# GAO Recommends Pentagon Formalize Responsible AI Council

The Government Accountability Office recommended that the Department of War formalize its Responsible AI Working Council with a charter and address staffing gaps in the Chief Digital and AI Office’s Responsible AI Division. As of February 2026, only three of the division’s 10 authorized positions were filled; the department agreed with both recommendations. GAO also asked Congress to consider directing the department to complete two earlier recommendations on AI collaboration and workforce planning. The findings point to continued attention to responsible-AI governance within defense, but identify no specific solicitation, contract, or new contractor compliance requirement.

- Defense contractors developing or supporting AI capabilities may find it useful to document their governance, workforce-planning, and implementation practices in ways that align with the department’s stated focus.
- The staffing gap and recommendations signal potential internal capacity needs, but the report does not identify a funded procurement or a particular services requirement.
- Companies should not interpret these recommendations as a new mandatory contractor obligation; no such obligation is specified in the signal.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- Government Accountability Office (GAO)
- Department of War (DOW)
- Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO)
- Congress

### Sources
- [GAO Urges Pentagon to Fix Responsible AI Council, Staffing](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/gao-pentagon-responsible-ai-council-cdao-workforce) - ExecutiveGov