Limited Submission Opportunity: National Quantum Virtual Laboratory Pilot Phase

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has released a new solicitation that sets out a vision for a new National Quantum Virtual Laboratory (NQVL).  The NQVL will provide a shared infrastructure framework to support the translation of basic quantum research into new technologies as well as progressing the scientific and technical value of the research.  The NQVL will deploy a convergent, systems engineering approach to support “use-inspired and application-oriented” quantum technologies, as well as exploring new advances in quantum research, fostering quantum workforce education and training, outreach activities, and broadening participation.  This solicitation will support pilot proposals for Quantum Science and Technology Demonstration (QSTD) projects.

The NQVL solicitation includes participation of the NSF Directorates for Biological Sciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE), STEM Education (EDU), Engineering (ENG), Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS), and Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP).  The solicitation sets out the broad vision for NQVL that includes QSTD projects, support for enabling technologies through the Transformative Advances in Quantum Systems (TAQS) program, and a central coordination hub.  NQVL will be established over several years with this solicitation supporting pilot QSTD projects.  Future phases for QSTD and other components of the NQVL will be supported through subsequent solicitations.  Additional information on the NQVL components is presented below.

  • Quantum Science and Technology Demonstration (QSTD) projects: Starting with pilot projects, followed by design, and implementation stages, QSTD projects will establish the core science and engineering activities to form the NQVL.  Each QSTD will address a “quantum advantage goal” and will define a pathway to achieve that goal by engaging use-inspired research and direct engagement with end-user stakeholders in project systems design and prototyping.  QSTD projects will also include education and workforce activities focused on training a diverse quantum workforce.  More detail on the QSTD pilot phase, “focused on the development of the conceptual design of the QSTD project” is included in the full solicitation along with additional information on subsequent QSTD phases.  NSF will conduct reviews before teams advance to the next phase of the process.
  • Transformative Advances in Quantum Systems (TAQS) program: TAQS will run as an independent program to address specific R&D challenges for enabling technologies as identified by the QSTD projects. The TAQs will also serve to expand access to the NQVL.
  • Central Coordination Hub – NQVL Planning and Coordination: NSF plans to support one Coordination Hub that will: “i) promote collaboration and networking between the NQVL project teams; ii) promote engagement with the broad QISE community, partnerships with others and outreach activities to the general public; and iii) facilitate community oversight and the development of success metrics and benchmarks.”  The Coordination Hub will be the intellectual hub for the Quantum community, facilitating connections among the teams and with other federal agencies, industry, and the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C).  The Hub will also develop and maintain a Strategic Plan for NQVL investments.

According to the solicitation, the QSTD Pilot proposals will focus on the development of the conceptual design of the QSTD project and must present:

  • “What: QSTD vision describing the specific Science and/or Technology area that is focus of the translation to be supported under the NQVL program and who might be the potential users.
  • Why: Scientific and technology challenges that can be addressed effectively only by a QSTD project.
  • How: Plan of activities to address technical challenges.
  • Who: Team with the organizational, scientific, technical, and sociocultural skills, trusted and respected by the QISE community.
  • Readiness: Evidence that the QSTD project is feasible in the time and with the resources afforded by the NSF NQVL program.
  • Community: Plans for engaging the QISE community in the QSTD planning and execution and for fostering workforce development and addressing promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion among the participants.
  • Partnerships: Dependencies. Synergies. Leverage other NQI-relevant investments by NSF or other U.S. Federal agencies. Public-private partnerships.
  • Management and Coordination: Roles and responsibilities of all senior personnel. Deliverables. Timeline. Milestones.
  • Outcomes.
  • Metrics of Success.”

Award Information: This solicitation will support up to 10 Quantum Science and Technology Demonstration (QSTD) pilot projects with total funding of up to $10 million through two competitions.  Up to five awards will be made in each of the two competition rounds, with projects supported at up to $1 million for 12 months.

Eligibility: There is a limit of one QTSD pilot proposal per organization.  Individuals may serve as a PI or Co-PI on only one QSTD pilot proposal.

INTERNAL SELECTION PROCESS:

Interested investigators should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by DATE: 9/15/23

  • Questions outlined in InfoReady Review application
  • A brief (one-page) statement by the candidate describing his or her significant scientific work and immediate research plans;
  • Up-to-date CV.

A faculty committee drawn from both campuses will review internal proposals and select nominees

DEADLINES:
Internal Materials Due: Friday, September 15, 2023
Letter of Intent Due: Friday, October 6, 2023
Sponsor Deadline: Thursday, November 30, 2023

Sources and Additional Information:

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