White House Mandates 'Super Intelligence' Terminology for Federal Agencies

On September 29, 2026, President Donald Trump signed a groundbreaking executive order that fundamentally changes the way federal agencies will reference artificial intelligence (AI), now termed "super intelligence" or "SI." The executive order demonstrates a strategic pivot in how the government communicates advancements in technology, reflecting a broader commitment to modernize the language surrounding AI applications. As articulated in the executive order issued by the White House, the shift to super intelligence aims to more accurately encapsulate the rapidly evolving capabilities of AI and its integration into federal operations.

The order stipulates that federal agencies must phase in this new terminology in all official and public correspondence, including reports, policy documents, websites, and other communications within the limitations of legal statutes. While this change does not require the revision of existing contracts or historical documents, it signals that future materials must adhere to this new lexicon. Furthermore, the executive order grants the assistant to the president for science and technology a period of 60 days to propose an official legislative definition for super intelligence, which could potentially redefine or expand upon existing definitions of AI.

This directive represents a significant moment for AI policy within the federal government as it aims to enhance clarity and precision in discussions surrounding the technology. The implications for contractors and vendors are substantial; those doing business with federal agencies must now consider the implications of this terminology adjustment on their proposal language, deliverables, and communications with applicable agencies. Companies that specialize in AI solutions may find themselves needing to update not only technical documents but also marketing materials and internal communications to reflect the new terminology.

In a related yet separate action, leaders from six major technology companies—including Google, Meta, OpenAI, and others—signed a voluntary Industry Accord that emphasizes the importance of safety and rigor in the development and deployment of frontier AI models. This accord outlines a framework for responsibility, accountability, and robust internal controls intended to ensure that the technologies behave as intended. Each participating company has committed to enhancing its internal processes, implementing four layers of oversight, and establishing partnerships with external auditors to maintain benchmarks for safety and performance.

The joint commitment underscores a proactive approach from within the private sector to self-regulate and monitor the evolving complexities associated with AI technology. Statements made by industry leaders highlighted the intent to prioritize the safety and ethical considerations of AI applications in line with federal standards. Notable figures, including Elon Musk and Sundar Pichai, conveyed a collective commitment to ensuring that AI technologies maintain public trust and meet safety requirements.

Although the adoption of the new terminology and industry standards does not come with immediate funding opportunities or contract announcements, it marks a noteworthy shift in policy that contractors should keep in mind. The 60-day timeline for proposed definitions creates a short window for industry and government collaboration, with the upcoming 2026 FedCiv Summit on October 29 providing an essential platform for discussions about these changes and their implications for federal IT modernization and cybersecurity efforts. As the landscape evolves, contractors are encouraged to align their operations and strategies with new federal directives and anticipatory actions to stay competitive and compliant in this changing environment.