OpenAI’s response to the Department of Energy on AI infrastructure

Development of a Public Solicitation of Private-Sector Proposals for AI Infrastructure Construction, Operation, Maintenance, and Decommissioning on Federal Land

OpenAI maintains deep, mission‑driven collaborations with the US National Laboratories. In January  2025, we launched a multi‑year partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to supercharge national science⁠.

LANL Director Thom Mason has called this partnership “a watershed moment for mission science.”

These collaborations demonstrate how pairing national scientific talent and supercomputing infrastructure with OpenAI’s world-leading AI models can unleash national science and unlock new avenues of inquiry. In responding to this RFI, we recognize the same—that associating industry supercomputer infrastructure with the talent and unparalleled scientific resources of our national labs has potential to expand our synergies, thereby catalyzing American innovation, strengthening national security, and delivering durable economic growth in American communities.  

Streamlined Permitting Processes

Streamlined permitting processes are also essential to enable substantial, timely capital investments in and ultimate construction of AI supercomputer hubs. Whether on or off public lands, accelerated permitting and interconnection through categorical exclusions and programmatic reviews for repeatable deployments; emergency exemptions where warranted and appropriate; shot clocks for assessments and other required processes; and surge staff and prioritization of AI-powered permitting tools across key workflows are essential.

Financial and Contractual Considerations

We advocate for predictable, easy-to-execute lease agreements, as well as innovative approaches to derisk private investment and accelerate completion of AI supercomputer hubs both on and off federal lands.

You can read our full submission to the Department of Energy here⁠(opens in a new window).