DIR tells committee it has piloted AI sandbox and offered statewide AI ethics guidance

Tony Sarraf, executive director of the Department of Information Resources, told the committee DIR has launched an AI division, published an AI code of ethics and a standardized notice template, and built a public‑sector AI sandbox to help agencies test AI in a controlled environment.

"We've published an AI standardized notice template that promotes responsible AI use and transparency," Sarraf said during his update. He told members DIR has certified AI training programs and is piloting procurement-as-a-service and procurement-certification work to shorten agency procurement cycles.

Members pressed DIR for metrics to quantify productivity gains from AI and for clearer authority to require agency adoption of shared platforms. Sarraf said many agencies are using productivity tools and that DIR is focused on enabling agencies and providing governance and training, and that measuring efficiency remains a work in progress.

Why it matters: DIR's guidance shapes how state agencies adopt AI tools that affect procurement, service delivery and privacy. The committee signaled interest in more measurable performance metrics and in options to accelerate procurement for IT projects.