Research in Quantum Computing

Added: Jun 13, 2013 10:24 am This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Aberdeen Proving Ground RTP Division, on behalf of the U.S. Army Research Office (ARO), is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), W911NF-13-R-0010, for the establishment of Research in Quantum Computing. There are two separate research topics covered in this announcement:
1. Quantum characterization, verification, and validation
The Quantum Characterization, Verification, and Validation (QCVV) research topic seeks proposals addressing the development of theoretical and experimental techniques, procedures, and methods for characterizing few-qubit systems with a focus on metrics relevant to robust fault-tolerant quantum computation (FTQC). The ultimate goal is to develop a set of standards and procedures, together with experimental demonstration, that will aid in characterizing increasingly complex quantum information systems.
2. Advanced quantum computing measurement technology
Quantum information systems utilize measurement in a variety of ways: for diagnostic purposes while calibrating a quantum information system, to tune up a process for optimal operation, and for final read-out when implementing a quantum information process. Three performance parameters characterize quantum computing measurement techniques: (1) speed, (2) fidelity, and (3) resources. The overall objective is to demonstrate novel qubit measurement techniques for existing qubits.

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) which sets forth research areas of interest to the Army Research Laboratory- Army Research Office (ARL-ARO) is issued under paragraph 6.102(d)(2) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and 10 USC 2358 which provides for the competitive selection of basic research proposals. Proposals submitted in response to this BAA and selected for award are considered to be the result of full and open competition and in full compliance with the provision of Public Law 98-369, quote mark The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984 quote mark and subsequent amendments. It is anticipated the awards will be made in the form of contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements and are subject to the availability of appropriations.

The Research in Quantum Computing BAA will contain additional information along with instructions for white paper and proposal preparation and submission. White Papers are due via e-mail to usarmy.rtp.aro.mbx.baa3@mail.mil and must be received at the Army Research Office by 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time on Wednesday, 10 July 2013. Proposals must be received by Grants.gov no later than 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time on Tuesday, 10 September 2013.

The BAA is available for viewing at the following address:

http://www.arl.army.mil/www/default.cfm?page=8

The BAA is also posted in grants.gov. Go to the grants.gov site at the following URL http://www07.grants.gov/applicants/find_grant_opportunities.jsp then search by Funding Opportunity Number (FON) W911NF-13-R-0010.