OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic get green light for civilian AI use in the US

The federal government has granted approval for OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic to serve as official suppliers of artificial intelligence technologies, simplifying access for federal agencies to state-of-the-art language models. This significant decision was announced by the General Services Administration (GSA), the primary purchasing entity for the government. With this new arrangement, AI solutions such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Anthropic's Claude will be accessible through a centralized federal contracting platform known as the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). Previously, government departments faced lengthy negotiations to procure AI technologies, but this development allows for a much quicker acquisition and deployment process, thanks to pre-established contract terms. GSA officials confirmed that these AI tools met required performance and security standards, although the exact details of the contracts remain undisclosed. The agency has a history of leveraging its purchasing power to negotiate lower prices from major software providers like Adobe and Salesforce. Additionally, there is potential for more AI vendors to be included in the future, as the current trio was simply ahead in the approval process. "We’re not choosing winners or losers," stated GSA Deputy Administrator Stephen Ehikian. "Our goal is to provide a variety of tools for diverse applications across government departments." This initiative aims to broaden the use of AI beyond pilot programs and national security applications. Agencies such as the Treasury Department and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) have already expressed interest in integrating these technologies. AI has previously been trialed in various areas, including patent processing, fraud detection, grant evaluations, and copy editing. OPM Director Scott Kupor highlighted that AI tools could enhance public services, such as developing chatbots for inquiries or swiftly summarizing extensive public comments during policy changes—a task that usually requires weeks of work. However, Kupor also noted a concern regarding the existing workforce: "We’re probably missing individuals who are well-versed in modern AI tools," he remarked, indicating a potential need for hiring more tech-savvy personnel. "We can’t just throw things against the wall and see what sticks." This announcement follows closely behind recent executive orders signed by President Donald Trump regarding AI, including a mandate that any AI solutions utilized by federal agencies must remain "free from ideological bias." Each agency will be responsible for enforcing this requirement, according to the GSA. “This is a race,” commented Josh Gruenbaum, head of the GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service. “And as the president stated, we’re determined to win it.” While the Pentagon has already awarded distinct AI contracts to OpenAI and Elon Musk's xAI, this new announcement centers on civilian applications of artificial intelligence.