Altman presses federal agencies to embrace AI as discount takes effect
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman urged federal officials to adopt AI quickly, saying government must keep pace with the technology. The event came as OpenAI and GSA offer agencies a 50% consumption-based discount on ChatGPT models starting Oct. 1. Officials from more than two dozen cabinet agencies and federal entities attended.
At an event held at OpenAI’s Washington office, CEO Sam Altman told federal attendees that agencies must stay current with rapidly advancing AI and become familiar with it. Representatives from more than two dozen cabinet agencies and federal entities already using ChatGPT tools were present, an OpenAI spokesperson said.
The gathering followed a GSA-OpenAI agreement creating a consumption-based OneGov discount. Beginning Oct. 1, agencies receive half off token usage plus no-cost platform access, replacing a prior $1 annual per-agency arrangement that ends Sept. 30. Some procurement specialists worry employees’ expectations of continued ChatGPT access may raise agency expenses.
Federal employees and contractors may gain faster access to AI tools, potentially changing workflows, procurement, and oversight. Taxpayers could see either efficiency gains or higher costs depending on usage and controls. State, local, and tribal governments might also benefit from broader access under the agreement. As agencies integrate these systems, questions about data handling, accountability, and workforce readiness may become more prominent.