OpenAI Offers ChatGPT Enterprise to Federal Agencies for $1 Under GSA OneGov Deal

OpenAI has secured a major government contract by offering ChatGPT Enterprise to all federal executive branch agencies for just $1 per agency over the next year. The deal, facilitated through a partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), marks a significant step in the federal government’s push to integrate AI tools into public sector workflows. The GSA recently added OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic to its Multiple Award Schedule (MAS), a pre-approved federal procurement platform that allows agencies to quickly access AI services without individual negotiations. The initiative aligns with the Trump administration’s AI Action Plan, unveiled in July, which aims to accelerate AI adoption across government, expand data center infrastructure, and promote U.S.-based AI innovation. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hailed the agreement as a key milestone in delivering on that vision. “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,” Altman said in a press release. The company emphasized that the low-cost access is intended to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and help public servants focus on mission-critical work. Beyond the $1 fee, OpenAI is providing federal agencies with unlimited access to its advanced AI models for 60 days and offering dedicated training resources through its OpenAI Academy. A new government-specific user community has also been launched to support collaboration and knowledge sharing. OpenAI confirmed that government data—including inputs and outputs—will not be used to train or improve its models, addressing key security concerns. The company’s efforts build on its earlier launch of ChatGPT Gov, a government-tailored version of its platform. Since January, over 90,000 users across more than 3,500 federal, state, and local agencies have sent over 18 million messages. Early adopters include the Air Force Research Laboratory, which uses ChatGPT for administrative tasks, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, which leverages it for scientific research. A pilot program in Pennsylvania reportedly saved employees an average of 95 minutes per day on routine work. This deal gives OpenAI a strategic advantage over rivals like Anthropic and Google, both of which are also on the GSA’s approved list but have not offered comparable discounts. While Google and Anthropic have not yet disclosed pricing details, GSA Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum encouraged other American AI companies to follow OpenAI’s lead in supporting federal adoption. The move also reflects OpenAI’s growing alignment with the Trump administration. Since Trump’s return to office, CEO Sam Altman has met with him multiple times, including a high-profile dinner at Trump’s New Jersey golf club, where the president praised Altman as “a very brilliant man.” This close relationship has raised questions about potential political influence on AI procurement, especially given Trump’s recent executive order banning AI models deemed “ideologically neutral” or “woke” from government use. Despite the benefits, concerns remain over data security. The GSA confirmed that agencies are taking a “security-first approach,” though details on whether on-premises or private cloud deployments are being used to protect sensitive information remain limited. TechCrunch has requested further clarification on safeguards. Overall, OpenAI’s $1 deal represents a transformative moment for government AI adoption, combining affordability, accessibility, and tailored support. It could set a precedent for how federal agencies leverage AI to improve efficiency—while also intensifying competition among tech giants vying for influence in the public sector.