Meta’s Llama, the first free and open source AI model cleared for federal use, promises agencies greater data control and lower costs while advancing the government’s AI adoption drive.
The US government has officially approved Meta’s Llama artificial intelligence system for agency use, marking a significant milestone in the adoption of commercial AI tools. The approval, secured under the General Services Administration’s (GSA) OneGov program, positions Meta alongside Google, AWS, Microsoft, and OpenAI as authorised AI vendors for federal departments.
Llama stands apart as the first open source, free model to enter this list, offering federal agencies a cost-effective alternative to proprietary systems. Its open-source framework ensures agencies retain full control over their data while giving them the flexibility to build, deploy, and scale applications at reduced costs, ultimately lowering the burden on taxpayers.
The approval aligns with the Trump administration’s broader initiative to accelerate AI adoption across government, streamlining procurement through a centralised list of vetted, secure, and legally compliant technologies.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg underscored the company’s commitment, stating: “Meta wants to ensure that all Americans see the benefit of AI through better, more efficient public services.”
Government representatives also stressed neutrality in the process. Josh Gruenbaum, GSA Procurement Lead, commented: “The goal of integrating such tools is to improve the country, not to benefit any single company or curry favour with the president.”
Federal agencies are expected to deploy Llama for tasks such as expediting contract reviews, resolving IT issues, and testing AI solutions securely. These use cases align with the objectives of America’s AI Action Plan, which seeks to harness AI while safeguarding sensitive information.
Meta’s offer comes as tech rivals pitch their own government AI models—OpenAI and Anthropic at $1 per agency annually, Google’s Gemini at $0.47, and Microsoft’s Copilot at discounted rates. With FedRAMP prioritising AI cloud authorisations, Llama’s entry strengthens the government’s AI ecosystem while highlighting the strategic edge of open-source innovation.
