Quantum information science is likely to have applications in many domains stretching from sensor technology and communications to quantum computing. Building an U.S. ecosystem to foster QIS was first articulated in a National Strategic Overview for Quantum Information Science issued by the National Science and Technology Council and later folded into NSF $1.2B plus National Quantum Initiative Act enacted early this year.

Recently, the NSF re-opened its Request for Information (RFI) regarding how best to implement elements of the strategic overview which spelled out several key policy areas bulleted here:

• Focus on a science-first approach that aims to identify and solve Grand Challenges: problems whose solutions enable transformative scientific and industrial progress;
• Build a quantum-smart and diverse workforce to meet the needs of a growing field;
• Encourage industry engagement, providing appropriate mechanisms for public-private partnerships;
• Provide the key infrastructure and support needed to realize the scientific and technological opportunities;
• Drive economic growth;
• Maintain national security; and
• Continue to develop international collaboration and cooperation.

Given the HPC community’s focus on computing it’s easy to forget the impact of QIS is likely to be quite broad. Responses to the reopened RFI are due July 29, 2019.

Here’s an excerpt from the RFI:

“Responders are asked to answer one or more of the following questions, consistent with the prior published RFI:

1. What specific actions could the U.S. Government take that would contribute best to implementing the policy recommendations in the Strategic Overview? What challenges, not listed in section 3, should also be taken into account in implementation of the Strategic Overview recommendations?
2. What are the scientific and technological challenges that, with substantial resources and focus over the next ten years, will transform the QIS research and development landscape?
3. Regarding industrial engagement, what roles can the U.S. Government play in enabling the innovation ecosystem around QIS-related technologies? Are there critical barriers for industrial innovation in this space? How can these barriers be addressed? What role can the U.S. Government play in mitigating early or premature investment risks?
4. How can the U.S. Government engage with academia and other workforce development programs and stakeholders to appropriately train and maintain researchers in QIS while expanding the size and scope of the `quantum-smart’ workforce?
5. What existing infrastructure should be leveraged, and what new infrastructure could be considered, to foster future breakthroughs in QIS research and development?
6. What other activities/partnerships could the U.S. Government use to engage with stakeholders to ensure America’s prosperity and economic growth through QIS research and development?
7. How can the United States continue to attract and retain the best domestic and international talent and expertise in QIS?
8. How can the United States ensure that U.S. researchers in QIS have access to cutting-edge international technologies, research facilities, and knowledge?”

Comments submitted in response to this notice may be sent by either of the following methods:

• Email: [email protected]. Email submissions should be machine-readable and not be copyright-protected. Submissions should include “RFI Response: National Strategic Overview for Quantum Information Science” in the subject line of the message.
• Direct input to the website: https://www.surveymonkey.com/​r/​QIS-RFI_​Responses.

Slide source: National Strategic Overview for Quantum Information Science, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/National-Strategic-Overview-for-Quantum-Information-Science.pdf