
• **Focus and Purpose:** Each Institute would be an artificial intelligence research institute focused on cross-cutting challenges or foundational science for AI systems within the national security and defense sector. They are intended to:
  • Foster partnerships among public and private organizations, including Federal agencies, institutions of higher education (including community colleges), nonprofit research organizations, Federal laboratories, state, local, and Tribal governments, and industry (including the Defense Industrial Base and startup companies).
  • Create or enhance innovation ecosystems to translate research into practical applications for national security and defense.
  • Support interdisciplinary research and development, and workforce development in AI-related disciplines across the United States.
• **Financial Assistance:** The Secretary of Defense may award competitive, merit-based financial assistance for a five-year period (renewable once) to establish and support these Institutes. Funds may be used for:
  • Managing and providing secure, privacy-protected datasets for AI training, testing, and research relevant to national security and defense.
  • Developing and managing AI testbeds for system evaluation prior to deployment.
  • Conducting AI research and education activities to solve national security challenges.
  • Providing access to computing resources, networking, and data facilities for AI research and development.
  • Offering technical assistance, including software engineering support, for AI research.
  • Engaging in outreach to broaden participation in AI research and the AI workforce.
• **Limitations:** No financial assistance authorized under this Act shall be awarded to any entity outside of the United States. All recipients and subgrantees must be based in the United States.