Driving the future of government: U.S. Department of Transportation selects Google Workspace as new agency-wide collaboration suite

The U.S. government is rapidly transforming how it operates, driven by the need for greater efficiency, enhanced security, and the powerful integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into public service delivery. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently achieved a significant milestone that exemplifies this commitment to modernization: becoming the first cabinet-level agency to fully transition its workforce away from legacy providers to Google Workspace with Gemini, using the General Services Administration (GSA) OneGov Strategy.

More than 50,000 DOT employees, including those from all transportation modes – ranging from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – will be able to take advantage of Workspace’s modern suite of cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools, including apps like Gmail, Docs, Drive, and Meet to help employees securely connect, create, and collaborate. More than 12,000 users have access today, with 40,000 more coming on in 2026.

This is a major step forward to support DOT’s mission to ensure the United States has the safest, most efficient, and modern transportation system in the world. The successful execution of this transformation, in partnership with Google Public Sector and GSA, demonstrates how forward-thinking federal leadership is actively embracing best-in-class commercial innovation to better serve the public. Through this collaborative effort, the team was able to deploy the foundational system and migrate initial users to Workspace in just 22 days.

Breaking from a legacy technology past

Like many federal agencies, the DOT stood at a critical juncture. Legacy technology providers continued to offer outdated solutions, loaded with expensive add-ons for AI. In addition, years of costly breaches – in part due to outdated software architectures – made it clear that some technology vendors did not prioritize security or a security-first culture.

As U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy underscored earlier this year, “Safety and efficiency are not mutually exclusive, and we need a government that’s lean, futuristic, and bold enough to build big without the baggage of an overbearing bureaucracy and outdated technology.” Faced with these challenges, the agency sought a secure, cost-effective, and AI-forward platform to power its mission.

Leveraging GSA’s OneGov Strategy, DOT secured Workspace’s advanced capabilities required for its critical mission. This move aligns directly with the vision articulated in President Donald Trump’s America’s AI Action Plan and executive orders on cybersecurity and commercial technology, demonstrating that agencies can – and should – prioritize competitive access to the private sector’s most advanced solutions.

AI and innovation as an engine for the workforce

Employees across the DOT workforce are now equipped with our most intelligent AI models with Gemini, as well as powerful tools like NotebookLM, integrated seamlessly into their daily workflows.

For example, employees can now leverage NotebookLM to rapidly synthesize complex research for executive briefings, while Gemini streamlines contracting and communications. And, with the addition of Chrome Enterprise Premium, the agency gains long-awaited BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) capabilities, offering employees the flexibility to securely use any mobile or PC device they choose in the workplace. With AI integrated across Google Workspace, all staff can work smarter and faster, directly strengthening the safety and reliability of our nation’s transportation systems.

Enhancing the standard for trust and resilience

Security and compliance are paramount to DOT’s mission. The DOT has provided a successful model for how to achieve maximum security standards without compromising capability. By choosing a unified, cloud-native platform – including Workspace Enterprise Plus complemented by Assured Controls Plus for 100% U.S.-based support – the DOT is able to reinforce its cybersecurity posture against modern threats. As Google Workspace, Gemini in Workspace apps and the Gemini app are FedRAMP High authorized, we meet the government's most rigorous security standards—empowering agencies like the DOT to adopt cutting-edge generative AI without compromising on data sovereignty.

This comprehensive approach, supported by Google's Professional Services Organization (PSO) and our partner Daston Corporation, demonstrates a commitment by the DOT to ensure its employees enjoy a seamless transition to Workspace. The team is also leveraging best practices for training and change management, including both remote and in-person support, helping employees to redesign their workflows using Gemini, and hosting engaging office-hours sessions to share top tips and tricks.

A new blueprint for federal excellence

The leadership demonstrated by Secretary Duffy and the DOT team creates a clear blueprint for cabinet-level peers. Technology modernization can be made without compromising security, with integrated, best-in-class AI that empowers the public service workforce.

We are committed to supporting the DOT’s digital transformation and stand ready to help other federal leaders across the government adopt this blueprint for their own mission successes.

Check out the highlights from our recent Google Public Sector Summit, where public sector organizations gathered to share how they are applying the latest Google AI and security technologies to advance their missions.