Allowed with disclosure. The funder lets applicants use AI and requires or asks them to say where they used it.
What applicants may do
- Use AI for drafting or editing narrative content, formatting help, data organization or summarization, literature search or synthesis, and generating tables, figures, or visualizations. The funder's list is not limited to these. [1]
What the funder asks of applicants
- Include an Artificial Intelligence Use Statement in every proposal. It must describe how AI tools or methods were used to prepare the proposal and how AI is expected to be used during the research project. [1]
- For each AI use in preparing the proposal, name the tool, give the purpose, state how much the team relied on AI-generated content, and describe the human review or verification. Also explain how the team ensured accuracy and reduced AI errors or bias. [1]
- If no AI was used, include the exact statement: "No artificial intelligence tools or methods were used in the preparation of this proposal." [1]
- If AI will be used in the research project, describe each planned use. Cover the purpose and expected benefit, the data processed, oversight and validation, limits, risks and biases, and how AI-assisted work will be managed and documented. [1]
- Treat AI-generated results as intermediate inputs. Qualified members of the research team must review, validate, and approve all findings, interpretations, and recommendations. [1]
- Describe how the team will use AI responsibly and ethically, protect data privacy, security, and confidentiality, and document AI use openly. All AI-supported work must meet SDDOT standards for quality, technical accuracy, accessibility, and data integrity. [1]
- If AI use changes during the project, promptly tell the project manager and give all relevant details. [1]
If an applicant breaks the rule
- Proposals that do not follow the instructions, including the required elements such as the AI Use Statement, may hurt their chances of selection and risk disqualification. [1]
Rules for reviewers
South Dakota Department of Transportation has published no rules for reviewers.
Where this comes from
The funder's own words, from its own pages.
The proposal must include a clear and transparent description of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools or methods were used in the preparation of the proposal, as well as how AI is expected to be used during the execution of the research project.
If no AI tools were used in the proposal preparation, state:
“No artificial intelligence tools or methods were used in the preparation of this proposal.”
AI-generated results are considered intermediate inputs.
All findings, interpretations, and recommendations must be reviewed, validated, and approved by qualified personnel on the research team.
If the use of AI evolves or changes during the project, the project manager must be promptly notified and provided with all relevant details regarding the modifications.
Proposals that do not comply with these instructions may jeopardize their chances of selection and risk disqualification.
This is a reading of what the funder has published, and it is not legal advice. A solicitation can set its own rule, so read the funding announcement before a PI applies.