CCC Responds to the Community

Explore CCC responses to requests for comments and other topical issues in the computing community.

2024

CCC’s Response to the DOE’s Request for Information (RFI) on Frontiers in AI for Science, Security, and Technology (FASST) Initiative

In September 2024, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Critical and Emerging Technologies (CET) released a Request for Information to inform how the DOE and its 17 national laboratories can utilize their existing assets to develop a national AI capability that serves public interest. Several members of the CCC Council and two previous CCC Council members prepared a response to this RFI in November 2024. The response emphasizes the importance of open-source tools and diverse, AI-ready datasets for fostering inclusive research and maximizing the DOE’s impact. It advocates for strong partnerships, particularly with NAIRR, for effective resource allocation and collaboration, while also highlighting transparent governance, broad workforce training, and strategic industry partnerships to enhance sustainability and innovation in AI development.

CCC’s Response to the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Request for Information on a National Plan for Cyber-Physical Systems Resilience

In September 2024, the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development program released a Request for Information to gather public input on creating a national plan for cyber-physical systems resilience. Several members of the CCC Council prepared a response to this RFI in late October, 2024. This response, among other considerations, recommended that the national plan: 1.) consider humans as an integral component of cyber-physical systems, which may open up more risk considerations, 2.) consider the risks of using open-source code in cyber-physical systems, and 3.) take into account the fact that most cyber-physical systems are composed of hundreds to thousands of sub-systems, any of which may fail or become vulnerable to an attack, jeapordizing the overall cyber-physical system.

CCC’s Response to the National Science Board–National Science Foundation (NSF) Commission on Merit Review (MRX) Request for Information (RFI) on Informing the MRX’s Review of NSF’s Merit Review Criteria, Policy, and Processes

In August 2024, The National Science Board–National Science Foundation Commission on Merit Review (MRX) released a Dear Colleague Letter with Requests for Information to obtain input on how NSF’s Merit Review criteria, policy, and processes are currently understood and feedback on whether and/or how they might be revised to increase clarity and alignment with NSF’s statutory mission and improve fairness, competitiveness, and transparency in the process to identify projects to support and advance NSF’s statutory mission.

CCC’s Response to the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Request for Comments on the US Artificial Intelligence Safety Institutes’s Draft Document: Managing Misuse Risk for Dual-Use Foundation Models

In August 2024, The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a Request for Comments to evaluate the US Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute’s (AISI) draft document, addressing misuse risk for dual-use foundation models. This draft document was written to address some of the tasks assigned to NIST by the Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence, which was released on October 30, 2023.

CCC’s Response to the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development Request for Information on Digital Twins Research and Development

In June 2024, The Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) National Coordination Office (NCO) released a Request for Public Input to inform the creation of a National Digital Twins R&D Strategic Plan. According to the RFI, this strategic plan will act as, “an organizing national document, providing guidance for government investments in digital twins related research and offering valuable insights to help guide further federal R&D coordination to advance technology and accelerate the use and early adoption of the digital twin models to address the nation’s priorities and fast-track agency missions”. This plan is scheduled to be released in mid to late 2025.

CCC’s Response to the Defense Industrial Base Adoption of Artificial Intelligence for Defense Applications; Notice of Availability

In May 2024, The Department of Defense (DoD) released a Request for Public Comments to advise steps for the DoD to take to enable the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) to continue adopting AI for defense applications. These public comments will inform and assist the DoD in developing policies and initiatives to aid the DIB in this process.

CCC’s Response to the National Institute of Justice’s Request for Input on Section 7.1(b) of Executive Order 14110, “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence”

In April 2024, The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) released a Request for Input to inform a report that addresses the use of AI in the criminal justice system. This responsibility was assigned to the NIJ under section 7.1b of Executive order (E.O.) 14110 titled “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence” and issued on October 30, 2023.

Response to Request for Information Related to DOE’s Responsibilities on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence

In March 2024, The Department of Energy (DOE) released a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit information to assist in carrying out certain responsibilities under an Executive order (E.O.) titled “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence” issued on October 30, 2023.

Response to NTIA’s Request for Information on Dual Use Foundation Artificial Intelligence Models With Widely Available Model Weights

In February 2024, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration released a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit public comments on the potential risks, benefits, other implications, and appropriate policy and regulatory approaches to dual-use foundation models for which the model weights are widely available.

Response for Request for Information (RFI): Inviting Comments on the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Strategic Plan for Data Science 2023-2028

In January 2024, the National Institute of Health released a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit public comments on the updated NIH Strategic Plan for Data Science, 2023–2028, including members of the scientific community, academic institutions, the private sector, health professionals, professional societies, advocacy groups, and patient communities, as well as other interested members of the public.

Response to the Request for Information (RFI) Related to NIST’s Assignments Under Sections 4.1, 4.5 and 11 of the Executive Order Concerning Artificial Intelligence (Sections 4.1, 4.5, and 11)

In December 2023, The National Institute of Standards and Technology published a Request for Information, asking the community to provide information to assist NIST with executing the tasks assigned to them in the Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence issued on October 30, 2023. Some of the directives from the Executive Order that NIST requested comments on include establishing a procedure for evaluating and auditing capabilities relating to Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies and developing sets of guidelines and best practices when using AI and Generative AI applications.

2023

Response to the National Institute of Health’s Request for Information: Developing Consent Language for Research Using Digital Health Technologies

In October 2023, The National Institute of Health (NIH) published a Request for Information: Developing Consent Language for Research Using Digital Health Technologies, asking the community to focus on the utility and useability of sample language and accompanying considerations developed for use in informed consent documents for digital health technologies utilized in research.

Response to the Office of Management and Budget’s Request for Comments on Advancing Governance, Innovation, and Risk Management for Agency Use of Artificial Intelligence Draft Memorandum

In November 2023, The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published a Request for Comment on a draft memorandum titled Advancing Governance, Innovation, and Risk Management for Agency Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), inviting public comment on the uses of AI that impact the rights and safety of the public.

Response to the White House National Cyber Director Requests Feedback on Open-source Software Security

In May 2023, the Office of the National Cyber Director published a Request for Information on Open-Source Software Security: Areas of Long-Term Focus and Prioritization to invite public comments on areas of long-term focus and prioritization on open-source software security.

Response to the PCAST Working Group on Generative AI’s Request for Public Input

In May 2023, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) published a Request for Public Input to help assess key opportunities and risks and provide input on how best to ensure that these GenAI technologies are developed and deployed as equitably, responsibly, and safely as possible.

Response to the Request for Information (RFI) on Developing a Roadmap for the Directorate for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) at the National Science Foundation

In April 2023, the National Science Foundation published a Request for Information to inform the development of a roadmap for the recently established Technology, Innovations, and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate. This roadmap will help to determine the areas of use-inspired translational research and projects which the TIP directorate will fund, with a goal to advance US competitiveness in the key technology areas identified within the Request for Information. The Computing Research Association’s (CRA) Computing Community Consortium (CCC) and CRA’s Government Affairs Committee (GAC) drafted a joint response.

Response to the Office of Science and Technology Policy Request for Information on National Priorities for Artificial Intelligence 

In May 2023, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) published a request for information to inform the development of the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy. The strategy will chart a path for the United States to harness the benefits and mitigate the risks of AI building on the actions that the Federal Government have already taken to responsibly advance the development and use of AI. Public comments will help to update U.S. national priorities and future actions on AI.

Response to the Food and Drug Administration’s Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the Development of Drug and Biological Products Request for Comment 

In May 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the release of a discussion paper named “Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the Development of Drug and Biological Products.” The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), worked with the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) and Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), including the Digital Health Center of Excellence (DHCoE), on the paper and attached discussion questions. Their goal is to initiate a conversation with stakeholders on the use of AI and ML to help inform the drug development regulatory landscape.

Response to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s AI Accountability Request for Comment 

In June 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) sought comments on Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) system accountability measures and policies. This request focuses on self-regulatory, regulatory, and other measures and policies that are designed to provide reliable evidence to external stakeholders—that is, to provide assurance—that AI systems are legal, effective, ethical, safe, and otherwise trustworthy. NTIA will rely on these comments, along with other public engagements on this topic, to draft and issue a report on AI accountability policy development, focusing especially on the AI assurance ecosystem.

Response to the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) National Coordination Office (NCO), and National Science Foundation (NSF) Request for Information on the 2023 Federal Cybersecurity Research and Development Strategic Plan Request for Information

In February 2023, NITRD, NCO and NSF sought comments on the update of the Federal cybersecurity research and development (R&D) strategic plan. Federal agencies must update their strategic plan every four years in compliance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014. Responses to this Request for Information (RFI) will inform updates to the plan to guide and coordinate federally funded research in cybersecurity, including cybersecurity education and workforce development, and the development of consensus-based standards and best practices in cybersecurity.

Response to the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Request for Information on Digital Assets Research and Development

In January 2023, OSTP, on behalf of the Fast Track Action Committee (FTAC) on Digital Assets Research and Development, NITRD, and the NSF, requested public comments to help determine national research and development priorities related to digital assets. The comments on this RFI are expected to inform a holistic government effort related to digital assets and distributed ledger technology.

2022

Response to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing USA Semiconductor Institutes Request for Information

In November, 2022 NIST sought public input to inform the design of, and requirements for, potential Manufacturing USA institutes to strengthen the semiconductor and microelectronics innovation ecosystem, which could include design, fabrication, advanced test, assembly, and packaging capability. Responses to this Request for Information (RFI) will inform NIST’s development of funding opportunities for federal assistance to establish Manufacturing USA semiconductor institutes.

Computing Research Association – Industry (CRA-I) and the Computing Community
Consortium (CCC) Response to the Second Draft of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework

In August, 2022 NIST released a call for comments and contributions to the second draft of their AI Risk Management Framework. The framework is intended for voluntary use to address risks in the design, development, use, and evaluation of AI products, services, and systems. NIST intends to continue to engage stakeholders and make ongoing edits as the technology evolves. The most recent draft is a reflection of the initial version from March 2022 and the concept paper from December 2021.

Response to Request for Information on Federal Video and Image Analytics Research and Development Action Plan

In July 2022, the National Science Foundation and the Networking Information Technology Research and Development program (NITRD) requested information from the community on updating the 2020 Federal Video and Image Analytics (VIA) Research and Development (R&D) Action Plan. This information will assist the NITRD VIA team in revising the VIA action plan to be more comprehensive and effective at implementing its strategic goals and objectives.

Response to Request for Information on Advancing Privacy-Enhancing Technologies

In July 2022, the National Science Foundation and Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) requested information from the community to better understand how to accelerate the responsible development and adoption of PETs in a manner that maximizes the benefit to individuals and society, including increasing equity for underserved or marginalized groups and promoting trust in data processing and information technologies. The information will be used to develop a national strategy on privacy-preserving data sharing and analytics, along with associated policy initiatives.

Response to Request for Information on Implementing Initial Findings and Recommendations of the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource Task Force

In June 2022, the National Science Foundation and Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) requested input from the community on the initial findings and recommendations contained in the interim report prepared by the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Task Force. The RFI aims to establish an implementation roadmap for a shared research infrastructure that would provide artificial intelligence (AI) researchers and students with access to computational resources, high-quality data, training tools, and user support.

Response to Request for Information on Federal Priorities for Information Integrity Research and Development

In March 2022, the National Science Foundation and NITRD NCO requested input from the community on Federal priorities for research and development efforts to address misinformation and disinformation. The RFI aims to identify ways in which the Federal Government might enable research and development activities that advance the trustworthiness of information, mitigate the effects of information manipulation, and foster an environment of trust and resilience in which individuals can be discerning consumers of information.

Response to Request for Evaluating and Improving NIST Cybersecurity Resources: The Cybersecurity Framework and Cybersecurity Supply Chain Risk Management

In February 2022, the National Institute of Standards and Technology requested ideas from the community to assist in evaluating and improving its cybersecurity resources, including the “Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity” (the “NIST Cybersecurity Framework,” “CSF” or “Framework”) and a variety of existing and potential standards, guidelines, and other information, including those relating to improving cybersecurity in supply chains.

Response to Request for Information on the National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan

In February 2022, the Office of Science and Technology Policy requested input from interested parties on ways in which the National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan can be revised and improved. The information received from the solicitation will assist OSTOP, the Select Committee, MLAI-SC, NAIIO and NITRD NCO in updating the current strategic plan.

Response to Request for Information on Incentives, Infrastructure, and Research and Development Needs To Support a Strong Domestic Semiconductor Industry

In January 2022, the Department of Commerce with the assistance of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requested information in order to inform the planning and design of potential semiconductor programs. Specifically, they are seeking ideas to: Incentivize investment in semiconductor manufacturing facilities and associated ecosystems; provide for shared infrastructure to accelerate semiconductor research, development, and prototyping; and support research related to advanced packaging and advanced metrology to ensure a robust domestic semiconductor industry.

Response to Request for Information on Public and Private Sector Uses of Biometric Technologies

In October 2021, the Office of Science and Technology Policy requested input from interested parties on past deployments, proposals, pilots, or trials, and current use of biometric technologies. The purpose of the RFI was to understand the extent and variety of biometric technologies in past, current, or planned use; the domains in which these technologies are being used; the entities making use of them; current principles, practices, or policies governing their use; and the stakeholders that are, or may be, impacted by their use or regulation.

2021

Response to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Risk Management Framework

In August 2021, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced that they are developing a framework that can be used to improve the management of risks to individuals, organizations, and society associated with artificial intelligence. They asked for public comment.

Response to an Implementation Plan for a National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource

In July 2021, the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation put out a Request for Information (RFI) to inform the work of the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Task Force (“Task Force”). The Task Force has been directed by Congress to develop an implementation roadmap for a shared research infrastructure that would provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) researchers and students across scientific disciplines with access to computational resources, high-quality data, educational tools, and user support.

Response to NIST Cybersecurity White Paper (DRAFT)

In May 2021, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity for IoT Program published a draft white paper and asked for public comment.

2020

Response to National Institutes of Health Request for Information: Strategic Opportunities and Challenges for the National Library of Medicine

In August 2020, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) released a Request for Information to assist and guide the NLM in identifying new, and updating ongoing, efforts to implement the NLM Strategic Plan 2017-2027: A Platform for Biomedical Discovery and Data-Powered Health.

Response to OSTP Request for Public Comment on Draft Desirable Characteristics of Repositories for Managing and Sharing Data Resulting From Federally Funded Research

In January 2020, the White House Office of Science Technology Policy (OSTP) released a Request for Public Comment on a draft set of desirable characteristics of data repositories used to locate, manage, share, and use data resulting from Federally funded research. The Computing Research Association (CRA) published a response to the plan in March 2020.

2019

Response to NITRD “Request for Information on Update to Strategic Computing Objectives”

In June 2019, the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program released a Request for Information on the Update to Strategic Computing Objectives. The CCC published a response to the plan in August 2019.

Response to NITRD “Update to the 2016 Federal Cybersecurity Research and Development Strategic Plan”

In November 2018, the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program released a Request for Information on the 2016 Federal Cybersecurity Research and Development Strategic Plan. The CCC’s Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Task Force published a response to the plan in January 2019. The response makes the case for establishing more interdisciplinary research collaborations in cybersecurity, potentially involving agencies such as the Department of Justice, the National Institutes of Medicine, and the Department of Transportation. The response also highlights areas of computing that will significantly impact cybersecurity policy going forward – this includes AI, quantum computing, and the Internet of Things.

2018

Response to NITRD “Update to the 2016 National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan”

In September 2018, the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program released a Request for Information on the 2016 National Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Strategic Plan. The CCC published a response to the plan that explains that CCC has embarked on the development of an AI Research Roadmap, with the goal of identifying key research areas in AI and delivering its finding by Spring 2019. “We hope that the NITRD NCO and the Select Committee will view this roadmapping effort as an input from the computing research community, represented by the CCC, to the update Strategic Plan.”

2017

Response to NITRD “Smart Cities and Communities Federal Strategic Plan: Exploring Innovation Together”

In January 2017, the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program released their draft Smart Cities and Communities Federal Strategic Plan for public comment. The CCC published a response to the plan that calls for a “sustained investment in basic research while proactively integrating these visions into current smart community and city approaches to ensure capacity and interoperability for future gains.” Links to the documents are below.

Response to NSF Dear Colleague Letter: Request for Information on Future Needs for Advanced Cyberinfrastructure to Support Science and Engineering Research (NSF CI 2030)

The National Science Foundation (NSF) released a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL)  in January 2017 requesting information on the future needs for advanced cyberinfrastucture to support research in science and engineering. This call lead to the CCC’s Advanced Cyberinfrastructure for Science, Engineering, and Public Policy white paper. Links to the DCL, white paper, and all responses are below.

Response to NITRD “Draft Federal Health Information Technology Research and Development Strategic Framework”

In May 2017, the Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program released their draft Federal Health Information Technology Research and Development Strategic Framework for public comment. The CCC published a response to the plan that commends the framework’s comprehensive approach, but call for more attention to human-centric complex systems for health IT, the inclusion of cyber-security and privacy into the framework, and an increased focus on person-centered health needs. Links to the documents are below.

Response to NLM “Request for Information on Next-Generation Data Science Challenges in Health and Biomedicine”

In September 2017, the National Library of Medicine (NLM), on behalf of the National Institutes of Health, released a request for information (RFI) on Next-Generation Data Science Challenges in Health and Biomedicine that focused on three focal areas:

  1. “Promising directions for new data science research in the context of health and biomedicine.  Input might address such topics as Data Driven Discovery and Data Driven Health Improvement.
  2. Promising directions for new initiatives relating to open science and research reproducibility. Input might address such topics as Advanced Data Management and Intelligent and Learning Systems for Health.
  3. Promising directions for workforce development and new partnerships. Input might address such topics as Workforce Development and Diversity and New Stakeholder Partnerships.”

In November, the CCC published a response that addresses points one and two. Links to the RFI and CCC response are below.

2016

Response to OSTP Request for Information on the Future of Artificial Intelligence

In June 2016, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released a request for information (RFI) on artificial intelligence (AI). OSTP was “interested in developing a view of AI across all sectors for the purpose of recommending directions for research and determining challenges and opportunities in this field” in order to “solicit feedback on overarching questions in AI, including AI research and the tools, technologies, and training that are needed to answer these questions.”

The CCC also partnered with OSTP and AAAI in 2016 to host a workshop on AI for Social Good. The link to the workshop report, RFI, the CCC’s response, and the full list of public responses are below:

2015

Response to NCO and NITRD Request for Information on National Privacy Research Strategy

In September 2014, the The National Coordination Office (NCO) for Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) released a request for information (RFI) on National Privacy Research Strategy.

The summary of the RFI is as follows: “On behalf of the agencies, the Cyber Security and Information Assurance Research and Development Senior Steering Group seeks public input on the vital privacy objectives that should be considered for the goals of the strategy. The National Privacy Research Strategy will be used to guide federally-funded privacy research and provide a framework for coordinating research and development in privacy-enhancing technologies.”

The link to the RFI and the CCC’s response are below: