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SIIA Provides Comments on FAR Case 2024-001 on Inflation Adjustment of Acquisition-Related Thresholds

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The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA) submitted comments on FAR Case 2024-001, emphasizing strong support for increasing the Micro-Purchase Threshold (MPT) and Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT). These adjustments are critical to enhancing government efficiency, fostering innovation, and enabling greater engagement with small businesses and startups. By reducing administrative barriers and promoting rapid adoption of emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing, the proposed changes will streamline procurement processes and expand opportunities for diverse vendors.

SIIA also highlights the significant cost savings, risk mitigation, and flexibility these increases would bring, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively while modernizing federal technology acquisition. The association calls for further legislative and regulatory action to maximize the benefits for government agencies and the tech industry alike.

Full Letter Here
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SIIA Joins Organizations in Opposing Virginia’s Digital Replication Right Act

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The Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA) and a coalition of public interest organizations and trade associations have expressed their opposition to Virginia’s proposed HB 2462, the “Digital Replication Right Act,” citing significant procedural and constitutional concerns. The letter highlights the lack of public examination of the bill’s premises and language, as well as its similarities to the federal NO FAKES Act, which has not undergone sufficient legislative scrutiny.

The coalition argues that HB 2462 conflicts with federal copyright law, imposes undue liability on online service providers, and infringes on free speech rights. They also point out that Virginia already has protections against the unauthorized commercial use of a person’s likeness, making the proposed legislation duplicative and potentially unconstitutional. The letter urges lawmakers to reject the bill and approach these issues with caution to safeguard both consumers and industry.

Full Letter Here
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Striking the Balance: SIIA’s Testimony on State AI Legislation

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Bethany Abbate, representing the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), testified before the Multistate AI Policymaker Working Group to advocate for balanced AI legislation that fosters innovation while protecting consumers. She emphasized SIIA’s role as a trusted voice for innovation policy and outlined key principles for AI regulation:

    1. Encouraging Innovation: Legislation should focus on high-risk uses, avoiding overly prescriptive approaches that may hinder growth.
    2. Promoting Alignment: States should aim for consistency with existing frameworks, like the NIST AI Risk Management Framework, to avoid a patchwork of laws.
    3. Protecting Consumers: Laws should target misuse of AI tools while maintaining access to beneficial innovations.
    4. Careful Regulation of AI in Education: Broad regulation risks undermining personalized learning and administrative support; a more targeted approach is recommended.

Bethany provided detailed feedback on:

    • Model Legislation and CT Bill: Recommendations included refining definitions (e.g., “algorithmic discrimination”), clarifying accountability to focus on deployers, and avoiding disclosure requirements that risk exposing trade secrets. Concerns were raised about the feasibility of content labeling requirements and the potential impact on AI use in education.
    • Texas Responsible AI Governance Act: SIIA supported its alignment with national standards but suggested clarifying definitions, responsibilities across the AI value chain, and governance roles to prevent enforcement challenges.

In closing, SIIA commended the Working Group’s efforts and urged continued stakeholder engagement to refine legislation. The organization stands ready to assist in crafting policies that protect consumers and promote innovation.

Video
Written Testimony
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Shaping the Future of Tech Policy: SIIA’s 2025 Policy Priorities

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The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) has outlined its 2025 policy priorities to guide technological and information-driven innovation. These priorities focus on four key areas:

    1. Strengthening U.S. Leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI): SIIA advocates for federal investments in AI research and development to maintain global competitiveness and national security. This includes supporting the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act, expanding the National AI Research Resource, and promoting agile AI procurement practices within federal agencies. Additionally, SIIA emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to harmonize AI regulations and standards.
    2. Modernizing Digital Information Policy: To balance consumer protection with business innovation, SIIA calls for updates to digital information policies. This involves establishing a federal privacy framework that preempts state laws, ensuring data protection while fostering innovation. SIIA also supports policies that promote transparency and accountability in digital content management.
    3. Cultivating Next-Generation Leaders and Workforce: Recognizing the evolving job market, SIIA stresses the need for educational programs that equip individuals with skills in AI and emerging technologies. This includes integrating AI literacy into educator training and ongoing professional development, as well as refining educational offerings to align with workforce demands.
    4. Advancing Innovation Domestically and Internationally: SIIA supports policies that foster a pro-innovation digital ecosystem, including advocating for solutions to algorithmic bias and other diversity, equity, and inclusion concerns. The association also promotes public-private partnerships to combat disinformation and enhance content integrity.

By addressing these areas, SIIA aims to create a balanced policy environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding consumer interests.

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