OpenAI pushes US-made AI supply chains with new RFP

OpenAI is betting big on domestic manufacturing to power the AI boom, and they just put out a call for help. Today, the company launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) aimed at U.S.-based manufacturers for critical AI infrastructure—think data center hardware, consumer electronics, and robotics components. We’re not just talking about chips and servers; this covers everything from cooling systems to gearboxes and power electronics. The goal? Shorten supply chains, boost resilience, and keep the U.S. in the driver’s seat as AI scales up. This comes on the heels of their Stargate initiative, which is already halfway to a 10-gigawatt capacity target, creating jobs and economic growth in communities nationwide. The RFP will guide OpenAI’s partnerships and procurement, signaling a shift toward a more self-reliant AI ecosystem. Why it matters: By tying AI infrastructure directly to American manufacturing, OpenAI is positioning the technology as not just a software or chip story, but a full-blown industrial strategy that could redefine the country’s economic future.