The independent federal agency is currently in the initial phases of using the tool to enhance its data repository.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has begun assessing a possible use of the Microsoft Azure OpenAI tool to utilize its data repository, the agency stated during a call with reporters on Monday.
Basia Sall, the chief data officer and director of the NRC’s Data, Information Management, and Enterprise Governance division, stated that the Azure OpenAI project is still in its early phases, with pricing and security aspects currently under review. According to Sall, agency staff have only just begun retrieving some data from the system. There haven’t been any internal briefings on the initial findings yet, but more updates are expected. The agency also plans to release a gap analysis and other related documents throughout September.
“We plan to use the Microsoft tool to work with our large data set, leveraging generative AI for knowledge management, at least initially,” said Sall. “This is our current test case. We are focused on extracting data and ensuring that the responses we receive are accurate.”
Sall explained that the OpenAI application through Azure didn’t require new FedRAMP approvals because the Microsoft program was already FedRAMP-certified. She highlighted that this eliminated the need for further actions, which was “a huge benefit for us, as the FedRAMP certification provides an added layer of security and confidence, particularly for managing our high-value assets.”
Monday’s update positions the NRC as the latest federal agency to explore large language model applications, specifically those developed by OpenAI. This development aligns with the Biden administration’s ongoing push for federal adoption of AI tools. Although the executive order doesn’t directly apply to independent federal agencies like the NRC, staff seem to be embracing the White House’s AI goals in spirit.
Late last month, Anna Makanju, OpenAI’s vice president of global affairs, mentioned to FedScoop that USAID was OpenAI’s first federal customer for its ChatGPT Enterprise system. NASA has also been exploring the use of OpenAI via Microsoft Azure. Additionally, Azure OpenAI recently achieved FedRAMP High authorization status.
This update is part of the NRC’s ongoing efforts in the realm of artificial intelligence. In April, the agency released a policy document outlining its approach to AI, which identified numerous potential use cases and proposed two key next steps: developing an enterprise AI strategy and investing in foundational AI tools.
Last week, the NRC, along with its Canadian and U.K. nuclear regulatory counterparts, released a joint document on the use of AI in the nuclear sector. The agencies emphasized the importance of defining AI system boundaries, modularizing AI applications, and continuously monitoring these systems.
On Monday, officials revealed that the NRC will soon release a gap analysis outlining the agency’s next steps and readiness for AI. Victor Hall, Deputy Director of the Division of Systems Analysis in the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, mentioned that experts have reviewed the report.
Hall stated, “I believe we’ve completed all the necessary preparations to confirm that we have the in-house expertise to handle AI in the nuclear industry, acknowledging its unique challenges. I’m quite proud of that achievement.”
The document is anticipated to be released by the end of the month.