# OpenAI offers 50% ChatGPT discount to US federal agencies

Digest AI · Policy & Regulation · published 2026-09-24T21:49:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/openai-offers-50-chatgpt-discount-to-us-federal-agencies

## Summary

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman urged federal officials to accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence during a Thursday event at the company’s Washington, D.C. office. Altman stated that the government must "keep pace" with the rapid evolution of AI to make better decisions in coming years. Officials from over two dozen cabinet agencies and federal entities attended the meeting.

The announcement coincides with a new pricing structure for federal agencies. Starting October 1, government bodies will receive a 50% consumption-based discount on ChatGPT models through a partnership with the General Services Administration (GSA). This new "OneGov" deal replaces a previous agreement that cost $1 per year per agency, which expires on September 30. The new terms include free platform access and apply to token-based usage.

While OpenAI and the Office of Personnel Management praised the deal as a way to support an "AI-ready workforce," some procurement experts have raised concerns. They warn that agencies may face higher costs under the new pricing regime, especially as employees expect continued access to ChatGPT tools.

## Key points

- OpenAI offers federal agencies a 50% consumption-based discount on ChatGPT models starting Oct. 1.
- Sam Altman told officials the government must keep pace with AI to make better decisions.
- The new OneGov deal replaces a $1 per year per agency agreement expiring Sept. 30.

## Why it matters

This deal significantly lowers the barrier for US federal agencies to deploy AI, potentially accelerating government modernization and setting a precedent for public sector AI adoption.

## Sources

1. [OpenAI CEO exhorts ‘critical’ government AI adoption in DC](https://nextgov.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/09/openai-ceo-exhorts-critical-government-ai-adoption-dc/416228) (nextgov.com, 2026-09-24)

## Cite

Digest AI, "OpenAI offers 50% ChatGPT discount to US federal agencies", 24 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/openai-offers-50-chatgpt-discount-to-us-federal-agencies

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