Quantum Characterization, Calibration, and Control (QC3)

The Quantum Characterization, Calibration, and Control (QC3) program, announced under Broad Agency Announcement W911NF25S0002, is a research initiative sponsored 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). This program is issued by the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Research Triangle Park Division. QC3 falls under Assistance Listing Number 12.431 for Basic Scientific Research and reflects the Army's strategic investment in foundational quantum computing research with national defense applications. The initiative supports fundamental research efforts to overcome critical technical challenges in building fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC) systems through improved techniques for characterization, calibration, and control of multi-qubit circuits. The QC3 program targets significant advancements in three distinct but interconnected areas. The first area, Characterization, focuses on creating advanced methodologies for quantitatively assessing the performance of qubit operations in multi-qubit circuits, with an emphasis on error modeling. The second area, Calibration, supports efforts to bring up and fine-tune multi-qubit systems for high-performance operations that approach or surpass fault-tolerance thresholds. The third area, Control, emphasizes the development of robust control techniques that take into account detailed error models and enable reliable quantum operations within large-scale systems. Proposals must demonstrate relevance to early FTQC systems in the 10s–100s qubit range. QC3 supports a four-year program with estimated funding ranges from $500,000 to $2.5 million in the first year and $500,000 to $1.5 million annually in subsequent years, contingent on available appropriations and performance. Awards may be made as grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, or Other Transactions (OTs), with the selection of instrument based on the nature of the proposed work. The program does not require cost sharing or matching. Proposals are open to a wide range of eligible institutions, including U.S. and foreign universities, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), including Department of Energy labs, may participate through teaming but cannot receive direct funding. The application process involves a two-stage submission, beginning with White Papers due by 4:00 PM ET on May 30, 2025, and followed by full proposals due by 4:00 PM ET on August 26, 2025. Submission is via email for contract applicants or through Grants.gov for assistance instruments. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit White Papers for feedback before investing effort into full proposals. The evaluation criteria include scientific and technical merit, relevance to program goals and DoD missions, and qualifications of the research team. Proposals must include experimental plans, clear annual milestones, and performance verification strategies. QC3 emphasizes experimental validation of proposed techniques through laboratory systems or cloud platforms, with a preference for platforms capable of mid-circuit measurements. Successful applicants are expected to contribute to a living compendium of QC3 advancements, including detailed yearly progress reports and technical reviews. The program explicitly excludes research related to quantum annealing, non-error-corrected systems, and protocols not applicable to fault-tolerant quantum computing. Final award notifications are anticipated around September 26, 2025. For questions about the program, applicants may contact Dr. T.R. Govindan at the Army Research Office via email at t.r.govindan.civ@army.mil. Questions about the submission process should be directed to usarmy.rtp.devcom-arl.mesg.qcbox@army.mil. All interested parties are encouraged to periodically check Grants.gov, SAM.gov, or the ARL website for updates or amendments to the BAA.

Applicants are encouraged to submit white papers before full proposals. Use clear, measurable metrics, and ensure proposals align with QC3 goals. Experimental validation is essential.