OpenAI Pivots to Build a Strong U.S. AI Hardware Supply Chain
Summary
OpenAI has launched a major, decade-long push to strengthen the US role in AI hardware by inviting domestic manufacturers and suppliers to respond to a request for proposals (RFP). The programme seeks partners able to produce a wide range of physical technologies for AI infrastructure — not just chips, but server racks, networking and cabling, power and cooling systems, electromechanical modules, and robotic components.
The move is part of a strategic effort to reshore critical manufacturing, shorten delivery times, diversify suppliers and increase resilience for the company’s planned large-scale computing projects (including its multi-partner Stargate data centre programme). Proposals are due by June 2026, with vendor selection expected in early 2027 and joint planning to follow.
Key Points
- OpenAI issued an RFP seeking US-based manufacturers and suppliers for a decade-long build-out of physical AI infrastructure.
- The RFP covers a broad set of hardware beyond chips: server racks, networking and cabling, power & cooling, electromechanical modules, and robotic parts like gearboxes and motors.
- The initiative aims to onshore production, shorten lead times, diversify sources and build supply-chain resilience for large-scale AI deployments.
- This push complements OpenAI’s Stargate data centre programme and signals significant investment in computing and power infrastructure.
- Timetable: proposals due June 2026; vendor selection expected early 2027; joint planning to start thereafter.
- OpenAI’s RFP could influence national manufacturing strategy amid growing industry and government focus on industrial capacity and strategic supply chains.
Context and relevance
The announcement matters to logistics, manufacturing and industrial planners because it reframes AI rollout as a heavy industrial challenge — not just a software or chip problem. For firms in fabrication, power systems, cabling, rack assembly, and robotics, the RFP creates potential long-term demand and partnership opportunities. For policymakers, it underscores private-sector impetus to onshore supply chains for strategic tech.
Why should I read this?
Quick version: OpenAI isn’t just buying chips — it’s trying to build the plumbing for next-gen AI in the US. If you work in supply chain, data centre build, manufacturing or industrial policy, this could mean new contracts, longer-term demand and a shift in where and how AI hardware gets made. Read it because it flags opportunities and supply-chain changes before they hit procurement tenders and planning cycles — and because the deadlines (June 2026 proposals, selection early 2027) are coming fast.