The AI System Description Template
Template
A starting structure for describing what an AI system actually is, before any risk or compliance conversation begins.
What the system is
- Describe the task the system performs in plain language.
- Note whether it is classic AI, generative AI, RAG-based, agentic, or a combination.
- Record whether the model is proprietary or open-source, and hosted or self-hosted.
Actors and responsibilities
- Name the developer, provider, deployer and user for this system.
- Identify who the affected people are.
- Note any supplier or third-party dependency.
Lifecycle and intended use
- State the current lifecycle stage: development, testing, deployed or retired.
- Describe the intended use and any foreseeable misuse.
- Note the deployment environment and level of autonomy the system has.
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