For federal agencies, AI is becoming part of everyday operations, from customer service and cybersecurity to software development, IT, and data analysis. In March 2024, the Office of Management and Budget directed agencies to establish AI governance structures, inventories, and safeguards for higher-risk applications. Governance as a guardrailAdvertisementEffective AI governance provides a consistent framework for evaluating, deploying, monitoring, and reassessing AI throughout its lifecycle. Strong AI governance rests on four capabilities: repeatable decision frameworks, enterprise visibility, continuous reassessment, and operational flexibility. Ultimately, AI governance should not be measured by the number of policies agencies publish or committees they establish.