A new Executive Order released earlier today directs executive branch agencies to begin using the terms “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in place of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI.”
For government contractors, there are three pieces worth noting.
1. For now, this is largely a terminology change
The order directs executive departments and agencies, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to use “Super Intelligence” and “SI” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” in official correspondence, public communications, websites, reports, policy documents and other non-statutory documents.
The change is prospective. Agencies are not required to alter previously issued regulations, Presidential actions, contracts, grants or other historical documents.
2. “Super Intelligence” currently means the same thing as “artificial intelligence”
The order does not immediately create a new category of technology.
For purposes of implementing the order, “Super Intelligence” uses the existing statutory definition of artificial intelligence found at 15 U.S.C. § 9401(3).
That means contractors seeing “SI” begin to appear in Federal Government materials should not assume the term represents a different technology or capability from what agencies previously called AI.
3. A new Federal definition could be coming
This is the piece worth watching.
The order gives the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology 60 days to submit proposed legislative language establishing a Federal definition of “Super Intelligence.”
That proposal is specifically required to assess whether the new definition should modify, expand upon or otherwise supersede the existing statutory definition of artificial intelligence. It may also propose changes to existing statutory references to AI and recommend additional executive actions.
This is a requirement to propose legislative language. It does not itself change Federal law.
OrangeSlices Take
There isn’t much for contractors to do with this yet.
The immediate change is primarily one of Federal terminology. Existing contracts do not need to be rewritten, the current statutory definition of AI remains the operative definition for purposes of the order, and the EO itself does not establish a new acquisition program or funding stream.
What may be worth watching is what comes back over the next 60 days. If the proposed Federal definition of “Super Intelligence” differs from the existing definition of AI, contractors will want to understand what changed and whether it affects Federal policy or acquisition activity.
For now, expect to start seeing a new acronym in Federal materials: SI instead of AI.
Want to dig in? Read the full Executive Order here.
