Meta & GSA Partner to Expand Federal Access to Llama AI Models

Key Takeaways

• Access to Llama. The initiative will give Federal agencies easier access to Meta's Llama AI models.
• Process streamlining. OneGov eliminates agency-by-agency negotiations for AI tools.
• Government operations impact. Federal technical teams can build mission-specific AI solutions while retaining control over sensitive data. 

The US General Services Administration (GSA) has announced a new OneGov initiative with Meta that will provide government-wide access to Meta's Llama open source AI models. The arrangement, announced September 22, 2025, aims to eliminate individual agency negotiations for AI tools, potentially saving time and reducing duplicated efforts across federal departments.

According to GSA officials, the collaboration supports objectives outlined in America's AI Action Plan and relevant Office of Management and Budget memoranda focused on accelerating federal AI adoption.

The initiative focuses on making Meta's open source models more accessible while ensuring they meet federal requirements for consistent, streamlined government use.

Government Agencies Prioritize AI Investments 

Open-source AI models are gaining significant traction amid rising competition and regulatory pressures. Meta's Llama project is part of a broader democratization effort that, according to industry experts, fosters innovation through wider participation. Government agencies from HHS to NIH have been actively investing in AI capabilities across healthcare and other sectors, recognizing potential benefits in cutting complexity, finding patterns and personalizing solutions at scale.

The partnership comes as regulatory frameworks like the EU AI Act and US NIST AI Risk Management Framework push organizations toward stronger governance protocols. Government initiatives offer access to valuable public data across transportation, healthcare and environmental monitoring sectors that can enhance AI applications in policy-making and social services. For federal agencies, open-source models provide greater control over data processing while potentially reducing costs compared to proprietary alternatives.

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Feds Gain Big AI Benefits With Meta Deal

Federal agencies will gain several benefits with the streamlined access to Meta's Llama models, including:

• Data Control: According to GSA, agencies will maintain full control over data processing and storage.
• Cost Efficiency: Technical teams will be able to build and scale AI at lower cost than proprietary options.
• Mission Customization: The initiative aims to enable agencies to develop mission-specific AI solutions.
• Reduced Vendor Dependency: GSA indicates the approach may reduce reliance on closed, proprietary providers.
• Transparency: Open source models potentially foster greater transparency in government AI applications.