28 May 2019
AI-Standards
The National Institute of Standards and Technology
100 Bureau Drive
Stop 2000
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Via email: ai_standards@nist.gov
Re: NIST RFI: Developing a Federal AI Standards Engagement Plan (Docket Number: 190312229-
9229-01)
IEEE-USA is pleased to submit the following information in response to the above-captioned request for
information, published in 84 FR 18490 (1 May 2019). We commend NIST for its effort to create a plan
for federal engagement in developing the necessary standards and tools to support reliable, robust and
trustworthy systems that use AI technologies.
IEEE-USA represents approximately 200,000 engineers, scientists, and allied professionals living and
working in the US. Our members work in the new AI-related industries, developing and working with the
emerging technologies used in artificial intelligence systems. This expertise provides us with a unique
perspective on the benefits of these technologies.
The IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA), a globally recognized standards-setting body within IEEE,
develops consensus standards through an open process that engages industry and brings together a broad
stakeholder community. IEEE standards set specifications and best practices based on current scientific and
technological knowledge. IEEE-SA has a portfolio of over 1,250 active standards and over 650 standards
under development.
We are pleased to provide input on the following areas, as requested:
1. Current status and plans regarding the availability, use and development of AI technical standards
and tools in support of reliable, robust, and trustworthy systems that use AI technologies.
2. Needs and challenges regarding the existence, availability, use, and development of AI standards
and tools.
3. The current and potential future role of Federal agencies regarding the existence, availability, use,
and development of AI technical standards and tools to meet the nation's needs.
1. Current status and plans regarding the availability, use, and development of AI technical
standards and tools in support of reliable, robust, and trustworthy systems that use AI technologies
IEEE is working to engage and grow communities to develop technical standards that address AI and AI
systems. We develop these technical standards through an open and transparent process that welcomes all
stakeholders. IEEE standards developers work together to codify technical practices that can be applied
across sectors; and that developers and regulators can use to support interoperability, safety and the public
interest.
IEEE has standards working groups engaged in developing global technical standards for identifying and
mitigating algorithmic bias, for documenting and protecting users interests in personal data, for evaluating
