General Services Administration Issues Immediate AI Acquisition Clause Deviation
The General Services Administration (GSA) has issued an artificial intelligence (AI) acquisition clause as a class deviation from its regulations. This policy, detailed in a regulation overhaul memo updated recently, is now immediately usable by contracting officers. Previously, the GSA had proposed a rule to amend federal regulations for AI acquisitions and sought public comment on drafts in two rounds. The agency ultimately decided to implement this class deviation from the GSA’s Acquisition Regulation first. While the memo indicates the deviation will be formally effective on October 19, 2026, contracting officers have the discretion to use it immediately, and existing contracts can be modified at their discretion. This move streamlines the process for federal, state, and local government buyers to acquire modern IT solutions and professional services, including AI technologies, from approved commercial vendors.
