The National Institute of Standards and Technology is seeking industry input on practices and methodologies for assessing the secure development and deployment of artificial intelligence agents.
In a request for information posted on the Federal Register Wednesday, NIST said responses will support the mission of the Center for AI Standards and Innovation, or CAISI, to evaluate and develop guidelines to mitigate security risks associated with AI.
The agency specifically wants comments on security threats, technical controls, assessment methods, deployment safeguards and research priorities.
Responses are due March 9.
Gain a deeper understanding of AI implementation and capabilities at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 19. Experts from across industry and government will be present at the event to share insights into the rapidly evolving technology. Click here to join.
Table of Contents
What Security Risks Are Associated With Agentic AI?
NIST explained in the RFI that AI agents can autonomously plan and take actions that may impact real-world systems. The technology can also be deployed with little to no human oversight.
According to the agency, AI agents face security vulnerabilities also present in more traditional software systems. However, they also introduce novel risks that, if exploited, may pose a threat to public safety and slow down the adoption of AI.
The documents identify hijacking, backdoor attacks and data poisoning as some of the risks associated with agentic AI.
What Is CAISI?
CAISI, housed within NIST, was established to serve as industry’s primary point of contact within the government for evaluating and securing commercial AI, especially capabilities that may pose risks to national security.
In December, the organization posted a call for AI experts to work on initiatives that promote AI safety and competition.
Related Articles
The Senate has confirmed Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve as vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army. The Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Army Summit on June 18 will convene senior Army leaders and industry stakeholders for keynotes, panels and GovCon networking focused on how the revitalized service is reshaping contracting, modernization and technology efforts to deliver on its 2030 goals. Register now to join the event. According to a congressional notice, the confirmation vote took place Tuesday, following LaNeve’s nomination by the Trump administration in October 2025. LaNeve will succeed Gen. James Mingus, who has served in the position since January 2024,
Cameron Stanley, a defense technology executive, has emerged as the top candidate for the chief digital and artificial intelligence officer, or CDAO, position at the Department of War, DefenseScoop reported Wednesday. According to sources, Stanley could assume the role in January. Join us for the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Artificial Intelligence Summit on March 19, featuring top voices from agencies and industry. Sign up now to explore cutting-edge use cases and be part of the conversation shaping the future of AI in government. What’s Behind the Leadership Change at the Pentagon CDAO Office? The news comes nearly a month after
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at reshaping defense contracting by restricting stock buybacks, corporate distributions and executive compensation practices that the administration says undermine military readiness. According to a White House fact sheet published Wednesday, the EO aims to ensure that defense companies focus on innovation, production capacity and on-time delivery of capabilities to meet the needs of U.S. warfighters. The executive order came roughly two months after Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, a previous Wash100 awardee, unveiled sweeping Pentagon acquisition reforms designed to speed up capability delivery, boost commercial technology use and hold industry accountable