An act to provide for a coordinated Federal program to accelerate quantum research and development for the economic and national security of the United States
PL 115-368 (H.R.6227), enacted 12/21/2018

132 STAT. 5092 
PUBLIC LAW 115–368—DEC. 21, 2018 
Public Law 115–368 
115th Congress 
An Act 
To provide for a coordinated Federal program to accelerate quantum research and 
development for the economic and national security of the United States. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National 
Quantum Initiative Act’’. 
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents of this Act 
is as follows: 
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 
consortium. 
TITLE III—NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION QUANTUM ACTIVITIES 
Sec. 301. Quantum information science research and education program. 
Sec. 302. Multidisciplinary Centers for Quantum Research and Education. 
TITLE IV—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY QUANTUM ACTIVITIES 
Sec. 401. Quantum Information Science Research program. 
Sec. 402. National Quantum Information Science Research Centers. 
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. 
In this Act: 
(1) ADVISORY COMMITTEE.—The term ‘‘Advisory Committee’’ 
means the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee 
established under section 104(a). 
(2) APPROPRIATE
COMMITTEES
OF
CONGRESS.—The term 
‘‘appropriate committees of Congress’’ means— 
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate; 
(B) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources 
of the Senate; and 
(C) the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
of the House of Representatives. 
15 USC 8801. 
15 USC 8801 
note. 
National 
Quantum 
Initiative Act. 
Dec. 21, 2018 
[H.R. 6227] 
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132 STAT. 5093 
PUBLIC LAW 115–368—DEC. 21, 2018 
(3) COORDINATION OFFICE.—The term ‘‘Coordination Office’’ 
means the National Quantum Coordination Office established 
under section 102(a). 
(4) INSTITUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION.—The term ‘‘institu-
tion of higher education’’ has the meaning given the term 
in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
U.S.C. 1001(a)). 
(5) PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘Program’’ means the National 
Quantum Initiative Program implemented under section 101(a). 
(6) QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE.—The term ‘‘quantum 
information science’’ means the use of the laws of quantum 
physics for the storage, transmission, manipulation, computing, 
or measurement of information. 
(7) SUBCOMMITTEE.—The term ‘‘Subcommittee’’ means the 
Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National 
Science and Technology Council established under section 
103(a). 
SEC. 3. PURPOSES. 
The purpose of this Act is to ensure the continued leadership 
of the United States in quantum information science and its tech-
nology applications by— 
(1) supporting research, development, demonstration, and 
application of quantum information science and technology— 
(A) to expand the number of researchers, educators, 
and students with training in quantum information science 
and technology to develop a workforce pipeline; 
(B) to promote the development and inclusion of multi-
disciplinary curriculum and research opportunities for 
quantum information science at the undergraduate, grad-
uate, and postdoctoral level; 
(C) to address basic research knowledge gaps, including 
computational research gaps; 
(D) to promote the further development of facilities 
and centers available for quantum information science and 
technology research, testing and education; and 
(E) to 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; 
(3) maximizing the effectiveness of the Federal Govern-
ment’s quantum information science and technology research, 
development, and demonstration programs; 
(4) promoting collaboration among the Federal Govern-
ment, Federal laboratories, industry, and universities; and 
(5) promoting the development of international standards 
for quantum information science and technology security— 
(A) to facilitate technology innovation and private 
sector commercialization; and 
(B) to meet economic and national security goals. 
15 USC 8802. 
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132 STAT. 5094 
PUBLIC LAW 115–368—DEC. 21, 2018 
TITLE I—NATIONAL QUANTUM 
INITIATIVE 
SEC. 101. NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The President shall implement a National 
Quantum Initiative Program. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out the Program, the Presi-
dent, acting through Federal agencies, councils, working groups, 
subcommittees, and the Coordination Office, as the President con-
siders appropriate, shall— 
(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 under 
paragraph (1); 
(3) invest in activities to develop a quantum information 
science and technology workforce pipeline; 
(4) provide for interagency planning and coordination of 
Federal quantum information science and technology research, 
development, demonstration, standards engagement, and other 
activities under the Program; 
(5) partner with industry and universities to leverage 
knowledge and resources; and 
(6) leverage existing Federal investments efficiently to 
advance Program goals and priorities established under para-
graph (1). 
SEC. 102. NATIONAL QUANTUM COORDINATION OFFICE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The President shall establish a National 
Quantum Coordination Office. 
(2) ADMINISTRATION.—The Coordination Office shall have— 
(A) 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 
(B) staff comprised of employees detailed from the Fed-
eral departments and agencies described in section 103(b). 
(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 by encouraging and supporting joint agency solicita-
tion and selection of applications for funding of activities under 
the Program; 
(3) serve as the point of contact on Federal civilian quantum 
information science and technology activities for Federal depart-
ments and agencies, industry, universities professional soci-
eties, State governments, and such other persons as the 
Coordination Office considers appropriate to exchange technical 
and programmatic information; 
(4) ensure coordination among the collaborative ventures 
or consortia established under section 201(a), Multidisciplinary 
Appointment. 
Consultation. 
President. 
15 USC 8812. 
President. 
15 USC 8811. 
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132 STAT. 5095 
PUBLIC LAW 115–368—DEC. 21, 2018 
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 the dissemination 
of findings and recommendations of the Advisory Committee, 
as appropriate; 
(6) promote access to and early application of the tech-
nologies, innovations, and expertise derived from Program 
activities to agency missions and systems across the Federal 
Government, and to industry, including startup companies; and 
(7) promote access, through appropriate Federal Govern-
ment agencies, and an open and competitive merit-reviewed 
process, to existing quantum computing and communication 
systems developed by industry, universities, and Federal lab-
oratories 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 Federal departments and agencies described in section 
103(b), as determined by the Director of the Office of Science and 
Technology Policy. 
SEC. 103. SUBCOMMITTEE ON QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The President shall establish, through 
the National Science and Technology Council, the Subcommittee 
on Quantum Information Science. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.—The Subcommittee shall include a represent-
ative of— 
(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) such other Federal department or agency as the Presi-
dent considers appropriate. 
(c) CHAIRPERSONS.—The Subcommittee shall be jointly chaired 
by the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Tech-
nology, the Director of the National Science Foundation, and the 
Secretary of Energy. 
(d) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Subcommittee shall— 
(1) coordinate the quantum information science and tech-
nology research, information sharing about international stand-
ards development and use, and education activities and pro-
grams 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; 
(4) assess the status, development, and diversity of the 
United States quantum information science workforce; 
(5) assess the global outlook for quantum information 
science research and development efforts; 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Coordination. 
Assessments. 
President. 
15 USC 8813. 
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132 STAT. 5096 
PUBLIC LAW 115–368—DEC. 21, 2018 
(6) evaluate opportunities for international cooperation 
with strategic allies on research and development in quantum 
information science and technology; and 
(7) propose a coordinated interagency budget for the Pro-
gram to the Office of Management and Budget to ensure the 
maintenance of a balanced quantum information science 
research portfolio and an appropriate level of research effort. 
(e) STRATEGIC PLANS.—In order to guide the activities of the 
Program and meet the goals, priorities, and anticipated outcomes 
of the Federal departments and agencies described in subsection 
(b), the Subcommittee shall— 
(1) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of 
this Act, develop a 5-year strategic plan; 
(2) not later than 6 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, develop a subsequent 5-year strategic plan; and 
(3) periodically update each plan, as necessary. 
(f) SUBMITTAL TO CONGRESS.—The chairpersons of the Sub-
committee shall submit to the President, the Advisory Committee, 
and the appropriate committees of Congress each strategic plan 
developed under subsection (e) and any updates thereto. 
(g) ANNUAL PROGRAM BUDGET REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Each year, concurrent with the annual 
budget request submitted by the President to Congress under 
section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the chairpersons 
of the Subcommittee shall submit to the appropriate committees 
of Congress and such other committees of Congress as the 
chairpersons deem appropriate a report on the budget for the 
Program. 
(2) CONTENTS.—Each report submitted under paragraph 
(1) shall include the following: 
(A) The budget of the Program for the current fiscal 
year, for each Federal department and agency described 
in subsection (b). 
(B) The budget proposed for the Program for the next 
fiscal year, for each Federal department and agency 
described in subsection (b). 
(C) An analysis of the progress made toward achieving 
the goals and priorities established under subsection (d)(2). 
SEC. 104. NATIONAL QUANTUM INITIATIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The President shall establish a National 
Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee. 
(b) QUALIFICATIONS.—The Advisory Committee shall consist of 
members, appointed by the President, who are representative of 
industry, universities, and Federal laboratories and are qualified 
to provide advice and information on quantum information science 
and technology research, development, demonstrations, standards, 
education, technology transfer, commercial application, or national 
security and economic concerns. 
(c) MEMBERSHIP CONSIDERATION.—In selecting the members 
of the Advisory Committee, the President may seek and give consid-
eration to recommendations from the Congress, industry, the sci-
entific community (including the National Academy of Sciences, 
scientific professional societies, and universities), the defense 
community, and other appropriate organizations. 
(d) DUTIES.— 
President. 
Appointments. 
President. 
President. 
15 USC 8814. 
Analysis. 
Deadlines. 
Budget. 
Evaluation. 
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132 STAT. 5097 
PUBLIC LAW 115–368—DEC. 21, 2018 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Advisory Committee shall advise 
the President and the Subcommittee and make recommenda-
tions for the President to consider when reviewing and revising 
the Program. 
(2) INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENTS.—The Advisory Committee 
shall conduct periodic, independent assessments of— 
(A) any trends or developments in quantum informa-
tion science and technology; 
(B) the progress made in implementing the Program; 
(C) the management, coordination, implementation, 
and activities of the Program; 
(D) whether the Program activities and the goals and 
priorities established under section 103(d)(2) are helping 
to maintain United States leadership in quantum informa-
tion science and technology; 
(E) whether a need exists to revise the Program; 
(F) whether opportunities exist for international 
cooperation with strategic allies on research and develop-
ment in, and the development of open standards for, 
quantum information science and technology; and 
(G) whether national security, societal, economic, legal, 
and workforce concerns are adequately addressed by the 
Program. 
(e) REPORTS.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, and at least biennially thereafter, the Advisory 
Committee shall submit to the President, the appropriate commit-
tees of Congress, and such other committees of Congress as the 
Advisory Committee deems appropriate a report on the findings 
of the independent assessment under subsection (d), including any 
recommendations for improvements to the Program. 
(f) TRAVEL EXPENSES OF NON-FEDERAL MEMBERS.—Non-Fed-
eral 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 Govern-
ment 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 accord-
ance with existing law. 
(g) FACA EXEMPTION.—The Advisory Committee shall be 
exempt from section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act 
(5 U.S.C. App.). 
SEC. 105. SUNSET. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subsection (b), the 
authority to carry out sections 101, 102, 103, and 104 shall termi-
nate 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. 
President. 
Determination. 
15 USC 8815. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
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132 STAT. 5098 
PUBLIC LAW 115–368—DEC. 21, 2018 
TITLE 
II—NATIONAL 
INSTITUTE 
OF 
STANDARDS 
AND 
TECHNOLOGY 
QUANTUM ACTIVITIES 
SEC. 201. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY 
ACTIVITIES AND QUANTUM CONSORTIUM. 
(a) NATIONAL INSTITUTE
OF STANDARDS
AND TECHNOLOGY 
ACTIVITIES.—As part of the Program, the Director of the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology— 
(1) shall continue to support and expand basic and applied 
quantum information science and technology research and 
development of measurement and standards infrastructure nec-
essary to advance commercial development of quantum applica-
tions; 
(2) shall use the existing programs of the National Institute 
of Standards and Technology, in collaboration with other Fed-
eral departments and agencies, as appropriate, to train sci-
entists in quantum information science and technology to 
increase participation in the quantum fields; 
(3) shall establish or expand collaborative ventures or con-
sortia with other public or private sector entities, including 
industry, universities, and Federal laboratories for the purpose 
of advancing the field of quantum information science and 
engineering; and 
(4) may 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 National Institute 
of Standards and Technology and on such terms as the Director 
considers appropriate, in furtherance of the purposes of this 
Act. 
(b) QUANTUM CONSORTIUM.— 
(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 consortium of 
stakeholders to identify the future measurement, standards, 
cybersecurity, and other appropriate needs for supporting the 
development of a robust quantum information science and tech-
nology industry in the United States. 
(2) GOALS.—The goals of the consortium shall be— 
(A) to assess the current research on the needs identi-
fied in paragraph (1); 
(B) to identify any gaps in the research necessary 
to meet the needs identified in paragraph (1); and 
(C) to provide recommendations on how the National 
Institute of Standards and Technology and the Program 
can address the gaps in the necessary research identified 
in subparagraph (B). 
(3) 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 submit to the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology 
of the House of Representatives a report summarizing the 
findings of the consortium. 
Recommenda- 
tions. 
Assessment. 
Deadline. 
Contracts. 
Grants. 
Collaboration. 
15 USC 8831. 
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132 STAT. 5099 
PUBLIC LAW 115–368—DEC. 21, 2018 
(c) FUNDING.—The Director of the National Institute of Stand-
ards and Technology shall allocate up to $80,000,000 to carry out 
the activities under this section for each of fiscal years 2019 through 
2023, subject to the availability of appropriations. Amounts made 
available to carry out this section shall be derived from amounts 
appropriated or otherwise made available to the National Institute 
of Standards and Technology. 
TITLE III—NATIONAL SCIENCE 
FOUNDATION QUANTUM ACTIVITIES 
SEC. 301. QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE RESEARCH AND EDU-
CATION PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the National Science Founda-
tion shall carry out a basic research and education program on 
quantum information science and engineering, including the 
competitive award of grants to institutions of higher education 
or eligible nonprofit organizations (or consortia thereof). 
(b) PROGRAM COMPONENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out the program under sub-
section (a), the Director of the National Science Foundation 
shall carry out activities that— 
(A) support basic interdisciplinary quantum informa-
tion science and engineering research; and 
(B) support human resources development in all 
aspects of quantum information science and engineering. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The activities described in paragraph 
(1) shall include— 
(A) using the existing programs of the National Science 
Foundation, in collaboration with other Federal depart-
ments and agencies, as appropriate— 
(i) to improve the teaching and learning of 
quantum information science and engineering at the 
undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels; and 
(ii) to 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, 1885b); 
(B) formulating goals for quantum information science 
and engineering research and education activities to be 
supported by the National Science Foundation; 
(C) leveraging the collective body of knowledge from 
existing quantum information science and engineering 
research and education activities; 
(D) coordinating research efforts funded through 
existing programs across the directorates of the National 
Science Foundation; and 
(E) engaging with other Federal departments and agen-
cies, research communities, and potential users of informa-
tion produced under this section. 
(c) 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 informa-
tion science. 
Coordination. 
Collaboration. 
Grants. 
15 USC 8841. 
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132 STAT. 5100 
PUBLIC LAW 115–368—DEC. 21, 2018 
SEC. 302. MULTIDISCIPLINARY CENTERS FOR QUANTUM RESEARCH 
AND EDUCATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the National Science Founda-
tion, in consultation with other Federal departments and agencies, 
as appropriate, shall award grants to institutions of higher edu-
cation or eligible nonprofit organizations (or consortia thereof) to 
establish at least 2, but not more than 5, Multidisciplinary Centers 
for Quantum Research and Education (referred to in this section 
as ‘‘Centers’’). 
(b) COLLABORATIONS.—A collaboration receiving an award 
under this subsection may include institutions of higher education, 
nonprofit organizations, and private sector entities. 
(c) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the Centers shall be to conduct 
basic research and education activities in support of the goals 
and priorities established under section 103(d)(2), including by— 
(1) continuing to advance quantum information science and 
engineering; 
(2) supporting curriculum and workforce development in 
quantum information science and engineering; and 
(3) fostering innovation by bringing industry perspectives 
to quantum research and workforce development, including 
by leveraging industry knowledge and resources. 
(d) REQUIREMENTS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—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 of the National Science Foundation at such 
time, in such manner, and containing such information as 
the Director may require. 
(2) APPLICATIONS.—Each application under paragraph (1) 
shall include 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 develop-
ment, and technology transfer; 
(B) how the Center will promote active collaboration 
among researchers in multiple disciplines involved in 
quantum research, including physics, engineering, mathe-
matics, 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 eco-
system to work with industry to translate Center research 
into applications; and 
(E) a long-term plan to become self-sustaining after 
the expiration of funding under this section. 
(e) SELECTION AND DURATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Each Center established under this sec-
tion is authorized to carry out activities for a period of 5 
years. 
(2) REAPPLICATION.—An awardee may reapply for addi-
tional, subsequent periods of 5 years on a competitive, merit- 
reviewed basis. 
(3) TERMINATION.—Consistent with the authorities of the 
National Science Foundation, the Director of the National 
Science Foundation may terminate an underperforming Center 
for cause during the performance period. 
Consultation. 
Grants. 
15 USC 8842. 
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132 STAT. 5101 
PUBLIC LAW 115–368—DEC. 21, 2018 
(f) FUNDING.—The Director of the National Science Foundation 
shall allocate up to $10,000,000 for each Center established under 
this section for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, subject 
to the availability of appropriations. Amounts made available to 
carry out this section shall be derived from amounts appropriated 
or otherwise made available to the National Science Foundation. 
TITLE IV—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY 
QUANTUM ACTIVITIES 
SEC. 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 under 
subsection (a), the Secretary of Energy 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) provide research experiences and training for additional 
undergraduate and graduate students in quantum information 
science, including in the fields of— 
(A) quantum information theory; 
(B) quantum physics; 
(C) quantum computational science; 
(D) applied mathematics and algorithm development; 
(E) quantum networking; 
(F) quantum sensing and detection; and 
(G) materials science and engineering; 
(4) coordinate research efforts funded through existing pro-
grams across the Department of Energy, including— 
(A) the Nanoscale Science Research Centers; 
(B) the Energy Frontier Research Centers; 
(C) the Energy Innovation Hubs; 
(D) the National Laboratories; 
(E) the Advanced Research Projects Agency; and 
(F) 
the 
National 
Quantum 
Information 
Science 
Research Centers; and 
(5) coordinate with other Federal departments and agen-
cies, research communities, and potential users of information 
produced under this section. 
SEC. 402. NATIONAL QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE RESEARCH 
CENTERS. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Energy, acting through 
the Director of the Office of Science (referred to in this section 
as the ‘‘Director’’), shall ensure that the Office of Science carries 
out a program, in consultation with other Federal departments 
and agencies, as appropriate, to establish and operate at least 
2, but not more than 5, National Quantum Information Science 
Research Centers (referred to in this section as ‘‘Centers’’) 
to conduct basic research to accelerate scientific breakthroughs 
in quantum information science and technology and to support 
research conducted under section 401. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.— 
Consultation. 
15 USC 8852. 
Coordination. 
Coordination. 
15 USC 8851. 
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132 STAT. 5102 
PUBLIC LAW 115–368—DEC. 21, 2018 
(A) COMPETITIVE, MERIT-REVIEWED PROCESS.—The Cen-
ters shall be established through a competitive, merit- 
reviewed process. 
(B) APPLICATIONS.—An eligible applicant under this 
subsection shall submit to the Director an application at 
such time, in such manner, and containing such informa-
tion as the Director determines to be appropriate. 
(C) ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS.—The Director shall consider 
applications from National Laboratories, institutions of 
higher education, research centers, multi-institutional 
collaborations, and any other entity that the Secretary 
of Energy determines to be appropriate. 
(b) COLLABORATIONS.—A collaboration that receives an award 
under this section may include multiple types of research institu-
tions 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 of Energy shall ensure the 
coordination, and avoid unnecessary duplication, of the activities 
of each Center with the activities of— 
(1) other research entities of the Department of Energy, 
including— 
(A) the Nanoscale Science Research Centers; 
(B) the Energy Frontier Research Centers; 
(C) the Energy Innovation Hubs; and 
(D) the National Laboratories; 
(2) institutions of higher education; and 
(3) industry. 
(e) DURATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Each Center established under this sec-
tion is authorized to carry out activities for a period of 5 
years. 
(2) REAPPLICATION.—An awardee may reapply for addi-
tional, subsequent periods of 5 years. The Director shall approve 
or disapprove of each reapplication on a competitive, merit- 
reviewed basis. 
(3) TERMINATION.—Consistent with the authorities of the 
Department of Energy, the Secretary of Energy may terminate 
an underperforming Center for cause during the performance 
period. 
(f) FUNDING.—The Secretary of Energy shall allocate up to 
$25,000,000 for each Center established under this section for each 
of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, subject to the availability of 
appropriations. Amounts made available to carry out this section 
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132 STAT. 5103 
PUBLIC LAW 115–368—DEC. 21, 2018 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 6227 (S. 3143): 
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 115–950 (Comm. on Science, Space, and Technology). 
SENATE REPORTS: No. 115–389 (Comm. on Commerce, Science, and Transporta-
tion) accompanying S. 3143. 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 164 (2018): 
Sept. 13, considered and passed House. 
Dec. 13, considered and passed Senate, amended. 
Dec. 19, House concurred in Senate amendment. 
shall be derived from amounts appropriated or otherwise made 
available to the Department of Energy. 
Approved December 21, 2018. 
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