Millions of US federal government workers are about to get a new AI assistant on their devices for free in the form of Microsoft Copilot. The move is part of a deal between Microsoft and the US General Services Administration (GSA) that’s also expected to save taxpayers $3.1 billion in its first year.
The centrepiece of this huge new agreement is a full year of Microsoft 365 Copilot at no extra cost for government workers using the high-security G5 licence. This is a push to get the latest AI tools into the hands of public servants quickly and safely, aiming to improve how the government operates.
Microsoft pushes the US government into the AI era
This deal aims to place the US government at the forefront of AI adoption. It’s a direct response to the administration’s AI Action Plan, designed to bring the power of modern artificial intelligence to everything from managing citizen enquiries to analysing complex data.
“OneGov represents a paradigm shift in federal procurement that is leading to immense cost savings, achieved by leveraging the purchasing power of the entire federal government,” explained FAS Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum.
The free Copilot offer is specifically for users on the Microsoft 365 G5 plan, the premium tier for departments that handle sensitive information and require the tightest security protocols. But the benefits extend further, with the deal helping agencies to use AI for automating routine tasks, freeing up people to focus on the work that matters most.
The agreement also makes it cheaper and easier for different departments to modernise their technology. By offering big discounts on Azure cloud services and getting rid of data transfer fees, it tac