S. 1290: Artificial Intelligence and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act of 2025

This bill is known as the Artificial Intelligence and Critical Technology Workforce Framework Act of 2025. Its main purpose is to enhance the role of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in developing workforce frameworks related to critical and emerging technologies, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

Key Provisions

• Expansion of NIST Functions: The bill expands the responsibilities of the NIST Director to include the development and maintenance of workforce frameworks for various critical and emerging technologies. This includes providing frameworks to industry, government, research organizations, educational institutions, and labor organizations with the goal of supporting scientific and technical education and workforce development.
• Artificial Intelligence Framework: The NIST Director is required to create a specific workforce framework for artificial intelligence within 540 days after the bill's passage. This framework will outline the necessary competencies, work roles, and categories relevant to AI.
• Cybersecurity Workforce Framework Updates: The Director must regularly review and update the existing cybersecurity workforce framework (currently known as the NICE Framework) at least once every three years. Initial updates will need to be reported within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
• Consultation for Framework Development: The NIST Director is tasked with consulting various stakeholders, including federal agencies, educational institutions, nonprofits, and private industry, to develop these workforce frameworks, ensuring they are relevant and beneficial to the workforce.
• Inclusion of Nontraditional Backgrounds: The frameworks must include information for individuals with nontechnical or nontraditional educational backgrounds to help them transition to roles in critical tech fields.
• Multi-language Resources: Resources related to the workforce frameworks are to be produced in multiple languages to promote wider accessibility and adoption.
• Reports to Congress: After assessing the frameworks, the NIST Director will report to Congress about updates and recommendations, ensuring transparency and accountability in the framework development process.
• Career Exploration Resources: The bill also mandates the development of educational resources that help individuals of all ages, from school students to adult workers, explore careers in cybersecurity.

Administration of Frameworks

The Director is authorized to utilize existing models, such as the Playbook for Workforce Frameworks, in creating new frameworks. Each framework will include various competency areas relevant to support, operations, and professional skills necessary for the respective fields.

Assessment Requirements

• Within 180 days of enactment, an assessment must be conducted to identify the need for additional workforce frameworks for emerging technologies, including quantum information science.
• Reports submitted to Congress will summarize proposed changes, outline industry consultations, and discuss ongoing updates to these frameworks.

Workforce Development Goals

The overarching aim of this legislation is to bolster the scientific and technological workforce in the United States, fostering skills and knowledge necessary for emerging fields, thereby addressing skills gaps in AI, cybersecurity, and other critical technology sectors.

Relevant Companies

• AAPL (Apple Inc.): May be impacted by the development of the AI workforce framework as it seeks skilled employees in AI and related fields.
• MSFT (Microsoft Corporation): Likely to benefit from new frameworks that provide more professionals with relevant AI skills for software development and cloud services.
• GOOGL (Alphabet Inc.): A significant player in AI technology, it will likely need a skilled workforce tailored to AI and machine learning operations.
• CSCO (Cisco Systems, Inc.): Could see enhanced availability of cybersecurity professionals due to updated workforce frameworks focusing on cybersecurity education and training.
• AMZN (Amazon.com, Inc.): As a major tech company, it stands to gain from an improved workforce supply aligned with emerging tech competencies.