Google DeepMind, Microsoft and Elon Musk’s xAI agree to provide the US government early access to new “frontier” AI models for security and national-security evaluations before public release, according to multiple reports. The reviews are set to be carried out through the US Department of Commerce’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI), which is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Under the arrangements, the companies share models or related materials so CAISI can conduct “pre-deployment evaluations” and “targeted research” focused on assessing capabilities and risks relevant to national security. One report describes the access as involving models with safeguards reduced or removed, specifically so government evaluators can examine how the systems might be used for national-security-related purposes. The companies and the government coordinate the testing prior to the models being deployed more broadly to the public. The announcement comes amid ongoing US policy discussions and the consideration of an AI executive order referenced by some outlets.