WITHDRAWN Development of Guidelines for Generative Artificial Intelligence in the Federal Workplace

Music City Center 

The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) produces over 400 reports on virtually all facets of U.S. agriculture each year. To produce official statistics, NASS relies on hundreds of software programs to draw samples, analyze data, and develop estimates. Various programming languages have been used over time, some of which are expensive, unsupported, or no longer recommended. As part of its modernization process, NASS is converting legacy production code into other languages, a time-consuming effort. Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) may be able to assist in the timely and accurate conversion of existing programs into contemporary freeware languages. A series of studies has been conducted to assess the effectiveness of certain GenAI tools in assisting with technical tasks. Resulting enhancements to the productivity, efficiency, and quality of code development within the USDA's technology and research productions are evaluated. Compliance with USDA security protocols and related privacy requirements when using such programs is also discussed. This research supports the creation of a set of informed principles for responsible use of GenAI within the USDA.

generative A.I.

code conversion

productivity

data security 

Government Statistics Section