In short
The CARB FAQ for the Pre-Proposal Solicitation for Sustainable Transportation and Communities Projects (FY 2024-2025) allows GenAI in pre-proposals. Applicants must disclose its use and certify that they reviewed the material and verified it is accurate. The pages give no guidance for reviewers on using AI in peer review.
Requires disclosure. Applicants may use AI and must say where they used it.
For applicants
- GenAI may be used to prepare pre-proposal materials. The contractor must disclose that it used GenAI to create the pre-proposal. [1]
- Applicants must certify that they reviewed the pre-proposal and verified that all material, including references, is factual and accurate. Inaccurate or non-existent references cost significant points in review and scoring. [1]
- Researchers can describe in the pre-proposal how GenAI will be used as a method to complete project tasks. If awarded, GenAI disclosures to the state are required before the contract, and a risk assessment review of the proposed uses and deliverables is triggered. [1]
- The contract will include Department of General Services GenAI disclosure terms. The contractor must notify the State in writing if it intends to provide GenAI as a deliverable or to use GenAI to complete a deliverable in a way that materially impacts a State system, State risk, or contract performance. Failure to disclose may be a material breach of contract. [1]
- Disclosing GenAI use in completing tasks triggers a risk assessment under Executive Order N-12-23. The contract manager works with the contractor to complete form SIMM 5305-F, and medium or high risk use cases get a more thorough review. [1]
For reviewers
California Air Resources Board has published no rules for reviewers.
Sources
GenAI may be used in the preparation of pre-proposal materials.
At the pre-proposal stage, the contractor must disclose that they’ve used GenAI to create the pre-proposal and certify that they have reviewed the pre-proposal and verified that all material, including references, are factual and accurate.
If inaccurate or non-existent references are detected, the pre-proposal will lose significant points during pre-proposal review and scoring.
In the submitted pre-proposal, researchers can describe how GenAI will be used as a method to complete tasks.
Per the provisions above, failure to disclose use of GenAI may constitute a material breach of Contract.
Disclosure by the Contractor to utilize GenAI in completion of tasks will trigger a risk assessment process in alignment with Executive Order N-12-23 and under the authority of the Department of Technology Office of Information Security.
See California Air Resources Board's 2 open programs
This page summarizes what the funder has published and is not legal advice. Policies change, and one solicitation can add its own rules. Confirm against the funding announcement before you apply.