National Quantum Initiative Act

To provide for a coordinated Federal program to accelerate quantum research and development for the economic and national security of the United States. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the National Quantum Initiative Act (b) Table of contents Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. Sec. 3. Purposes. Title I—National Quantum Initiative Sec. 101. National Quantum Initiative Program. Sec. 102. National Quantum Coordination Office. Sec. 103. Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science. Sec. 104. National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee. Sec. 105. Sunset. Title II—National Institute of Standards and Technology quantum activities Sec. 201. National Institute of Standards and Technology activities and quantum workshop. Title III—National Science Foundation and Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education Sec. 301. Quantum information science research and education program. Sec. 302. Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education. Title IV—Department of Energy Research and National Quantum Information Science Research Centers Sec. 401. Quantum Information Science Research program. Sec. 402. National Quantum Information Science Research Centers. Sec. 403. Spending limitation. 2. Definitions In this Act, the following definitions apply: (1) Advisory Committee The term Advisory Committee (2) Coordination Office The term Coordination Office (3) Institutions of higher education The term institutions of higher education 20 U.S.C. 1001(a) (4) Program The term Program (5) Quantum information science The term quantum information science (6) Subcommittee The term Subcommittee 3. Purposes The purposes of this Act are to ensure the continued leadership of the United States in quantum information science and its technology applications by— (1) supporting research, development, demonstration, and application of quantum information science and technology in order to— (A) expand the number of researchers, educators, and students with training in quantum information science and technology to develop a workforce pipeline; (B) promote the development and inclusion of multidisciplinary curriculum and research opportunities for quantum information science at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral level; (C) address basic research knowledge gaps; (D) promote the further development of facilities and centers available for quantum information science and technology research, testing and education; and (E) stimulate research on and promote more rapid development of quantum-based technologies; (2) improving the interagency planning and coordination of Federal research and development of quantum information science and technology and maximizing the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s quantum information science and technology research and development programs; (3) promoting collaboration among government, Federal laboratories, industry, and universities; and (4) promoting the development of standards for quantum information science and technology security. I National Quantum Initiative 101. National Quantum Initiative Program The President shall implement a 10-year National Quantum Initiative Program. In carrying out the Program, the President shall, acting through appropriate Federal agencies, councils, working groups, subcommittees, and the Coordination Office— (1) establish the goals, priorities, and metrics for a 10-year plan to accelerate development of quantum information science and technology applications in the United States; (2) invest in fundamental Federal quantum information science and technology research, development, demonstration, and other activities to achieve the goals established in paragraph (1); (3) invest in activities to develop a quantum information science and technology workforce pipeline; (4) provide for interagency coordination of Federal quantum information science and technology research, development, demonstration, and other activities undertaken pursuant to the Program; (5) partner with industry and academia to leverage knowledge and resources; and (6) leverage existing Federal investments efficiently to advance Program goals and objectives. 102. National Quantum Coordination Office (a) Establishment The President shall establish a National Quantum Coordination Office, which shall have— (1) a Director appointed by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, the Director of the National Science Foundation, and the Secretary of Energy; and (2) staff that shall be comprised of employees detailed from the Federal agencies that are members of the Subcommittee. (b) Responsibilities The Coordination Office shall— (1) provide technical and administrative support to— (A) the Subcommittee; and (B) the Advisory Committee; (2) oversee interagency coordination of the Program, including encouraging and supporting joint agency solicitation and selection of applications for funding of projects under the Program; (3) serve as the point of contact on Federal civilian quantum information science and technology activities for Government organizations, academia, industry, professional societies, State governments, and others to exchange technical and programmatic information; (4) ensure coordination between the Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education established under section 302(a) and the National Quantum Information Science Research Centers established under section 402(a); (5) conduct public outreach, including dissemination of findings and recommendations of the Advisory Committee, as appropriate; (6) promote access to and early application of the technologies, innovations, and expertise derived from Program activities to agency missions and systems across the Federal Government, and to United States industry, including startup companies; and (7) promote access, through appropriate Government agencies, to existing quantum computing and communication systems developed by industry, academia, and Federal laboratories to the general user community in pursuit of discovery of the new applications of such systems. (c) Funding Funds necessary to carry out the activities of the Coordination Office shall be made available each fiscal year by the participating agencies of the Subcommittee, as determined by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. 103. Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science (a) Establishment The President shall establish, through the National Science and Technology Council, a Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science. (b) Membership The Subcommittee shall include— (1) the National Institute of Standards and Technology; (2) the National Science Foundation; (3) the Department of Energy; (4) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (5) the Department of Defense; (6) the Office of the Director of National Intelligence; (7) the Office of Management and Budget; (8) the Office of Science and Technology Policy; and (9) any other Federal agency as considered appropriate by the President. (c) Chairs The Subcommittee shall be jointly chaired by the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Director of the National Science Foundation, and the Secretary of Energy. (d) Responsibilities The Subcommittee shall— (1) coordinate the quantum information science and technology research and education activities and programs of the Federal agencies; (2) establish goals and priorities of the Program, based on identified knowledge and workforce gaps and other national needs; (3) assess and recommend Federal infrastructure needs to support the Program; and (4) evaluate opportunities for international cooperation with strategic allies on research and development in quantum information science and technology. (e) Strategic plan Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Subcommittee shall develop a 5-year strategic plan, and 6 years after enactment of the Act develop an additional 5-year strategic plan, with periodic updates as appropriate to guide the activities of the Program, meet the goals, priorities, and anticipated outcomes of the participating agencies. (f) Reports The Chairs of the Subcommittee shall submit to the President, the Advisory Committee, the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and other appropriate committees of Congress the strategic plans developed under subsection (e) and any updates to such plans. 104. National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee (a) In general The President shall establish a National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee. (b) Qualifications The Advisory Committee established by the President under subsection (a) shall consist of members from industry, academic institutions, and Federal laboratories. The President shall appoint members to the Advisory Committee who are qualified to provide advice and information on quantum information science and technology research, development, demonstrations, education, technology transfer, commercial application, or national security and economic concerns. (c) Membership consideration In selecting an Advisory Committee, the President may seek and give consideration to recommendations from the Congress, industry, the scientific community (including the National Academy of Sciences, scientific professional societies, and academia), the defense community, and other appropriate organizations. (d) Duties The Advisory Committee shall advise the President and the Subcommittee and make recommendations that shall be considered in reviewing and revising the Program. The Advisory Committee shall provide the President and the Subcommittee with an independent assessment of— (1) trends and developments in quantum information science and technology; (2) progress made in implementing the Program; (3) whether the Program activities, priorities, and technical goals developed by the Subcommittee are helping to maintain United States leadership in quantum information science and technology; (4) the management, coordination, implementation, and activities of the Program; (5) the need to revise the Program; (6) whether or not there are opportunities for international cooperation with strategic allies on research and development in quantum information science and technology; and (7) whether national security, societal, economic, legal, and workforce concerns are adequately addressed by the Program. (e) Reports The Advisory Committee shall report, not less frequently than once every 2 years, to the President on the assessments required under subsection (d) and any recommendations to improve the Program. The first report under this subsection shall be submitted not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act. The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall transmit a copy of each report under this subsection to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Technology of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and other appropriate committees of the Congress. (f) Travel expenses of non-Federal members Non-Federal members of the Advisory Committee, while attending meetings of the Advisory Committee or while otherwise serving at the request of the head of the Advisory Committee away from their homes or regular places of business, may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, for individuals in the Government serving without pay. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit members of the Advisory Committee who are officers or employees of the United States from being allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with existing law. (g) Exemption The Advisory Committee shall be exempt from section 14 105. Sunset (a) In general Except as provided for in subsection (b), the authority to carry out sections 101, 102, 103, and 104 shall terminate on the date that is 11 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (b) Extension The President may continue the activities under such sections if the President determines that such activities are necessary to meet national economic or national security needs. II National Institute of Standards and Technology quantum activities 201. National Institute of Standards and Technology activities and quantum workshop (a) National Institute of Standards and Technology activities As part of the Program described in title I, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall— (1) continue to support and expand basic quantum information science and technology research and development of measurement and standards infrastructure necessary to advance commercial development of quantum applications; (2) use its existing programs, in collaboration with other agencies, as appropriate, to train scientists in quantum information science and technology to increase participation in the quantum fields; (3) establish or expand collaborative ventures or consortia with other public or private sector entities, including academia, National Laboratories, and industry for the purpose of advancing the field of quantum information science and engineering; and (4) have the authority to enter into and perform such contracts, including cooperative research and development arrangements and grants and cooperative agreements or other transactions, as may be necessary in the conduct of the work of the Institute and on such terms as the Director considers appropriate, in furtherance of the purposes of this Act. (b) Quantum workshop (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall convene a workshop of stakeholders to discuss the future measurement, standards, cybersecurity, and other appropriate needs for supporting the development of a robust quantum information science and technology industry in the United States. The goals of the workshop shall be to— (A) assess the current research on the issues described in this paragraph; (B) evaluate the research gaps relating to such issues; and (C) provide recommendations on how the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Program can address the research needs identified. (2) Report to Congress Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a summary report containing the findings of the workshop convened under this section. (c) Funding The Secretary of Commerce shall devote $400,000,000 to carry out this section, which shall include $80,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, subject to the availability of appropriations, to come from amounts made available for the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This section shall be carried out using funds otherwise appropriated by law after the date of enactment of this Act. III National Science Foundation and Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education 301. Quantum information science research and education program (a) In general The Director of the National Science Foundation shall carry out a basic research and education program on quantum information science and engineering. (b) Program components In carrying out the program required under subsection (a), the Director of the National Science Foundation shall carry out activities that continue to support basic interdisciplinary quantum information science and engineering research, and support human resources development in all aspects of quantum information science and engineering. Such activities shall include— (1) using the existing programs of the National Science Foundation, in collaboration with other Federal agencies, as appropriate, to— (A) improve the teaching and learning of quantum information science and engineering at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels; and (B) increase participation in the quantum fields, including by individuals identified in sections 33 and 34 of the Science and Engineering Equal Opportunities Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1885a 42 U.S.C. 1885b (2) formulating goals for quantum information science and engineering research and education activities to be supported by the National Science Foundation; (3) leveraging the collective body of knowledge from existing quantum information science and engineering research and education activities; (4) coordinating research efforts funded through existing programs across the directorates of the National Science Foundation; and (5) engaging with other Federal agencies, research communities, and potential users of information produced under this section. 302. Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education (a) Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education (1) In general The Director of the National Science Foundation, in consultation with other Federal agencies as appropriate, shall award grants to institutions of higher education or eligible nonprofit organizations (or consortia thereof) to establish up to 5 Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education. (2) Collaborations A collaboration receiving an award under this subsection may include institutions of higher education, eligible nonprofit organizations, and private sector entities. (3) Purpose The purpose of the Centers shall be to conduct basic research and education activities in support of the goals and priorities of the Program as determined in title I, to— (A) continue to advance quantum information science and engineering; (B) support curriculum and workforce development in quantum information science and engineering; and (C) foster innovation by bringing industry perspectives to quantum research and workforce development, including by leveraging industry resources and research capacity. (4) Requirements An institution of higher education or an eligible nonprofit organization (or a consortium thereof) seeking funding under this section shall submit an application to the Director at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Director may require. The application shall include, at a minimum, a description of— (A) how the Center will work with other research institutions and industry partners to leverage expertise in quantum science, education and curriculum development, and technology transfer; (B) how the Center will promote active collaboration among researchers in multiple disciplines involved in quantum research including physics, engineering, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, and material science; (C) how the Center will support long-term and short-term workforce development in the quantum field; (D) how the Center can support an innovation ecosystem to work with industry to translate Center research into applications; and (E) a long-term plan to become self-sustaining after the expiration of Foundation support. (5) Selection and duration (A) In general The Centers selected and established under this section are authorized to carry out activities for a period of 5 years. (B) Reapplication An awardee may reapply for an additional, subsequent period of 5 years on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis. (C) Termination Consistent with the existing authorities of the Foundation, the Director of the National Science Foundation may terminate an underperforming Center for cause during the performance period. (6) Funding The Director of the National Science Foundation shall devote $250,000,000 to carry out this section, which shall include $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, subject to the availability of appropriations, to come from amounts made available for Research and Related Activities and Education and Human Resources. This section shall be carried out using funds otherwise appropriated by law after the date of enactment of this Act. (b) Graduate traineeships The Director of the National Science Foundation may establish a program to provide traineeships to graduate students at institutions of higher education within the United States who are citizens of the United States and who choose to pursue masters or doctoral degrees in quantum information science. IV Department of Energy Research and National Quantum Information Science Research Centers 401. Quantum Information Science Research program (a) In general The Secretary of Energy shall carry out a basic research program on quantum information science. (b) Program components In carrying out the program required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (1) formulate goals for quantum information science research to be supported by the Department of Energy; (2) leverage the collective body of knowledge from existing quantum information science research; (3) coordinate research efforts funded through existing programs across the Office of Science; and (4) engage with other Federal agencies, research communities, and potential users of information produced under this section. 402. National Quantum Information Science Research Centers (a) In general The Secretary of Energy shall ensure that the Office of Science carries out a program, in consultation with other Federal agencies, as appropriate, to establish and operate up to 5 National Quantum Information Science Research Centers to conduct basic research to accelerate scientific breakthroughs in quantum information science and technology and to support research conducted under section 401. Such centers shall be established through a competitive, merit-reviewed process, and consider applications from National Laboratories, institutions of higher education, research centers, multi-institutional collaborations, and other appropriate entities. (b) Collaborations A collaboration receiving an award under this subsection may include multiple types of research institutions and private sector entities. (c) Requirements To the maximum extent practicable, the Centers developed, constructed, operated, or maintained under this section shall serve the needs of the Department of Energy, industry, the academic community, and other relevant entities to create and develop processes for the purpose of advancing basic research in quantum information science and improving the competitiveness of the United States. (d) Coordination The Secretary shall ensure the coordination of, and avoid unnecessary duplication of, the activities of each Center with the activities of— (1) other research entities of the Department, including the Nanoscale Science Research Centers, the Energy Frontier Research Centers, and the Energy Innovation Hubs; and (2) industry. (e) Selection and duration (1) In general The centers selected and established under this section are authorized to carry out activities for a period of 5 years. (2) Reapplication An awardee may reapply for an additional, subsequent period of 5 years on a competitive, merit-reviewed basis. (3) Termination Consistent with the existing authorities of the Department, the Secretary may terminate an underperforming Center for cause during the performance period. (f) Funding The Secretary of Energy shall devote $625,000,000 to carry out this section, which shall include $125,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, subject to the availability of appropriations, to come from amounts made available for the Office of Science. This section shall be carried out using funds otherwise appropriated by law after the date of enactment of this Act. 403. Spending limitation No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act, and this Act and such amendments shall be carried out using amounts otherwise available for such purpose. September 13, 2018 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed

Summary: National Quantum Initiative Act TITLE I--NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE (Sec. 101) This bill directs the President to implement a National Quantum Initiative Program to, among other things, establish the goals and priorities for a 10-year plan to accelerate the development of quantum information science and technology applications. Quantum information science is the use of the laws of quantum physics for the storage, transmission, manipulation, or measurement of information. (Sec. 103) The National Science and Technology Council shall establish a Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science, including membership from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), to guide program activities. (Sec. 104) The President must establish a National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee to advise the President and subcommittee on the program and trends and developments in quantum information science and technology. TITLE II--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY QUANTUM ACTIVITIES (Sec. 201) NIST shall carry out specified quantum science activities and convene a consortium to identify the future measurement, standards, cybersecurity, and other needs to support the development of a quantum information science and technology industry. TITLE III--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION QUANTUM ACTIVITIES (Sec. 301) The National Science Foundation shall: carry out a basic research and education program on quantum information science and engineering, and award grants for the establishment of Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education. TITLE IV--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY QUANTUM ACTIVITIES (Sec. 401) The Department of Energy (DOE) shall carry out a basic research program on quantum information science. (Sec. 402) The Office of Science of DOE shall establish and operate National Quantum Information Science Research Centers to conduct basic research to accelerate scientific breakthroughs in quantum information science and technology.