Communications with AI Vendors

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Act, I hereby request the following records:

Any electronic or written communications with vendors specializing in "AI" or "Artificial Intelligence" technology, dated from January 1st, 2018 to the present day. This can include (but should not be limited to) communications detailing capabilities, purchase agreements, letters of intent, etc.

As an example to assist with -- but not limit -- your search, SEPTA has announced partnerships and pilot programs with several "AI" vendors:
https://www5.septa.org/media/news/septa-partners-with-ai-developer-for-camera-assisted-transit-pilot/
https://www5.septa.org/media/news/septa-board-approves-zeroeyes-artificial-intelligence-gun-detection-pilot-program/

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Sharp Hall

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to appeal a Right-to-Know request sent to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority that is “Deemed Denied.” On June 15th, 2023, I sent a request for “Any electronic or written communications with vendors specializing in "AI" or "Artificial Intelligence" technology, dated from January 1st, 2018 to the present day. This can include (but should not be limited to) communications detailing capabilities, purchase agreements, letters of intent, etc.” As of this date I have not received a response.

I assert that these are public records as they represent the activity of the agency. Some of these records may be exempt under PA’s Right to Know Act – for example proposals prior to award of a contract. However, I assert that some of these records should now be non-exempt as there are press releases with announcements of partnerships and selections.

The RTK request, submitted on June 15th, is attached alongside this appeal. The agency did not respond to my request, so it is “deemed denied” and I have no written denial to attach or respond to.

Thank you in advance for your attention to this appeal,

Sharp Hall
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To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Act, I hereby request the following records:
Any electronic or written communications with vendors specializing in "AI" or "Artificial Intelligence" technology, dated from January 1st, 2018 to the present day. This can include (but should not be limited to) communications detailing capabilities, purchase agreements, letters of intent, etc.
As an example to assist with -- but not limit -- your search, SEPTA has announced partnerships and pilot programs with several "AI" vendors:
https://www5.septa.org/media/news/septa-partners-with-ai-developer-for-camera-assisted-transit-pilot/
https://www5.septa.org/media/news/septa-board-approves-zeroeyes-artificial-intelligence-gun-detection-pilot-program/
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 5 business days, as the statute requires.
Sincerely,
Sharp Hall

Dear Catherine Hecker,

The original request was attached in my appeal, and it was also sent back to me attached on page 11 of 2023-1435_Hall-SEPTA.pdf. I have included it in an attachment for clarity.

Sincerely,
Sharp Hall