To amend the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 to require the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a prize competition program relating to artificial intelligence, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9506
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-29: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T21:00:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This bill amends the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 to direct the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to create a federal prize competition program aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) development in the United States. The program seeks to address specific, measurable challenges through incentives for research, development, and commercialization.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Prize Competition Program: Within one year of enactment, the OSTP Director, working with the National Science and Technology Council and the Interagency Committee, must establish a prize program under existing authority (section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980).
- Priorities List: The Director must consult with industry, civil society, and academia to create and annually update a list of AI priorities, which may include microelectronics engineering, next-generation computing, AI explainability, advanced manufacturing, border security, cybersecurity, energy efficiency, and other areas.
- Problem Statements and Metrics: For each selected priority, detailed problem statements, success metrics, and award information must be published on Challenge.gov.
- Agency Investment Initiatives: The Secretaries of Commerce and Transportation, along with the Director of the National Science Foundation, may establish related challenge-based acquisition programs, with requirements for U.S.-based research, economic competitiveness benefits, and public reporting.
- Reporting Requirements: Agencies must submit reports to congressional committees on winning submissions (within 60 days) and biennial program overviews, with public availability.
- Sunset Clause: All programs terminate five years after enactment.
- Comptroller General Studies: Mandates an initial study (within 18 months) on existing prize programs and an interim study (within 42 months) on the new AI programs, including assessments of efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and comparisons to grants or contracts.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill adds a new Section 5107 to Title LI of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020, expanding the existing AI initiative framework to include structured prize competitions. It incorporates consultation requirements with external stakeholders and mandates public disclosure mechanisms not previously specified in the 2020 Act for this purpose.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases responsibilities for OSTP, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and select departments in identifying challenges, running competitions, and reporting results.
- Citizens and Industry: May spur U.S.-based AI innovations in areas like manufacturing, security, and energy, potentially benefiting domestic competitiveness while requiring all research to occur in the United States.
- International Relations: Emphasizes AI robustness against foreign adversaries but does not create new international obligations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal agencies (OSTP, NIST, DARPA, Commerce, Transportation, NSF).
- Industry, civil society, and academic partners consulted on priorities.
- Prize competition participants, including researchers and companies.
- Congressional oversight committees.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation relies on established prize authority and does not introduce new regulatory mandates. It includes explicit requirements for U.S.-based activities and public reporting, with no apparent constitutional issues. The bill reflects a bipartisan approach focused on AI research incentives and includes independent evaluations by the Comptroller General to assess program outcomes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Begich, Nicholas J. [R-AK-At Large]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-29: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-06-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 to require the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a prize competition program relating to artificial intelligence, and for other purposes. — issued 2026-06-29 — PDF (16 pages)