# OpenAI Launches Federal AI Pricing Model

OpenAI announced a new consumption-based pricing model offering a **50% discount on ChatGPT token usage** for federal agencies starting October 1, 2026, replacing the previous flat-fee OneGov agreement. This shift aims to accelerate AI adoption across more than two dozen cabinet-level agencies and federal entities by making AI services more accessible and scalable. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized the critical importance of government adoption of AI technologies to maintain operational capabilities amid rapid technological change. Procurement professionals should anticipate increased opportunities for AI-related contracts and evaluate cost implications under the new pricing structure.

- The new OneGov 2.0 pricing model incentivizes broader AI integration by linking costs to actual consumption rather than a fixed fee.
- Federal agencies including the Office of Personnel Management and others under GSA oversight are primary targets for this expanded AI deployment.
- Procurement teams should assess budget planning to accommodate variable costs associated with token-based pricing starting October 1, 2026.
- AI service providers and contractors can leverage this development to position offerings aligned with government digital transformation initiatives.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 25, 2026

### Government Entities
- General Services Administration (GSA)
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

### Vendors
- OpenAI (prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> We really want to enable the government with this technology. We think it's critical that the government keeps pace [with] the change and stays more capable as time goes on. We really want to be sure the government understands this technology.
> — Sam Altman, CEO, OpenAI

### Sources
- [OpenAI CEO exhorts ‘critical’ government AI adoption in DC - Nextgov/FCW](https://www.nextgov.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/09/openai-ceo-exhorts-critical-government-ai-adoption-dc/416228) - Nextgov/FCW
- [OpenAI CEO exhorts ‘critical’ government AI adoption in DC - Nextgov/FCW](https://www.fcw.com/artificial-intelligence/2026/09/openai-ceo-exhorts-critical-government-ai-adoption-dc/416228) - Nextgov/FCW