U.S. federal agencies prioritize AI and data infrastructure

U.S. federal agencies and oversight bodies are prioritizing data infrastructure and artificial intelligence to modernize government operations. At the Google Public Sector Summit 2026, leaders from agencies including NOAA and the Defense Logistics Agency discussed the challenges of data fragmentation. Dr. Neil Jacobs of NOAA noted that while the agency collects vast amounts of data from satellites, ships, and aircraft, managing these disparate datasets remains a significant hurdle for AI integration.

Simultaneously, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released its 2027-2032 Strategic Plan. The plan emphasizes the need for expanded AI adoption, cybersecurity, and technical hiring to help Congress address evolving national security risks and fiscal challenges. The GAO aims to focus on how federal agencies adapt to emerging technologies like quantum computing and generative AI to improve government accountability and performance.