Key Takeaways
- Federal workers will gain free access to Meta’s Llama AI models through a new agreement with the General Services Administration (GSA).
- The open-source nature of Llama allows agencies to maintain control over data while reducing AI application costs.
- This follows other technology companies offering discounted AI products to federal agencies, enhancing government efficiency.
New AI Partnership with Meta
Federal workers will soon have free access to Meta’s Llama artificial intelligence models thanks to a recent deal with the General Services Administration (GSA). Announced on Monday, the agreement provides federal agencies with open-source AI tools at no cost, allowing them to maintain control over data processing and storage.
The GSA stated that the open-source format of the Llama models allows technical teams to build and scale AI applications economically, delivering value to taxpayers. Meta’s free offering emerges in a competitive landscape where several tech companies are pricing their AI products competitively for government use. The Trump administration had been advocating for the integration of emerging technologies to optimize federal workflows.
Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed the company’s aim to ensure that “all Americans see the benefit of AI through better, more efficient public services.” Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of the GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service, highlighted Llama’s unique advantages for various government use cases.
The recent agreement also follows earlier federal approvals allowing Amazon to utilize Meta’s AI models in sensitive government computing settings. Alongside Meta, other AI providers like OpenAI and Anthropic are offering their models to federal agencies for $1 per agency annually, while Google has introduced its “Gemini for Government” platform at a cost of $0.47 per agency for one year.
In addition, Microsoft recently finalized a deal with the GSA to deliver its M365, Azure Cloud Services, and Dynamics 365 at discounted prices for up to 36 months. Notably, Microsoft’s AI product, Copilot, will be available at no cost to Microsoft 365 users for the next year.
Despite the surge in competitive offers from tech giants, FedRAMP has announced plans to prioritize certain AI cloud services for its authorization. No specific timeline is currently available regarding how long Meta will maintain its free access to Llama products. OpenAI has indicated that agencies may need to transition to paid agreements after an initial trial, while Anthropic is exploring pricing models that balance accessibility with affordability.
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