ONHS Report: FA875023S7001

QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCES

Solicitation ID: FA875023S7001

Agency: AFRL/Information Directorate

Type: Presolicitation

Deadline: 2027-09-30T14:00:00 ET

Eligibility: Maybe (Dual Approval Required)

Funding: Total funding of approximately $499.9M. Individual awards normally range from $0.5M to $27M, with the potential for awards up to $99.9M.

Doc Type: BAA

Clearance: Top Secret

Program Manager: AFRL.RIT.Quantum@us.af.mil

Last Updated: 2025-11-24 13:16

Analyzed File: 23-S-7001 Amend 5 second repub.docx

Eligibility Reasoning

Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government entities (e.g., Government/National laboratories, military educational institutions, etc.) are subject to applicable direct competition limitations and cannot propose to this BAA in any capacity unless they meet the following conditions: FFRDCs: FFRDCs must clearly demonstrate that the proposed work is not otherwise available from the private sector; and FFRDCs must provide a letter on official letterhead from their sponsoring organization citing the specific authority establishing their eligibility to propose to Government solicitations and compete with industry, and their compliance with the associated FFRDC sponsor agreement’s terms and conditions.

Note: This is an AI-generated summary...

Summary

The Department of the Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL/RI), is soliciting research proposals under Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8750-23-S-7001 for Quantum Information Sciences (QIS). With a total estimated funding of approximately $499.9 million through FY27, this BAA seeks to advance QIS technologies for Command, Control, Communications, Computers & Intelligence (C4I) applications. The program follows a two-step process, requiring interested parties to first submit a white paper. Technical focus areas include: 1) Quantum Algorithm and Computation, 2) Quantum Information Processing, 3) Memory-Node-Based Quantum Networking, 4) Heterogeneous Quantum Platforms, and 5) other enabling QIS topics. The BAA is open until September 30, 2027, with individual awards typically ranging from $0.5M to $27M. The solicitation is generally closed to foreign participation, and all proposals are subject to a mandatory Science and Technology (S&T) Protection security risk review.

Overall Technical Areas

Quantum Algorithms DevelopmentHybrid Quantum-Classical ComputingQuantum Hardware BenchmarkingQuantum Information ProcessingEntanglement Distribution NetworksQuantum Networking ProtocolsHeterogeneous Qubit InterfacingTrapped Ion Quantum SystemsSuperconducting Qubit TechnologyPhoton-based Qubit SystemsQuantum TransductionQuantum Device DevelopmentQuantum Repeater TechnologyCryogenic & Vacuum TechnologyIntegrated Photonic Circuitry

Probable LBNL Areas

CSAEESAESAPSA

Focus Areas

Example Priorities:

Development, characterization, implementation, and testing of quantum algorithms, with an emphasis on their execution/validation/benchmarking on current hardware platforms.
Specific interests include quantum algorithms for machine learning, neural networks, optimization, quantum walks, unstructured searches, decision and risk analysis.
Hybrid classical/quantum algorithms, efficient quantum gate/circuit decomposition and characterization.
Protocols and algorithms that could be implemented on quantum photonic integrated waveguide chips, superconducting qubit, and trapped ion platforms.

Specific Technical Skills:

Quantum AlgorithmsQuantum Machine LearningNISQ ComputingQuantum AnnealingHybrid Quantum-Classical AlgorithmsQuantum Circuit DesignSuperconducting QubitsTrapped Ion PlatformsQuantum BenchmarkingOptimization Algorithms

Potential PIs for this Area:

Name	Score	Organization
Katherine Klymko	0.72	CSA \| NERSC \| HPC Technology Department
Neel Rajeshbhai Vora	0.72	PSA \| ATAP \| BACI
Yizhi Shen	0.72	CSA \| AMCR \| Applied Mathematics
Yilun Xu	0.71	PSA \| ATAP \| BACI
Roel Van Beeumen	0.71	CSA \| AMCR \| Applied Mathematics
Daan Camps	0.71	CSA \| NERSC \| HPC Technology Department
Ermal Rrapaj	0.71	CSA \| NERSC \| HPC Technology Department
Meriam Gay Bautista-Jurney	0.70	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science
Alp Sipahigil	0.70	ESA \| MSD \| Material Physics
Kan-Heng Lee	0.70	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science

Example Priorities:

Entanglement distribution, quantum information processing, and local/distributed quantum computation with an emphasis on photon-based qubits including quantum integrated photonic circuitry.
Interactions between photon-based qubits and other qubit technologies (trapped ions, superconducting qubits, etc.).
Quantum repeaters, high dimensional entanglement, efficient generation and measurement of quantum states, quantum channel characterization and discrimination.
Quantum algorithms employing cluster/graph states, trapped ion qubits, superconducting qubits, quantum annealing or adiabatic quantum computation.
Coherent transduction between the qubit technologies for long-distance communication, remote entangling schemes, quantum node development, quantum repeaters, and photon-based interconnects.

Specific Technical Skills:

Quantum Information ProcessingEntanglement DistributionPhoton-based QubitsQuantum Integrated PhotonicsQuantum RepeatersCoherent TransductionTrapped Ion QubitsSuperconducting QubitsQuantum State MeasurementCluster/Graph States

Potential PIs for this Area:

Name	Score	Organization
Alp Sipahigil	0.72	ESA \| MSD \| Material Physics
Kan-Heng Lee	0.71	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science
Boubacar Kante	0.70	ESA \| MSD \| Material Physics
Kaushalya Jhuria	0.70	PSA \| ATAP \| FS&IBT
Wei Liu	0.69	PSA \| ATAP \| BACI
Hendrik Utzat	0.69	ESA \| MSD \| Material Physics
Ran Cheng	0.69
Eric Ma	0.69	ESA \| MSD \| Material Physics
Zhao Hao	0.68	EESA \| EG \| Geochemistry Dept
Neel Rajeshbhai Vora	0.68	PSA \| ATAP \| BACI

Example Priorities:

Quantum networking, quantum communication, and quantum information processing with an emphasis on trapped-ion quantum bits (qubits), superconducting qubits, integrated-circuit-based qubits, and entanglement distribution.
Multi-node network connections, quantum transduction across frequency bands, interfacing heterogeneous qubit technologies.
Quantum information mapping between homogenous and/or heterogeneous qubit technologies.
Entanglement verification and validation, ultra-high vacuum technology, dilution refrigerator technology, laser development and laser control.

Specific Technical Skills:

Quantum NetworkingQuantum CommunicationTrapped-Ion QubitsSuperconducting QubitsQuantum TransductionMulti-node NetworksEntanglement VerificationUltra-High Vacuum TechnologyDilution RefrigeratorsLaser Control Systems

Potential PIs for this Area:

Name	Score	Organization
Kan-Heng Lee	0.71	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science
Alp Sipahigil	0.71	ESA \| MSD \| Material Physics
Inder Monga	0.71	CSA \| Computing \| Scientific Networking (ESNET)
Yilun Xu	0.71	PSA \| ATAP \| BACI
Neel Rajeshbhai Vora	0.70	PSA \| ATAP \| BACI
Meriam Gay Bautista-Jurney	0.70	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science
Wei Liu	0.70	PSA \| ATAP \| BACI
Arun Persaud	0.69	PSA \| ATAP \| FS&IBT
Kaushalya Jhuria	0.69	PSA \| ATAP \| FS&IBT
Boubacar Kante	0.69	ESA \| MSD \| Material Physics

Example Priorities:

Development of new quantum devices, new functionalities, and the exploration of fundamental physics relevant to quantum networking architectures.
Cross-quantum technologies for interfacing superconducting qubits and circuitry with ion-trap systems, integrated photonic circuitry, and electromechanical and optomechanical systems.
Quantum and classical microwave-optical interfaces.
Development of 3D-integrated heterogeneous quantum architectures, novel chip-scale refrigeration techniques, and approaches to implementing quantum interfaces across large temperature gradients.

Specific Technical Skills:

Quantum Device DevelopmentHeterogeneous IntegrationSuperconducting QubitsIon-Trap SystemsIntegrated PhotonicsOptomechanical SystemsMicrowave-Optical Interfaces3D IntegrationCryogenic EngineeringChip-Scale Refrigeration

Potential PIs for this Area:

Name	Score	Organization
Kan-Heng Lee	0.75	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science
Alp Sipahigil	0.73	ESA \| MSD \| Material Physics
Meriam Gay Bautista-Jurney	0.71	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science
Kaushalya Jhuria	0.71	PSA \| ATAP \| FS&IBT
Wei Liu	0.71	PSA \| ATAP \| BACI
Yilun Xu	0.70	PSA \| ATAP \| BACI
Zhao Hao	0.70	EESA \| EG \| Geochemistry Dept
Irfan Siddiqi	0.70	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science
Boubacar Kante	0.70	ESA \| MSD \| Material Physics
Neel Rajeshbhai Vora	0.70	PSA \| ATAP \| BACI

Example Priorities:

Other topics relating to the areas of quantum communication, quantum networking, and quantum computing.
Novel quantum bit technologies.
Quantum protocols for networking and computation.
Enabling technology development.

Specific Technical Skills:

Quantum Information TheoryNovel Qubit DevelopmentQuantum Communication ProtocolsQuantum Networking ProtocolsQuantum Computing TheoryEnabling Technology R&DTheoretical PhysicsExperimental PhysicsQuantum SensingQuantum Error Correction

Potential PIs for this Area:

Name	Score	Organization
Alp Sipahigil	0.72	ESA \| MSD \| Material Physics
Kan-Heng Lee	0.72	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science
Yilun Xu	0.71	PSA \| ATAP \| BACI
Ran Cheng	0.71
Kaushalya Jhuria	0.70	PSA \| ATAP \| FS&IBT
Ravi Naik	0.70	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science
John Wu	0.70	CSA \| Scientific Networking (ESNET) \| Tech Adv and Engagement
Neel Rajeshbhai Vora	0.70	PSA \| ATAP \| BACI
Arun Persaud	0.70	PSA \| ATAP \| FS&IBT
Zhao Hao	0.70	EESA \| EG \| Geochemistry Dept

Potential LBNL PIs (Overall)

Note on PI Matching: These suggestions are generated through an AI-driven semantic analysis of LBNL staff profiles.

Name	Score	Organization
Hartmut Haeffner	0.78	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science · Trapped Ion Quantum Systems
Mengjie Yu	0.78	ESA \| MSD \| Material Physics · Integrated Photonic Circuitry
Anthony Ciavarella	0.77	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science · Quantum Algorithms Development
Marina Radulaski	0.76	ESA \| MF \| MF Nanofabrication Facility · Quantum Device Development
Akash Dixit	0.76	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science · Superconducting Qubit Technology
Erhan Saglamyurek	0.75	CSA \| ESNET \| Tech Adv and Engagement · Quantum Repeater Technology
Ezra Kissel	0.75	CSA \| ESNET \| Tech Adv and Engagement · Entanglement Distribution Networks
Ravi Naik	0.75	CSA \| AMCR \| Computer Science · Quantum Hardware Benchmarking
Michael Zaletel	0.75	ESA \| MSD \| Material Physics · Quantum Information Processing
Jose Luis Rudeiros Fernandez	0.74	PSA \| ATAP \| Superconducting Magnet Program · Cryogenic & Vacuum Technology

Fundamental Research Exemption (FRE)

It is DoD policy that the publication of products of fundamental research will remain unrestricted to the maximum extent possible. National Security Decision Directive (NSDD) 189 defines fundamental research as follows: ‘Fundamental research’ means basic and applied research in science and engineering, the results of which ordinarily are published and shared broadly within the scientific community, as distinguished from proprietary research and from industrial development, design, production, and product utilization, the results of which ordinarily are restricted for proprietary or national security reasons. As of the date of publication of this BAA, the Government cannot identify whether work proposed under this BAA may be considered fundamental research and may award both fundamental and non-fundamental research.