The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) wants more information on the challenges surrounding data center growth, resilience, and security “amidst a surge of computing power demand due to the development of critical and emerging technologies.”
According to the Sept. 4 request for information (RFI), NTIA will rely on these comments to issue a public report capturing economic and security policy recommendations for fostering safe, secure, and sustainable data center growth.
“Data centers are important enablers for economic growth and technological development,” the RFI says. “Their capabilities for data processing, ubiquitous connectivity, secure storage, cost-efficiency, and economy-wide job creation, among others, yield substantial benefits.”
According to NTIA, there are approximately 5,000 data centers in the United States, and data center demand is projected to grow domestically by roughly nine percent year over year through 2030.
“The expected growth in computing demand, and resulting demand for data centers, present challenges and opportunities for data center operators in balancing market growth, supply chain resilience, and data security,” the RFI says.
The continued growth of the U.S. data center industry hinges on resilient supply chains, access to power, trusted Information and Communications Technology and Services equipment, and a skilled workforce, among other factors, NTIA emphasized.
“Lack of access to trusted equipment and skilled workforce shortages could limit both cyber and physical security functions necessary to protecting critical infrastructure operations,” the RFI says.
“As the adoption of critical and emerging technologies like AI grows, with data centers playing a pivotal role in training and deploying AI models, there may be an amplified need to fortify security measures within these facilities,” NTIA said. “Heightened safeguards and robust security protocols may be necessary to protect the large volumes of data being processed and analyzed in support of cutting-edge applications.”
“Understanding current data security practices and gaps will be necessary in continuing to promote and maintain an open, inclusive, secure, and resilient digital ecosystem,” the RFI says.
The document consists of 11 questions seeking more information on future challenges and opportunities for data centers – including modernization, supply chain risks, and security.
NTIA is issuing the RFI in coordination with the Department of Energy (DoE), given DoE’s mission to ensure American’s security and prosperity through addressing energy challenges with science and technology solutions.
“Given the significant energy needs of data centers, DOE has a strong interest in understanding and supporting growth in the data center sector,” the RFI says. “DOE may use the responses from the request to inform the development of strategies, programs, and other actions to support deployment of technologies and solutions to address data center energy needs.”
Responses to the RFI are due by Nov. 4.
