Potentially all of government civilian employees are covered by the deal, reaching some 2—3 million in the current federal workforce. That would be a boon for OpenAI, but more in the sense of prestige than in usage, as ChatGPT currently has around 700 million weekly users.
The agreement could likely cement a full year of entrenched habits, history and preferred use if successful — basically locking in OpenAI as the preferred AI provider across federal agencies.
— One of the best ways to make sure AI works for everyone is to put it in the hands of the people serving our country, said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Can shave over 90 minutes off the schedule
OpenAI does have some experience with government, having worked with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to shave a full 95 minutes of daily routine work.
— Whether managing complex budgets, analyzing threats to national security, or handling day-to-day operations of public offices, all public servants deserve access to the best technology available, OpenAI says in their announcement
The idea now is to provide not just the chatbot to government users, but to also train the workforce in using it efficiently, which could be a monumental task.
Academy already set up
OpenAI has set up an academy and forum for government users, containing helpful tips and videos for how to get started, and a standalone site for videos and tutorials.
They are also offering «partner-led sessions» to help get started, and have been teaming with the likes of Boston Consulting Group on the matter.
In addition to the one-year $1 plan, government workers will also have 60-day access to unlimited use of advanced models, such as Deep Research and Advanced Voice Mode, the GSA and OpenAI say.
—We encourage other American AI technology companies to follow OpenAI’s lead and work with us as GSA’s OneGov continues to modernize and streamline government operations, GSA Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum said in a press release.
Read more: OpenAI’s announcement, GSA press release. Writeups on TechCrunch and Wired.