Quantum Characterization, Calibration, and Control (QC3)

The Quantum Characterization, Calibration, and Control (QC3) funding opportunity is issued by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory – Army Research Office (ARL-ARO), in collaboration with the National Security Agency (NSA). Administered through the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Research Triangle Park Division, this Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) invites proposals aimed at advancing fault-tolerant quantum computing. The QC3 program is established under several federal authorities and regulations that permit full and open competition in basic research proposals, aligning with the U.S. Department of Defense's goal to fund transformative, high-risk research in quantum technologies. The QC3 program centers on enhancing the fundamental capabilities required for scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing systems. It solicits research that addresses three technical topic areas: characterization of quantum systems, calibration of quantum circuits, and control strategies for multi-qubit arrays. These topic areas are essential for overcoming challenges in scaling quantum systems and achieving performance metrics required for effective quantum error correction. The program encourages integrated proposals that tackle at least two of these technical areas and emphasizes the importance of practical, hardware-relevant implementations with demonstrable impact over time. Proposals must clearly articulate research objectives, technical challenges, and quantitative performance metrics. They should also include detailed yearly plans, experimental demonstration strategies, and a roadmap for scalable, stable solutions for systems operating at scales of tens to hundreds of qubits. Out-of-scope topics include quantum annealing systems, abstract quantum error correction code development, and any methods with exponential scaling costs. Research outputs are expected to contribute to a shared compendium of state-of-the-art protocols and methodologies within the QC3 framework. Eligibility for this opportunity includes domestic and foreign institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are ineligible to receive awards but may participate via subawards if allowed under their sponsor agreements. No cost-sharing is required, and matching is not an evaluation criterion. Multiple award instruments are available, including grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions, based on the nature of the proposed work. Submissions follow a two-step process: an optional white paper due by May 30, 2025, followed by full proposals due by August 7, 2025. White papers are strongly encouraged and serve as a pre-screening step to minimize resource investment on proposals with low funding likelihood. Proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov or via email, depending on the type of award sought. The anticipated award notification date is around September 2, 2025. Contact for technical questions is Dr. T.R. Govindan at t.r.govindan.civ@army.mil, while business-related inquiries should be directed to usarmy.rtp.devcom-arl.mesg.qcbox@army.mil. Award decisions will be based on scientific merit, relevance to program goals, and qualifications of the proposed research team. Compliance with national policy requirements, including export controls and human/animal research protections, will be necessary for funded efforts.