NIST AI Risk Management Framework
January 2023 — Published (voluntary adoption, ongoing updates)
medium risk framework
Voluntary for all US organizations. Effectively mandatory for US federal agencies. Strongly recommended for government contractors and critical infrastructure operators.
Overview
The NIST AI Risk Management Framework provides voluntary guidance for managing AI-related risks across organizations. Organized around four core functions: GOVERN, MAP, MEASURE, and MANAGE. Widely adopted as best practice guidance.
Key Requirements
- GOVERN: Establish AI risk governance policies and processes
- MAP: Categorize AI systems and identify relevant risks
- MEASURE: Analyze, assess, benchmark, and monitor AI risks
- MANAGE: Prioritize and address AI risks based on measurement
- Document AI system design, development, and deployment
- Establish accountability across the AI lifecycle
- Consider bias, fairness, explainability, and privacy
- Implement continuous monitoring practices
Implementation Guidance
- 1Start with GOVERN tier: identify stakeholders and establish an AI risk committee
- 2Complete an AI inventory using MAP guidance
- 3Select appropriate metrics from the AI RMF Playbook
- 4Align with existing risk management programs
- 5Cross-reference with NIST Cybersecurity Framework
Penalties for Non-Compliance
No penalties (voluntary framework). Non-compliance with federal agency AI policies may affect contracts.
Framework Details
Short Name
NIST AI RMF
Jurisdiction
United States
Status
Risk Level
Enforcement Date
January 2023 — Published (voluntary adoption, ongoing updates)
Affected Organizations
Voluntary for all US organizations. Effectively mandatory for US federal agencies. Strongly recommended for government contractors and critical infrastructure operators.
Tags
This is educational guidance only. Always consult qualified legal counsel for compliance decisions affecting your organization.