The Data Integration Support Center (DISC) at WestEd has developed extensive expertise in implementing secure AI environments within organizational constraints. Through hands-on experience building WestEd’s own secure AI infrastructure and supporting various implementation projects, DISC has compiled practical guidance that addresses the full life cycle of AI deployment—from initial planning and resource allocation to technical implementation and ongoing operations.
This resource collection provides public agencies with evidence-based guidance for navigating the complexities of secure AI implementation. These materials cover essential considerations, including infrastructure requirements, technical methodologies, policy frameworks, and practical decision-making tools to help organizations build robust, trustworthy AI capabilities that serve their missions while protecting sensitive data and maintaining public trust.
Building a Secure Generative Artificial Intelligence Environment for Research Use
By B. Rodriguez, A. El-Amin, and L. Tiderman
This spotlight provides an overview of DISC’s support for WestEd’s implementation of a secure AI environment, including the risks, benefits, and effort of the implementation, to inform your organization’s discussions on AI. It includes information on how DISC can support public agencies by facilitating structured discussions and assisting with AI strategy formation to ensure organizations build fundamentally sound foundations for AI.
Building a Secure AI Environment: Implementation Plan
By S. Kock, B. Rodriguez, and L. Tiderman
This implementation guide provides a structured methodology for establishing secure AI environments within public sector constraints. Based on empirical deployment experience, this brief details the technical, procedural, and organizational steps required for successful implementation.
Fine-Tuning Models in a Secure AI Environment: Technical Implementation
By B. LeBeau, M. Clarke, B. Rodriguez, and S. Quesen
The implementation details and results in this brief provide a foundation for understanding the fine-tuning process. For organizations thinking about their own fine-tuning projects, a companion brief titled “Fine-Tuning Models in a Secure AI Environment: Practical Considerations” addresses common questions about model selection, data requirements, evaluation approaches, and practical considerations to help guide decision-making.
Fine-Tuning Models in a Secure AI Environment: Practical Considerations
By B. LeBeau, M. Clarke, M., B. Rodriguez, and S. Quesen
WestEd recently implemented a model fine-tuning project within its secure AI environment to improve the generation of English language arts (ELA) assessment content. Building on that implementation experience, this brief captures key insights through a series of questions and answers with members of the project team.
Maintaining a Secure AI Environment: Resource Considerations
By S. Kock, B. Rodriguez, and L. Tiderman
This brief examines the resources needed to set up and maintain a secure AI environment. The information is informed by WestEd’s experience implementing its own secure internal AI environment in response to staff members’ requests for access to GenAI tools to enhance efficiency. The brief includes examples related to personnel, software and licensing, cloud environment, and ongoing operations. Understanding these practical considerations is essential for agencies to make informed decisions about their AI implementation strategy and to ensure that their investment creates lasting value while maintaining security and trust.
AI and Your Agency Data Systems
This graphic outlines the necessary conditions for integrating secure, robust AI technologies that enhance your integrated data systems.
Let’s Talk AI: Ethics, Data, and Policy
Watch this recorded conversation on building trust and fairness in AI, presented by DISC during Data Privacy Week 2025. Assessment expert Sarah Quesen and DISC Executive Director Baron Rodriguez share their experience in developing frameworks for responsible AI. They address practical questions for organizations considering AI: quality standards, necessary resources, and implementation processes. Drawing from their firsthand experience in developing a framework for responsible AI use, they provide valuable insights that apply across various sectors and organizations.
Speakers:
Baron Rodriguez, Executive Director, Data Integration Support Center at WestEd. Vice President, Artificial Intelligence, Client-Facing Technology, and Compliance
Sarah Quesen, Director, Assessment Research and Innovation
Learn More
To learn more, visit the Data Integration Support Center (DISC) at WestEd.
